Kerr return 'scary for the league' - analysis
Sam Kerr scores after 20 months out with ACL injury
Aggie Beever-Jones scores Chelsea opener before Ebony Salmon nets stunning equaliser
Own goal by Missy Bo Kearns gives visitors lead
Sam Kerr scored on her return after 20 months on the sidelines as Chelsea held off Aston Villa to claim a 3-1 victory in the Women's Super League.
Kerr had not played for the Blues since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury during a training camp in January 2024.
There were loud cheers from the travelling Chelsea support as the 32-year-old was brought on for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd with 15 minutes remaining.
Chelsea were 2-1 up at that point thanks to an own goal by Missy Bo Kearns, whose outstretched leg took Keira Walsh's low strike past Ellie Roebuck in the Villa goal.
Kerr marked her return in style with her 100th goal for the club, latching on to a loose ball before slamming home.
'Like an extra signing' - Kerr back with a bang after 637 days
- Published14 September
Chelsea endured a below-par first half, with a stunning strike from Ebony Salmon cancelling out Aggie Beever-Jones' opener.
But they improved after the break as Sonia Bompastor made three changes at half-time, which included bringing on club record signing Alyssa Thompson for her debut.
Analysis: Chelsea claim hard-fought win
Kerr's return has been a long time coming.
Bompastor, over the past six months, has fended off questions about when the Australia captain would be back in action.
She did not play during Bompastor's first season as manager last term but has effortlessly slotted straight in despite a lengthy spell out injured.
Kerr wrapped up her return with a typical centre-forward goal, pouncing on the ball following a goalmouth scramble before carefully blasting past Roebuck.
There were more positives to take for Bompastor as Thompson, signed for just under £1m this month, looked bright on her debut.
Had Erin Cuthbert managed to keep her volley from close range down, the American would have grabbed an assist on her WSL bow.
But the Chelsea boss is unlikely to be content with the overall performance at Villa Park as the hosts were the better team for large portions of the game.
Kerr makes triumphant return in Chelsea win over Villa
Analysis: Villa rue missed chances
Chelsea started the game with a lack of intensity as Villa took control of the first half, pressing high and maintaining possession to limit the visitors' chances.
Following Salmon's equaliser, Natalia Arroyo's side piled more pressure on and Salmon should have added at least two more goals before the break.
Salmon continued to sneak through Chelsea's backline but tended to hesitate for too long before taking aim, allowing the defenders to recover.
Chelsea had goalkeeper Hannah Hampton to thank for entering half-time on level terms as she twice smothered strikes from Salmon, while she also made a smart stop to deny Kirsty Hanson.
When these two sides met in February last season, Villa went toe-to-toe with Chelsea before the champions netted a 82nd-minute winner through a Sarah Mayling own goal.
They were once again left to rue missed chances against the defending champions.
What next for both teams?
Chelsea host Leicester City in their next WSL game on 21 September, with Villa playing Liverpool at Villa Park on the same day.
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