Women’s Super League: Chelsea inch closer to title with win at Birmingham

Chelsea saved the Ladies’s Tremendous League title race in their very own arms with a nervy win at Birmingham.

With no shot on the right track within the first half, Chelsea improved considerably within the second however struggled to make their probabilities depend.

The Blues – who’ve one recreation left – have a four-point cushion over Arsenal, who’ve two to play.

“First half, I believed we performed burdened,” Chelsea boss Hayes advised Sky Sports activities. “We rushed issues as a result of the purpose did not come.

“It is a type of video games the place you recognize it’ll be tight and also you hope you get the early purpose. And when you do not, the opponent will get buoyed.

“However job executed – Pernille Tougher has composure within the greatest moments and I am delighted.”

Birmingham, in the meantime, are 5 factors adrift and must win each of their remaining video games, in opposition to Manchester Metropolis and Aston Villa, to have an opportunity of avoiding the drop.

They’ve already performed an element on this title race with their 2-0 win in opposition to Arsenal in January and regarded as if they might trigger one other upset for three-quarters of this match.

Birmingham defended diligently and pressed all through, solely permitting the WSL title holders a handful of probabilities.

The guests got here shut within the opening minutes when Sam Kerr hit the bar and Tougher fired huge, however after that they regarded missing within the remaining third.

On the different finish, Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger generally appeared unconvincing at set-pieces however her aspect managed to maintain Birmingham at bay.

‘Gutted by defeat’

Hayes’ aspect have struggled considerably in current fixtures and solely edged previous Spurs when the 2 met on Thursday.

However they managed to get that recreation over the road and did so once more on Sunday, as Tougher scored from the spot after Lisa Robertson dealt with the ball.

Birmingham got here shut within the dying minutes of the sport, however a fingertip cease from Berger saved out Emily Whelan’s shot from the sting of the field and secured the win.

Supervisor Darren Carter stated he did not have “too many qualms” in regards to the penalty resolution however he was “gutted that it is price us not less than a degree”.

He added: “To lose the sport on a penalty, after which to have a few probabilities on the finish – we’re gutted, as a result of I believe there was one thing there for us.”

The WSL title stays in Chelsea’s personal arms going into their remaining fixture subsequent Sunday, at house to Manchester United – and they are going to be champions earlier than then if Arsenal misplaced at house to Tottenham on Wednesday.