It wasn't the most convincing display as Chelsea Women beat Tottenham 2-1 at Kingsmeadow to maintain their grip on top spot in the table... but it was enough.
The frustration of manager Emma Hayes was clear on a nippy Thursday night under the floodlights in Norbiton, but it was hard to criticise players who have three games in a week. Next up is bottom-of-the-table Birmingham before a crunch match against Manchester United.
When Jonna Andersson floated over a delightful cross from the left after 19 minutes, Beth England was in the right place to head the Blues ahead.
But a bizarre few minutes just before half-time turned everything upside-down. Kerrys Harrop levelled for Spurs in the 45th minute as the ball flew in from the touchline... but Chelsea responded brilliantly with Pernille Harder (spotted riding her bicycle around the borough this week) controlling and crossing for Sam Kerr to head in as stoppage time began.
It was stalemate in the second half. The Blues simply looked too tired to score a third goal, to give them a cushion to relax. "The win is all that matters, and no one remembers the performances come the end of the season; it's the result that counts," said Hayes. "We've done the job."
Hayes praised Harder, who is easing herself back into the team after injury, and Kerr. "Her workrate is phenomenal; she ran her socks off and she'd do anything for the team," she said of the Australian.
There were 3,660 spectators at Kingsmeadow - an impressive total considering the men were away at Old Trafford in a televised match.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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