Republic of Ireland striker Leanne Kiernan helped deal a huge blow to Women's Super League holders Chelsea's title charge on Wednesday night. The WSL game ended 4-3 in favour of Liverpool and is a major blow to Chelsea, who are chasing down league leaders Manchester City in the WSL.
In the first half, Chelsea took an expected lead through Aggie Beever-Jones. However, Liverpool retook the lead through Sophie Roman Haug in the 51st minute and Gemma Bonner midway through the second half. Emma Hayes' side drew level after Beever-Jones found the net once more.
Liverpool, who lie in fifth place in the league, did not let Chelsea's fightback affect them and once again took the lead through substitute Kiernan. The Irish forward was found with a delightful throughball and made no mistake with the finish to make it 3-2 with 10 minutes left to go.
Shortly after, Chelsea fought back again and scored a third goal after Teagan Micah's own goal, but the drama wasn't over.
In the first minute of extra time, Liverpool got a corner, and the resulting setpiece was met by the head of Bonner. The ball ended up in the back of the net to make it 4-3.
Leanne Kiernan 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/TtQtkcPgiH
— Kathleen McNamee (@kathleen_mcn) May 1, 2024
Liverpool held on to record a famous victory against the champions and also gave a huge advantage to Manchester City, who are six points clear. Chelsea have three matches left to play, while City have two games remaining.
Speaking after the game, Chelsea boss Hayes claimed the title was gone.
“I think the title is done,” she said. “Of course, mathematically, it’s not, but I think the title is done. Our job between now and the end of the season is to keep pushing until the end, but I think it will be very difficult.”
“We looked exhausted, but I don’t make excuses,” added Hayes. “I want to remind our fans how much success we have brought over the years. It’s not to be this year, but I’m sure Chelsea will continue to be at the top of the game.”
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