Sam Kerr’s late header rescued a point for Chelsea as they drew 1-1 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Referee Emily Heaslip awarded a controversial penalty kick to the hosts after Niamh Charles barged over Caitlin Foord in the box early in the second half, the contact actually seemed to occur outside of the area. Kim Little converted from the spot to put her side ahead but Kerr came to Chelsea’s rescue with a late headed goal.
It was Chelsea who went close to breaking the deadlock first. Lauren James robbed Rafaelle Souza of the ball and she raced towards goal. The England international cut in from the right before curling her shot wide of the far post.
Arsenal had an equally as good opportunity to score at the other end. Stina Blackstenius fed the ball to Lina Hurtig but she somewhat scuffed her effort at goal. Visiting keeper Zećira Mušović was then tested by Foord and Frida Maanum (twice) as The Gunners searched for the game’s opening goal.
It was the hosts who were very lively at the start of the second half. Hurtig went close to breaking the deadlock but her downward header was kept out by Mušović.
Arsenal were then awarded a controversial penalty when Charles was adjudged to have barged over Foord in the box. Replays suggested that the pair were a yard outside of the area when the contact was made. Little stepped up to take the penalty and she successfully converted from the spot.
Foord threatened the Chelsea goal with two efforts in quick succession, Mušović was called into action to get her gloves to both shots. The Chelsea keeper then had to push the ball onto the bar following a dangerous piledriver from Catley.
Chelsea substitute Ève Périsset had a half-chance to level matters but she fired wide before Kerr rescued a point late on for Emma Hayes’ side with a bullet header.
The Blues remain three points ahead of Arsenal in the Barclays Women’s Super League table but The Gunners have a game-in-hand.
About The Author
