Walsh’s goal helps Chelsea to WSL victory over Spurs

Keira Walsh’s strike late in the first half set a below-par Chelsea Women on their way to much-needed 2-0 victory over Tottenham and kept them in the hunt for a top-three finish in the Women’s Super League.

The Blues had lost their past two WSL fixtures, leaving them with no realistic hope of reclaiming their title, and they were second best in the first half.

Spurs wasted several decent chances to go ahead, while Olivia Holdt was desperately unlucky not to score when her long-range shot hit the bar.

And Chelsea made them pay either side of the break.

Walsh calmly controlled a half-cleared corner and slotted the ball home six minutes before the interval to earn a lead very much against the run of play.

The goal buoyed the Blues and a much-improved performance saw them seize control on the resumption, dominating possession and looking far more composed on the ball.

Alyssa Thompson crashed home the second on the rebound within five minutes, after Sjoeke Nuskens had seen her shot well saved by keeper Lise Kop.

Tottenham wasted more chances to get back in the game in the closing stages, notably when Cathinka Tanberg headed over from close range after a fine breakaway move.

And Chelsea were able to see out a win, which takes them back up to third in the table, albeit still 11 points adrift of Manchester City, who lost 1-0 to fourth-placed Arsenal.