- By Rio Rosenberg, Hayters
Brilliant Kerr scores yet again to propel 10-player Blues to vital win against Spurs
From Rio Rosenberg, Hayters Sunday, April 24 Venue: The Hive, Barnet
Tottenham Women 1 (Ingle OG 15)
Chelsea Women 3 (Reiten 27, Kerr 71, Fleming 90+4)
Sam Kerr scored again to set Chelsea on their way to victory as the Blues came from behind to beat Tottenham and keep their place at the top of the Women's Super League.
Emma Hayes' side did not have an easy ride at Spurs, who went ahead through an own goal from Chelsea's Sophie Ingle in the 15th minute.
Although Guro Reiten equalised for the Blues 12 minutes later, they were reduced to 10 players for the final 70 minutes when goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was sent off for fouling Rachel Williams in the 33rd minute.
Kerr finally put Chelsea ahead in the 71st minute with a header from substitute Jonna Andersson's cross, and fellow sub Jessie Fleming made it 3-1 deep into stoppage time with a long-range effort.
It was a fiercely contested London derby and Tottenham will be disappointed to have nothing to show for their efforts. But the win ensures Chelsea keep ahead of Arsenal at the top of the WSL by one point and on course for another league title.
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes said: “There have been a lot of great performances but this is right up there because [of having 10 players for that length of time.
"We did it against Atletico Madrid and I thought this was even better. The spirit, the effort, the determination, the whole thing from everyone involved showed the adaptability of the group."
Tottenham manager Rehane Skinner, said: “It's a learning curve for us and we have to take advantage of playing against 10.
“The biggest thing for us is how much progress we've made in such a short space of time. I couldn't be prouder of the players and the efforts they have put in. We've got a lot of confidence and belief.”
The two sides meet again at Kingsmeadow on Thursday in a fixture that was postponed because of Covid in March.
