Sam Kerr made a memorable comeback as Chelsea secured a hard-fought victory against Aston Villa.
The defending champions took the lead in the 22nd minute when Aggie Beever-Jones found herself completely unmarked and nodded the ball into an empty net after a perfectly placed cross dipped her way.
Aston Villa, however, were determined to fight back. Their persistence paid off with a brilliant equalizer — Chasity Grant set up Ebony Salmon, who fired a stunning strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Hannah Hampton helpless. Despite the goal, Hampton kept Chelsea in the game, denying Villa multiple opportunities to take the lead.
Villa’s missed chances proved costly in the 55th minute when Keira Walsh’s effort took a deflection off Missy Bo Kearns and found the back of the net. Although it looked like an own goal, Walsh will be hoping the goal is officially credited to her.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor handed new signing Alyssa Thompson her debut at halftime, but it was the return of Sam Kerr in the 75th minute that truly thrilled fans. Making her first appearance since December 2023, the Australian striker wasted no time making an impact — capitalizing on a loose ball from a corner to score with her trademark precision.
The win lifts Chelsea to third place in the WSL standings, level on points with leaders Manchester United and Arsenal but trailing on goal difference.
