Sam Kerr makes goalscoring return in win over Villa

Sam Kerr marked her return with a goal as Chelsea earned a hard-fought win away to Aston Villa.

The visitors had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Aggie Beever-Jones managed to find herself in acres of space and just an empty goal to head into as the ball dipped for her.

Aston Villa had been playing well though and were worth what was an excellent equalising goal as Chasity Grant found Ebony Salmon on the edge of the area who scooped the ball into the top corner giving Hannah Hampton no chance.

While there was not much Hampton could have done about that, she did help Chelsea stay on level terms with the home side missing chances to take the lead against the champions.

Villa's inability to make their efforts count cost them in the 55th minute when Keira Walsh's effort on goal was diverted into the net by Missy Bo Kearns. It may have gone down as an own goal but Walsh will surely be claiming it and hoping that the dubious goal panel rules in her favour.

Sonia Bompastor had already given a debut to new signing Alyssa Thompson at half-time but fans may have been more excited to see Sam Kerr return to the pitch in the 75th minute for the first time since December 2023.

Unsurprisingly, Kerr found the net. Villa failed to deal with a corner with the Australian eventually picking up the ball and showing exactly why she is so deadly in front of goal.

That result means Chelsea are third in the WSL, behind leaders Manchester United and Arsenal on goal difference.

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