Sam Kerr’s impressive performance resulted in a hat-trick and led Chelsea to a 4-1 win against Paris FC at Stamford Bridge. The first goal was scored by the striker in the first half, but Paris FC managed to equalize with a goal from Théa Gréboval. However, two goals in the second half within seven minutes from the Australian player secured a crucial three points for Chelsea.
Kerr demonstrated precise execution in her play on a night where she assumed leadership as captain for her team. Despite ongoing issues with a calf injury since the World Cup, she showed her skill in the spotlight. “I had a feeling she would score three goals tonight,” stated her coach, Emma Hayes. “I don’t think she gets enough recognition for all the other contributions she makes. While she may not be playing at her absolute best, I haven’t seen anyone else who can finish like she does. Her awareness and quick decision-making are exceptional.”
Chelsea put on a determined and composed display as they persisted in their efforts to advance to the next round of the tournament. “We have a track record of coming out on top even when we’re not at our peak,” Hayes stated. “What impressed me the most was the team’s ability to adapt. The players are versatile in their tactics.”
The team known as the Blues had hopes of starting their journey in the Champions League with a victory on their own turf, following a disappointing 2-2 tie in Madrid. Playing on their home field has been a positive factor in previous seasons, and Hayes’s team is beginning to feel at ease at Stamford Bridge. They came back to their home in west London for the second time in a week, coming off a 5-1 win against Liverpool last Saturday.
Hayes altered the lineup that tied with Madrid by making two adjustments. Due to a knee injury, Millie Bright was unable to play and was replaced by Kadeisha Buchanan to join Jess Carter as the centre-back duo. In place of Fran Kirby, who was previously paired with Niamh Charles, Lauren James, who scored a hat-trick over the weekend, was brought in.
Although Chelsea may have been considered the top choice, there was likely much concern about the strength of Paris FC. Sandrine Soubeyrand has established an impressive initiative that is beginning to disrupt the established order. They currently hold second place in Division 1 Féminine and made waves throughout Europe by eliminating Arsenal and Wolfsburg, both last season’s semi-finalists and runners-up, during the qualification rounds.
Unfortunately, they experienced disappointment during their first appearance in this phase of the tournament, as they were defeated 2-1 by the Swedish team Häcken last week. Soubeyrand decided to make just one alteration to the lineup, bringing in Teninsoun Sissoko to replace Célina Ould Hocine in the defensive position.
The match began without much action as both teams were cautious. Paris is known for their brave style of play, excelling in counterattacks and dominating the flanks. They attempted to capitalize on this strategy early on, as Clara Matéo made runs down the right wing, while their captain, Gaëtane Thiney, controlled the game from the midfield. She skillfully passed the ball to Mathilde Bourdieu, creating their first opportunity, but her shot was saved by Ann-Katrin Berger.
Once again this season, Chelsea’s primary danger stemmed from the left side. As the match progressed, Charles and James established a strong presence. Despite being given a prime chance, James’ shot was off-target when facing Chiamaka Nnadozie one-on-one. However, she redeemed herself shortly after by getting past Daphné Corboz and setting up Kerr for the goal.
The hosts came close to scoring a second goal, but unfortunately, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s shot was stopped by Nnadozie’s quick reactions. This gave Paris the motivation they needed to get back into the game, as they defended against the pressure and waited for their chance. Just before halftime, they were given a corner kick which Thiney skillfully delivered to Gréboval at the far post. Gréboval was able to jump and head the ball into the goal, leaving Jess Carter with no chance to save it.
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Chelsea came back with a strong determination to avoid making the same mistakes as last week and secure a victory. Kirby was substituted in for the subdued Jessie Fleming to bring some creativity to the team.
After only 10 minutes of play in the second half, the home team had gained a two-goal lead as Kerr impressively completed her hat-trick.
Her second of the evening was an instinctive finish, holding her run perfectly to turn home Rytting Kaneryd’s well-placed cross. Her third was route-one football at its best. Breaking on to Berger’s launched ball, she used all her experience to hold off two defenders before dinking her shot perfectly over the backpedalling Nnadozie. The Nigeria goalkeeper got a hand to it but there was nothing she could do to keep it from its destination.
The goal by Sophie Ingle dealt a blow to Paris’s efforts to resist, as Chelsea went on to secure the win with a late strike. This resulted in them remaining unbeaten and earning four points from two tough matches. In their upcoming December fixtures, they will face Häcken, the current leaders of Group D.
Source: theguardian.com
