After all the flash, bang, wallop of the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar, Chelsea Women’s tie against Reading at Kingsmeadow on Sunday might seem a bit of a damp squib.
Cups of tea and cartons of chips in south-west London may not be a match for incessant drums and vuvuzelas in the heat of the Gulf. But a victory for the Blues – just a couple of days after returning from European action in Madrid – would see them sit on top of the tree at Christmas, ahead of the women's winter break.
Last weekend’s almost embarrassingly one-sided fixture at Leicester’s echoey King Power stadium saw Emma Hayes’ protegees thump the Foxes 8-0.
But this weekend, Reading will fancy nicking a point. They will arrive fresh from a surprise win against Spurs, and will have had an uninterrupted week to prepare.
Key to Chelsea’s avalanche of goals in the East Midlands was Guro Reiten, who not only scored inside four minutes but then provided four assists on the trot to give the Blues a 5-0 half-time lead.
Jessie Fleming, Fran Kirby and Niamh Charles benefited before Sam Kerr was presented with a glorious sweeping pass from the Norwegian that evaded three defenders to reach the Aussie striker’s toe.
Three second-half goals followed for Fleming, sub Beth England and Kirby, all playing in their curious second strip; something between beige and pale primrose.
Ann-Katrin Berger made a couple of good second-half saves to keep a clean sheet and maintain Chelsea’s healthy goal difference.
Manchester United and Arsenal may be in hot pursuit of the Blues, but no team has scored more goals than Chelsea.
Emma Hayes, who took charge of her 300th Chelsea game at Leicester and will be presented with a framed gift at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, knows Reiten’s creativity down the left wing is vital.
“She’s in an unbelievable place; finding higher levels every game. She’s outstanding,” said the manager, before reining back her individual praise to say that what pleased her most was the sustained 90-minute focus by every member of the team.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
