Sam Kerr goal guides Chelsea in to a third straight FA Cup final

A week after Sam Kerr helped end England’s 30-game winning streak she delivered again to earn the ultimate praise.

: Sam Kerr of Chelsea celebrates with teammates (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Sam Kerr deferred to the grit of her team but the Australian superstar was branded the “best in the world” after steering Chelsea into a third consecutive Women’s FA Cup final.

A week after helping the end England’s 30-match winning streak with the Matildas, Kerr proved the difference again powering home a 60th minute goal to earn Chelsea a clash with Manchester United at Wembley for the trophy.

After the 1-0 win over Aston Villa, Chelsea coach Emma Hayes said Kerr was a “nightmare to defend” for any opposition. Villa coach Carla Ward hailed Kerr, who has 29 goals in all competitions this season, as “the best in the world”.

“A world-class player has come up with a big, big moment,” Ward said.

“They have one big moment and there she is and that’s what she does best and that’s why she’s the best in the world.”

The classic Guro Reiten to Sam Kerr Goal™ to give Chelsea the lead. 😮‍💨

pic.twitter.com/Z4kovPOoMR

— London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) April 16, 2023

Hayes said Kerr, who scored the opening goal in Australia’s 2-0 friendly win over England last week, did things other players couldn’t.

“I’ve never seen a centre forward move as much as her. She’s a nightmare to defend,” she said.

“Her energy levels, it’s like she’s a 12-year-old, it’s infectious, but her qualities, that’s her ability. I don’t know a striker in world football that can do what she does, she’s the best.”

Chelsea earned the victory without two first-choice centre-backs in England’s Millie Bright and Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan, as well as the Lionesses’ Fran Kirby.

That made the win extra special for Kerr.

“That’s a sign of a good team, we kind of grind it through,” Kerr said.

“But it [injuries] kind of makes us have a bit of a chip on our shoulder. Everyone thinks we’re going to be down and out but we just keep putting in the results.”