da casino： From FA Cup final goals to WSL title winners, the Australia striker's highlight reel is incredible. Here are ten of her biggest moments for the Blues
da pixbet： Ahead of the 2022-23 Women's FA Cup final, Sam Kerr faced the media. The Aussie has described the venue as her favourite, and when she was asked what she loves about it, her answer summed up the success she and the club have enjoyed since she first pulled on Chelsea colours in early 2020.
"That every time I go there it’s for a trophy," she replied. "I never have to visit otherwise. I think that’s exactly it. It’s a big-game stadium. You don’t go there to play any other game other than for a trophy. I’ve never been there and not won a trophy. Fingers crossed this weekend is the same."
But Kerr doesn't just turn up to Wembley and win. She thrives. The forward has scored five goals in four visits, winning three FA Cup titles and one Community Shield.
That knack for popping up in the perfect moment doesn't just apply to England's national stadium, either. It's relevant to most big games and moments, whether it's a huge occasion like the Women’s FA Cup final or a cold night in Walsall when Chelsea must win.
Kerr's record since she arrived in England showcases that. The 29-year-old has scored 10 goals in seven domestic finals and in six in succession, collected two Women's Super League Golden Boot awards and helped the club to win nine major honours in just over three years.
But which have been Kerr's biggest moments in Chelsea blue? GOAL takes a look…
GettyHat-trick in the 2021 Conti Cup final
It was in Kerr's second final for Chelsea, back in March 2021, that we got a real look at the big-game player she was going to become for this team.
The Blues were facing a Bristol City side whose journey to the showpiece event was incredible – the Robins would be relegated at the end of the season – but they were put to the sword at Vicarage Road. With only nine minutes on the clock, Kerr was played in by Fran Kirby for her second of the day, prompting the Aussie to pull out her famous backflip celebration for the first time for the club.
“I’m shaking my head because I’ve waited 12 months for that,” manager Emma Hayes said after the game. “She could’ve given me a heads up!"
Kerr ended the day with a hat-trick, two assists and her second Continental Cup title. Not a bad day’s work!
AdvertisementGettyBreaking the deadlock against Wolfsburg
Chelsea do not like playing Wolfsburg. The two-time European champions have been a bogey team for the Blues in their bid to add a Women’s Champions League title to their bulging trophy cabinet, with their first six meetings resulting in one draw and five defeats.
In March 2021, the pair met again in the quarter-finals – and Wolfsburg proceeded to pepper the Chelsea goal. Goal-line clearances, big Ann-Katrin Berger saves and the woodwork kept the German side at bay and then, with less than an hour on the clock, came the sucker punch.
A lovely Chelsea move saw Kirby’s sweeping pass find Kerr, who rounded Katarzyna Kiedrzynek and finished emphatically from a tight angle. It set her team on their way to a 2-1 result, a first ever win over Wolfsburg and a place in the semi-finals, with her also on the scoresheet in the second leg a week later.
GettyFA Cup final double vs Arsenal
Arsenal just couldn't handle Kerr in the 2021 Women's FA Cup final. The striker caused the Gunners' centre-backs problems all game, including in the build-up to Kirby's opener on three minutes.
She forced a great save out of Manuela Zinsberger and hit the crossbar before half-time, then, after the break, she got her goals. A clever finish went through the legs of Lotte Wubben-Moy and wrong-footed the goalkeeper to make it 2-0, while her second of the day mesmerised Wembley Stadium.
Breaking down the right on the counter, Kerr strode into the box and, just as Zinsberger was coming out to meet her, the striker scooped the ball over her opponent to seal the win. Her reaction suggested she’d impressed even herself.
GettyTitle-deciding contributions in Man City draw
When Chelsea visited Manchester City in April 2021, it felt like a title decider. The Blues were two points clear of their hosts and, after their meeting, there would be just two games left. It was a big game – cue Kerr. At what has proved a difficult ground for Chelsea, the forward was absolutely brilliant.
With 25 minutes on the clock, her good work won a corner that she'd rise highest to head home, breaking the deadlock. City pegged their visitors back a few minutes later, but Kerr picked up the ball again, put it through the legs of opposing defender Alex Greenwood and forced goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck to make a challenge that resulted in a penalty, which Pernille Harder tucked away.
Lauren Hemp's second-half goal did mean the spoils were shared, but the draw wasn't much use for City, who really needed to win this game. Thanks to Kerr's stand-out display – and a very memorable save from Berger at the death – they didn't. A few weeks later, Chelsea would lift another WSL title.
"I thought she was the difference tonight for us," Hayes said afterwards. "She’s relentless. A wonderful athlete, a wonderful human. She delivered the biggest moments for the team when it mattered and she’s doing it time and time again."