Chelsea score late to beat Aston Villa in thriller
Sjoeke Nusken scores a superb late winner as Chelsea beat Aston Villa in a seven-goal thriller to move up to second in the Women's Super League.
Women's Super League Chelsea 4 - 3 Aston Villa FT Sjoeke Nusken scored the winner for Chelsea with her second WSL goal of the season [Getty Images] Sjoeke Nusken scored a superb late winner as Chelsea beat Aston Villa in a seven-goal thriller to move up to second in the Women's Super League. The Germany midfielder's first-time shot curled into the corner of the net to put the Blues ahead in the 82nd minute, finally breaking Villa's resistance. Victory keeps Chelsea's extremely slim title hopes alive and keeps Champions League qualification in their own hands.
The defending champions were behind after less than two minutes at Kingsmeadow as Villa pounced on a sloppy pass from Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze and Chasity Grant swept home Lynn Wilms' cross. But a chaotic first half really sparked into life after 20 minutes when Sam Kerr ran on to Nusken's through ball and saw her tame shot find a way past Villa keeper Ellie Roebuck. That was the first of five goals in 15 minutes, with Chelsea taking the lead when Naomi Girma glanced Lauren James' delicious cross in at the far post before James extended the lead with a thumping 25-yard strike into the bottom corner.
Villa soon hit back, though, with Kirsty Hanson converting another Wilms cross at the back post to finish off a flowing move. And Hanson's 12th league goal of the campaign, a smart near-post finish with her weaker right foot, drew them level in the 35th minute with Wilms completing a hat-trick of assists. After a whirlwind first half, the second was somewhat calmer and while Chelsea were on top for the most part, Villa almost snatched the lead with Hanson's thunderous strike from 25 yards coming back off the post, having looked destined for the top corner.
However, the home side piled on the pressure as the game went on and it finally told with eight minutes remaining as Kerr teed up Nusken to bend the ball brilliantly into the far corner. Villa came close to a late equaliser but defender Anna Patten was unable to turn in a teasing cross and Chelsea held on for a crucial victory. Head here to get involved Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page