Chelsea will head into the final day of the season on top of the Women’s Super League after Maika Hamano secured a nervy 1-0 win at Tottenham.
A fifth successive title remains in Emma Hayes’ side’s hands – they now sit above Manchester City on goal difference, with the Blues two goals better off.
Hamano’s first-half strike, converted at the back post after strong work by Guro Reiten, was enough to secure a priceless three points.
Chelsea were far from their best, inviting pressure from Spurs in the second half and wasting the few chances they created after the break – but their hosts were unable to punish them.
The champions now head to Manchester United on Saturday knowing they will win yet another WSL title if they claim victory at Old Trafford – and Manchester City do not overcome the goal-difference deficit when they visit Aston Villa.
How Chelsea held on against rivals to claim vital win
If Chelsea could have handpicked their opponents for a game they simply had to win to maintain their advantage in the title race, the statistics suggest they may well have picked Spurs.
Robert Vilahamn’s side have now lost all nine of their WSL encounters with Chelsea and were coming off a bruising 4-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Sunday.
The visitors started the game impressively, swarming down Spurs’ right flank throughout the first half, and they should been awarded a penalty after just eight minutes when Hamano’s shot was blocked by Luana Buhler’s outstretched arm.
Hamano was Chelsea’s main threat and should have opened the scoring when she was picked out by Niamh Charles, but planted her diving header over the bar.
Hayes’ side were denied another penalty when Grace Clinton avoided punishment for grabbing Melanie Leupolz’s shirt from a set-piece, but Hamano finally broke the deadlock when she slid in to convert Reiten’s low cross.
There was concern for Spurs before half-time when Amanda Nilden was stretchered from the field after an innocuous collision with Hamano.
But the hosts rallied in the second half and should have scored through Ashleigh Neville, who powered over a first-time shot when a corner dropped her way.
Chelsea were unconvincing for much of the second period, with nerves perhaps playing a factor given they were just one goal from surrendering control of the title race to City.
The result could have been more comfortable for Chelsea, who missed several late chances – Fran Kirby’s wasteful effort being the best of the bunch.
But they did enough, with Hayes now having the chance to win a seventh WSL title in her final game as Chelsea manager.
What’s next?
Tottenham end the season with another London derby when they host West Ham on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
Chelsea travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on the final day with the WSL title on the line; kick-off 3pm.
Source : Sky Sports
