Featured image credit: Katie Chan
Despite COVID impacting the number of games played this weekend, it certainly didn’t stop the action. Up in the north, Manchester United defeated Everton 3-1 in front of a mega crowd of just over 20’000. The win helps them extend the gap from rivals Manchester City as the pair fight for Champions League qualification.
But the peak of the entertainment was found in the East Midlands as Leicester hosted title holders Chelsea. The away side knew that a win would put them top of the table.
After 10 minutes, Chelsea had not only scored three but also set a new record of the most goals scored in the opening 10 minutes of a FAWSL game. Guro Reiten opened the scoring with an outstanding free kick before Sam Kerr scored her 13th of the season and then assisted Beth England’s fourth of the campaign.
Aniek Nouwen gave Chelsea their fourth of the game as Reiten floated a ball to the backpost to set up England for her second of the game. Reiten continued her magic as she chipped keeper Demi Lambourne just before half time to put Chelsea six goals up at the break.
Two minutes after the restart, Chelsea were back at it. England’s clipped ball into the box found the head of Kerr who directed the ball into the bottom right corner. Leicester managed to prevent further additions to the scoreline until late on when Lauren James scored after some superb buildup play. Fleming finished the game with some flair in a move filled with flicks and tricks and a calm strike past the keeper.
The final whistle called an end to the onslaught and put Chelsea a point ahead of the Gunners, with a five better goal difference. The only nine that the foxes will be pleased with is the nine point gap between them and relegation. Leicester will be hoping to bounce back next week but have the difficult task of facing title chasers Arsenal. Whilst Chelsea face Reading, the side who beat them earlier on this season. All will hope COVID does not impact what could potentially be a title deciding weekend.