Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 1 Chelsea: Hamano goal puts the Blues in pole position for the final day
A first half goal from Maiko Hamano sent Chelsea to the WSL summit as Emma Hayes won her final match in London.
Chelsea were in control for most of the first half, with Hamano going close with a back post header on 14 minutes.
Chelsea’s left side were causing Tottenham’s Ashleigh Neville all sorts of problems, as Guro Reiten had her shot blocked on the line 20 minutes in.
The all too familiar combination of Reiten and Hamano broke the deadlock on 38 minutes, as Reiten’s fine cross was turned in by the Japanese international.
Hamano celebrates as she puts the Blues ahead
Things went from bad to worse for Spurs as Swedish defender Amanda Nildén was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury, minutes before the half-time whistle.
Robert Vilahamn’s side started the second half as Chelsea had ended the first, with Luana Bühler almost forcing an equaliser from a corner on 48 minutes.
Despite Tottenham’s positive second half start, chances were few and far between in the second half as Hayes’ side showed resilience to keep Spurs at bay.
Hayes watches on as her side pick up an important three points
Chelsea fans rejoiced at the full time whistle, as this result ensures they will be top of the league on goal difference, come the final day.
Sixth place is assured for Tottenham, but Vilahamn will still want a positive result and performance against West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Barring a significant goal difference swing, a win against Manchester United on Saturday would earn Chelsea their sixth WSL title in seven years.
