Key Takeaways
- Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor demands goal-line technology be introduced to the Women’s Super League next season.
- Sam Kerr scored twice but was denied a third goal despite replays showing her header crossed the line during Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Everton.
- Manchester United’s goalless draw at Tottenham leaves their Champions League qualification hopes in doubt.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has asked for goal-line technology to be introduced in the Women’s Super League next season. This request follows a controversial moment during her side’s 4-1 victory against Everton on Sunday.
Australian striker Sam Kerr thought she had completed a hat-trick when she headed the ball against the post. Television replays clearly showed the ball rolled completely over the goal line before Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan flicked it away. However, the match officials did not see the incident and play continued without a goal being awarded.
Kerr still enjoyed a successful afternoon with two clinical finishes. These strikes moved her level with club legend Fran Kirby on 63 league goals for Chelsea. Had the header been allowed, Kerr would have become the club’s record scorer in the competition.
Everton briefly threatened a comeback when Yuka Momiki scored a superb long-range drive to make it 2-1. Chelsea restored their control when Ellie Carpenter poked home for the third goal. Erin Cuthbert then sealed the win with a low drive late in the match.
Speaking after the game, Bompastor expressed frustration at the lack of technology. She stated that the league is the most competitive in the world and needs proper tools to ensure fair decisions. The French coach noted that while the three-goal margin meant the result was safe on this occasion, such errors could prove costly if goal difference decides the title or European places at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, Manchester United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a major blow. They played out a goalless draw away to Tottenham Hotspur. This result leaves them four points adrift of their rivals with only two matches remaining.
Chelsea now control their own destiny. A victory against Leicester City next weekend will guarantee them a place in next season’s Champions League.
At the bottom of the table, Leicester look increasingly likely to face a relegation playoff. They suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat away to London City Lionesses. West Ham United moved seven points clear of the drop zone after beating Liverpool 1-0.
In the second tier, Portsmouth will drop to the third level following a 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. This result, combined with Ipswich Town’s shock 3-0 win against leaders Birmingham City, confirmed Portsmouth’s relegation.
Birmingham had expected to secure promotion with a win. Instead, they face a tense final-day meeting with promotion rivals Charlton Athletic. Crystal Palace also remain in the hunt for a top-flight place after their victory at Sunderland.