Kerr scores in final game as Chelsea end WSL campaign with win

Sam Kerr signed off from her Chelsea career with a match-winning goal, but the Blues missed out on automatic Champions League qualification despite beating Manchester United 1-0.

Arsenal’s 3-1 victory away at Liverpool condemned Chelsea to a third-place finish in the Women’s Super League.

As a result, they face a two-legged play-off tie to reach the tournament’s league phase, rather than progressing straight through.

Visitors United enjoyed the brighter start and caused early anxiety in the home defence with some sharp attacking link-up play.

However, it was Sonia Bompastor’s side who broke the deadlock against the run of play through a piece of magic from their departing star striker.

Australia international Kerr, making her final appearance for the club ahead of a summer departure, connected cleanly with a cross from forward Lauren James to whip a brilliant near-post volley past United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Up until that point, Chelsea had struggled to create openings. James had previously wasted a golden opportunity when she shot tamely into the arms of Tullis-Joyce when clean through on goal, while full-back Ellie Carpenter saw a deeply hit cross clip the far post.

The hosts looked far more assured after taking the lead, though United pushed hard for an equaliser immediately after the interval.

The away side came agonizingly close to leveling the score when forward Ellen Wangerheim saw a powerful header strike the woodwork.