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'Unreal' Sam Kerr moment leaves football world in a spin

andrew reid
·4-min read
Pictured right, Sam Kerr scores a winner for Chelsea for reeling away in celebration.
Sam Kerr's winner for Chelsea sparked wild scenes of celebration for the Aussie player and Blues fans. Pic: Optus Sport/AAP

Sam Kerr is being hailed across the football world after milestone moment for Chelsea that could prove crucial in the Women's Super League title race.

In a tumultuous week for the London club, the Matildas superstar gave supporters something to cheer about with a moment of magic that snatched a stoppage time 1-0 win against Aston Villa.

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The Australian's goal two minutes into stoppage time, taking a long ball down on her chest and beating the advancing keeper with a cool finish, was only matched by Kerr's epic goal celebration.

The striker whipped her jersey off, before twirling it around as she sprinted towards a section of the crowd that had been sent into raptures by the dramatic finish.

The celebration brought Kerr the inevitable killjoy booking from the referee but prompted laughs and cheers from the fans at Kingsmeadow, who had a moment of welcome distraction amid a troubling few days.

This was Chelsea women's first home match since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned and the UK government effectively took over, leaving a cloud hanging over the club's future.

The sanctions ensured only season ticket holders or those who'd bought individual match tickets before 10 March were able to attend Sunday's game in London.

Kerr eventually made their day after having missed a few chances, being denied by a brilliant save from Hannah Hampton and having an 81st minute goal ruled out for offside.

Yet once again, she proved her mastery when it mattered most after the long kick from goalkeeper Zecira Musovic evaded everyone and landed in her predatory path, allowing her to convert her 11th WSL goal of the season.

Pictured right, Chelsea Women's Sam Kerr celebrates scoring her side's winning goal with head coach Emma Hayes.
Chelsea Women's Sam Kerr (right) celebrates scoring her side's winning goal with head coach Emma Hayes. Pic: Getty

The strike ensured that Chelsea cemented second spot on the table behind Arsenal - although Kerr's side could leapfrog the Gunners if they win both games in hand.

Sam Kerr hailed after milestone moment

For Kerr it was also a special Chelsea milestone - she now has 50 goals for the club to go with 21 assists in just 69 games.

Understandably, fans were quick to sing the praises of the Matildas captain on social media.

Kerr's 11th strike of the league season puts her back on top of the goalscoring charts, one ahead of Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema, as she chases a second consecutive Golden Boot award as league's top scorer.

Kerr's winner means champions Chelsea still have the destination of this season's title in their own hands as they sit five points behind leaders Arsenal, with the two games in hand.

Arsenal eased past Brighton 3-0 in the day's late game with Kerr's national teammates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in action for the Gunners.

Another in-form Matildas player is Manchester City's Hayley Raso, whose run and cross set up Caroline Weir's second-half strike in the 1-0 win at Tottenham.

Spurs' Australian striker Kyah Simon wasn't so lucky though, having to come off in the first half with what appeared to be a dislocated finger on her left hand.

with AAP

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