Chelsea Women hung on to top spot in the Women's Super League with a 5-0 victory against Reading at a chilly Kingsmeadow ahead of another international break.
Beth England and Sam Kerr each scored twice, with England's second coming from a well-struck penalty in stoppage time. Kerr was still on the pitch, and could have tried to pinch the ball to net a hat-trick. The fact that she didn't shows the level of professionalism in the team, said manager Emma Hayes.
"She put the team first," added the gaffer, purring about a comprehensive victory over a Reading side who flung bodies on the line to deny the champions for the first 40 minutes.
"We had to grind them down," said Hayes. "Reading worked well off the ball. It was 18 passes and four switches of play to get the first goal, but it was a nice finish from Jessie Fleming."
In the changing room at half-time Hayes told winger Guro Reiten that her crossing needed to be better, and the gifted No11 - player of the match for many - obliged by helping to create goals two, three and four.
"I thought we were outstanding, especially in the second half. I think we've been superb in the last eight to 10 games, controlling the game better. Opponents are creating less against us, so I'm pleased," said Hayes.
The Blues manager said that the team had put all the off-field noise about the club's sale out of their minds and simply focused on football. "We haven't really been affected internally; nothing has changed," she said.
A crowd of 2,485 watched the game at Kingsmeadow as the temperature steadily plunged. Erin Cuthbert and Jessie Fleming both had good games, but it was Reiten who displayed the passion and energy that eventually proved key to securing a comfortable win... and another clean sheet, setting a new WSL record in the process.
England's return to scoring form comes at an important time for cementing her place in the national squad. The belief is returning, and it's energising the players around her as well.
A short break will help others with recovery. Ji So-Yun has Covid, Lauren James has a groin injury, Pernille Harder a knee knock, and there was no sign of Fran Kirby at Kingsmeadow as fears grow that her unexplained tiredness might mean she plays no further role in the current season.
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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