Australian superstar Sam Kerr gave Chelsea's Women's Super League (WSL) title hopes a massive boost after scoring an injury-time winner against Aston Villa on Monday morning (AEDT).
Despite taking triple the number of shots compared to their opponents, the Blues struggled to find the breakthrough at Kingsmeadow with scores locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Sitting second in the WSL and five points behind leaders Arsenal going into the match but with two games in hand, a win was crucial to ensure Chelsea retained the upperhand with seven league matches remaining.
As injury-time ticked away, it was Kerr who stepped up for the Blues as she pounced on a long ball from the Chelsea goalkeeper to score a crucial winner.
SAM KERR IN THE 92ND MINUTE TO WIN IT FOR CHELSEA 🔵
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 13, 2022
The control, the finish and then the celebration against Aston Villa.
Her 50th goal for Chelsea had it all.#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/rpFwPvH403
Kerr's goal, her 11th in the league this season, even saw Chelsea coach Emma Hayes join her team's celebration on the touchlines.
"I even went down the touchline which I never do - but only to give them instructions because I could see they had lost control," Hayes said post-match.
"After the week we've just had, you compete for championships when you win games like that. Games when you're not at your best, you have a hatful of chances but you don't convert, you're down to your bare bones. They gutted that out.
"I definitely felt a release in my own emotion. I realised that when I nearly lifted Kerr up. I'm always present to perform but I'm human and this has been hard."
I’m just looking after my mates. Our fans at the 90th minute singing for the team will live with me forever. We’ve got you and you’ve got us. I love my club. https://t.co/6Zc7COyhoB
— Emma Hayes OBE (@emmahayes1) March 13, 2022
Matildas captain Kerr dedicated her goal to the Chelsea fans, who came out in strong numbers to support their team.
"Chelsea fans, I'm so happy we could get that last goal and win that one for you," Kerr said via the club's Twitter account.
"We felt your love at Kingsmeadow. You guys were absolutely amazing and we're going to keep on winning for you guys."
Kerr's side next face Everton in the WSL on Thursday (AEDT) before backing up a few days later against Birmingham City in the FA Women's Cup quarter-finals.
