Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea: Emma Hayes’ fairytale ending is on… as Maika Hamano’s goal puts the Blues back in control at the top of the WSL – as they prepare for final day SHOWDOWN
- Maika Hamano’s goal against Tottenham saw Chelsea return to the top of the WSL
- The Blues will be level on points with Man City, but are ahead on goal difference
- CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal players will feel SICK if they don’t win the title… I wonder if they can go back next year – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
The fairy tale ending for Emma Hayes is underway.
Chelsea will head into the final day of the Women’s Super League season at the top of the table, level on points with Manchester City but with a slightly better goal difference.
At times it felt like Chelsea were determined to make this game against Tottenham harder than it needed to be. The Blues could have been out of sight before half-time if they had been more clinical in front of goal.
Perhaps it told the story of their season. It took courage and determination for them to cross the line after Maika Hamano gave them the lead in the 37th minute, but they did it – as champions so often do.
Just two weeks ago, Hayes conceded the title to City following his side’s 4-3 defeat at Liverpool. But Arsenal’s victory over Gareth Taylor’s side in the next match, and then Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Bristol City, put them back in control and their fate now lies in their own hands.
Emma Hayes has a chance to win the Women’s Super League in her final season at Chelsea
The Blues sealed a 1-0 win over Tottenham, sending them back to the top of the table.
Maika Hamano’s (centre) goal earns Chlesea a final showdown against Man City
The Blues have a goal difference of +47, two better than City. If the two teams finish level on points and goal difference, it will come down to goals scored – with Chelsea currently six ahead of their rivals.
Hayes’ side face Manchester United at Old Trafford on the final day while City travel to Aston Villa.
Both encounters are tricky and there could still be more twists and turns to come in what has been a fascinating and exciting title race.
Chelsea started strongly against a Spurs side who suffered a bruising defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Sunday. The Blues had two big penalty calls early in the first half: the first saw Luana Buhler block Hamano’s point-blank shot with her arm, before Grace Clinton pulled back Melanie Leupolz in the box – but both appeals were rejected by referee Emily Heaslip.
Chelsea had several chances to open the score but wasted in front of goal, until Hamano finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute.
Catarina Macario advanced through the middle before passing to Guro Reiten on the left. The striker took a few touches before crossing towards the back post, where Hamano was waiting to place the ball past Barbora Votikova.
Chelsea had several chances to break the deadlock but were wasteful in front of goal
Luana Buhler (right) almost scored a goal for Spurs, but her team just couldn’t find the back of the net
Tottenham squandered their chances as Chelsea held on to seal a nervy victory
Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs side have now failed to win in their last four league matches.
Chelsea will now head into a final day showdown against Manchester City for the league title.
Spurs had failed to create any significant chances in the first half but started the second strongly, with Aggie Beever-Jones having to make a vital block to keep out Buhler’s shot from a corner before Ashleigh Neville shoots over the bar.
Clinton then went close with a long-range effort, but Zecira Musovic in the Chelsea goal covered it. Spurs’ earlier momentum fizzled as Chelsea managed the game well, whilst continuing to waste their own chances at the other end.
