Chelsea star Sam Kerr says she “absolutely loved” playing the villain during Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash at Arsenal, after having the last laugh with her late equaliser.
More than 46,000 tickets were sold for the meeting of the WSL’s top two at the Emirates Stadium.
The home side led through captain Kim Little’s second-half penalty and were headed for the victory that would have seen them move level on points with the Blues having played a game fewer.
However, Kerr’s 89th-minute header saw Emma Hayes’ side steal a draw and the Australian forward celebrated by sprinting to the corner and cupping her ear to Gunners fans.
“The celebration, this is what football is about,” Kerr said. “I absolutely loved the Arsenal fans giving it to us today, we had an amazing crowd.
“This is what football’s about, it makes rivalries, everyone loves the Arsenal vs Chelsea derbies and it’s just a bit of fun and entertainment. It’s all in good heart, it’s just part of the game and playing a London derby.”
Hayes, meanwhile, reiterated her calls for VAR to be introduced in the women’s top flight after being left frustrated by the award of Arsenal’s spot-kick.
Stepping up when she is needed!@samkerr1 loves a big game 🤩#BarclaysWSL @ChelseaFCW pic.twitter.com/zpkMXq5fQ6
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 16, 2023
Full-back Niamh Charles initially appeared to foul Caitlin Foord outside the box before the pair ended up sprawled inside the penalty area.
“The referee gave the decision for a tangling of legs in the box, but I think that’s impossible to avoid when a player's already going down,” Hayes added.
“The referee’s made that decision - just get on with it, no point talking about it. VAR needs to be in the game, whether it's to confirm it or deny it, but it's not anything we haven't already said.”
