Sam Kerr made a triumphant return to the starting lineup on Wednesday evening, scoring two goals in Chelsea’s 6-0 victory against St Polten in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. This game would be Kerr’s first start in 692 days after missing a long stretch recovering from injury. The Australian forward’s performance powered her team into a dominant victory. More importantly, she showed that as the season goes on, she’s going to be able to play a major role.
Kerr’s last start for Chelsea came in early December 2023, in the FA Cup. She rejoined the team in the middle of September. Since then, she’s scored twice as a substitute in the Women’s Super League. Her full return to form is a welcome sign for Chelsea. They have positively spent big to ensure the first and are hungry for glory on the continent to boot.
A Vintage Performance
Kerr got off the mark with a deliciously placed effort. Then in the 15th minute, she showed quick technical brilliance to shift the ball out of her feet and finish accurately past the goalkeeper inside the box. Her opening strike highlighted her finishing touch, which is a big-time quality that the Blues lacked while she was away.
“It was good. It felt like I had to work myself into it, but I was happy to score.” – Sam Kerr
The forward’s second goal came later in the game, showing her poacher mentality. She reacted first to a deflected cross from substitute Niamh Charles. By this time, the game was already beyond doubt, but Kerr’s contribution further emphasized Chelsea’s dominance on the pitch.
Team Effort Leads to Victory
Chelsea’s attack was downright ferocious from the onset and across the pitch, and almost every forward contributed to the lopsided scoreline. The team’s determination to cut through St Polten’s defense was clear as they generated chance after chance. Chelsea’s game plan was one of patience, slowly, but surely draining their opponents of energy.
“They did a good job of defending, to be fair. We knew we just had to be patient and, as the game went on, it would open up more and more. I just had to stay ready and, luckily, the ball fell to me and I had some good team-mates serving some nice balls.” – Sam Kerr
Head coach Sonia Bompastor utilized her substitutes effectively, allowing fresh legs to enter the game and maintain the pressure on St Polten. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Chelsea’s incredible squad depth on display. They just did a masterful job of stretching their lead in the final days.
Building Momentum
This victory marks Chelsea’s second consecutive win in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The team’s excellent showing only strengthens their resolve to go deep into the tournament this year. Kerr is once again in peak form and is walking the walk of the engaging angel. Chelsea will hope to continue this momentum into their next fixtures.
As they continue their campaign, the addition of Kerr’s offensive prowess will undoubtedly bolster their chances of achieving their goals both in Europe and within the Women’s Super League.
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