Chelsea retained the Women’s Super League title with an emphatic 5-0 win over Reading and are still on for a historic quadruple.
Emma Hayes’ side headed into Sunday’s concluding round of fixtures two points clear of second-placed Manchester City and with a goal difference superior by three.
And they made no mistake in getting the win they needed as Melanie Leupolz, Fran Kirby’s double, Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert ensured the trophy remained with the Blues.
Chelsea were named 2019/20 champions on a points-per-game basis. When the season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, they were a point behind leaders City with a game in hand.
This time around they settled matters on the pitch, securing the win that ensured City’s 1-0 victory at West Ham counted for nothing.
Any nerves were banished as Chelsea got off to a fast start, taking the lead after just two minutes. Leupolz peeled off her marker from Jess Carter’s corner and fired her shot from the centre of the area through Reading goalkeeper Grace Moloney.
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Hayes’ side were not at their brilliant best in the first half but were largely unthreatened by Reading.
As the visitors started to tire, it was a familiar combination who put the home side in full control after 43 minutes. A flowing team move set Kerr free and the Australian cut back for England’s Kirby to fire into the top right-hand corner.
The pair combined again 12 minutes after the break as Chelsea put the game beyond all doubt. Kerr held up a long ball over the top well and laid it off for Kirby to unleash a fine left-footed finish from the edge of the box for her 16th WSL goal of the season.