Chelsea manager Emma Hayes believes that forward Pernille Harder enjoyed her best game so far in the club’s FA Women’s Continental League Cup semi-final tie against West Ham United at Kingsmeadow this evening.
The Danish international netted a hat-trick, her first for The Blues, as they ran riot against a West Ham United side who are still finding their feet under new boss Olli Harder.
Speaking to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time after the match, Hayes hailed the performance of Harder, labelling it as her best yet in a Chelsea shirt.
“I have been conscious of our drop off as a team in the counter presses” said Hayes. “I think that is an area that Pernille has had to work at.
“Tonight, I saw what I was looking for from her. I thought her aggression in that area and her work-rate was second to none.
“She is beginning to find and build the relationships in the team.
“I thought that she had a good game at the weekend but tonight, I thought that was her best game in a Chelsea shirt.”
Chelsea will now take on the winners of the Bristol City and Leicester City tie in the final at Watford’s Vicarage Road and Hayes believes that the game will provide another opportunity to showcase the women’s game on a major stage.
She said “Growing up in North London, Watford was always a team that I kept a keen eye on.
“I don’t think I’ve been there as a coach, not even when I was at Arsenal with Vic (Akers) so I am really looking forward to playing in a brilliant stadium and it’ll be another showcase opportunity for women’s football.”
The FA Women’s Continental League Cup final will take place on Sunday 14 March with a kick-off time to be agreed in due course.
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