Sam Kerr and Chelsea are the masters of 'getting it done when it matters'

"The best goals for me are the ones that mean the most"
- Sam Kerr

Remember when Sam Kerr missed a handful of chances in the 2020 Community Shield, triggering mass discussion about whether she was good enough for English football?

Her first two full seasons in the UK have since delivered 41 WSL goals, two successive WSL golden boots and two successive WSL titles. Any doubters have been silenced in pretty emphatic fashion.

"The same thing happened to me at Chicago," Kerr said of her initial shy period in front of goal for Chelsea. "I didn't score for the first six games so just had to find my way. I know myself better than anyone else. Once I feel comfortable in a team, the most important thing that I get the trust from the teammates that in the 90th minute they want to put the ball where I am.

"Once I settled into the team off the pitch, that's when I started to play well on the pitch. Of course it's nice to start scoring but I don't think about anything anyone said about me because one day they hate you, one day they love you, that's life."

Kerr's goals have not just come in high frequency this season, but in high significance.

There was the last gasp winner against Aston Villa in March, two headed winners against a stubborn Spurs side in the space of four days in April, and two utterly spectacular volleys to turn Chelsea's title decider against Manchester United on its head on the final day of the season.

"The best goals for me are the ones that mean the most," Kerr added. "Believe it or not, the Villa goal to me is more important. I obviously love that they (the volleys against Manchester United) were amazing but I don't care if I tap it in at the back post or if it's the last minute. I'm not known for my worldie goals but the thing I'm known for is getting it done when it matters."

Chelsea are also forging a reputation for getting it done when it matters.

The Blues had to win their final nine games with no margin for error to secure the WSL title, and they did so in a manner of ways; digging in to edge past a dogged Birmingham, playing out of their skin with 10 players for an hour against Tottenham and demonstrating their never say die attitude against Manchester United.

"I said 'come to Chelsea and you’ll win trophies'," Hayes said of signing Kerr. "I can sit here confidently and say we both made the right decision. We’re both made for Chelsea and we both love days like today."

Home/Chelsea Women