Sam Kerr marked her return from a long injury layoff by scoring her 100th goal for Chelsea in a 3-1 win against Aston Villa. Her comeback was celebrated by teammates and coaches alike, with many highlighting her importance to the team.
After a grueling 637 days on the sidelines, Sam Kerr made a triumphant return to the pitch, scoring her 100th goal for Chelsea in a 3-1 Women's Super League victory over Aston Villa. The Australian striker, who had been sidelined since December 2023 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), marked her comeback in style, finding the net just 13 minutes after entering the game as a substitute.
Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton couldn't contain her excitement, stating, "It's almost as if we have got an extra signing with her back. It's a big help for us going forward." Kerr's goal, a classic centre-forward's finish, saw her pounce on a loose ball in a crowded penalty area, dispatching it past Aston Villa's keeper Ellie Roebuck. The celebration that followed was filled with pure joy, as she shared the moment with her teammates.
Chelsea's manager, Sonia Bompastor, described Kerr's goal as the perfect end to a day. "Personally, I'm really pleased. But I think she is also really pleased with that, and you know what Sam represents for Chelsea. For me, she's an idol," Bompastor said. She emphasized the challenges Kerr faced during her time away from the game and how deserving she was of the positive moment.
During Kerr’s absence, Chelsea secured a domestic Treble and achieved an undefeated 22-game WSL campaign, showcasing the team's depth and resilience. Despite missing out on playing under Bompastor in her first season, Kerr's contributions to Chelsea's three successive WSL titles from 2020-21 to 2022-23 under Emma Hayes remain unforgettable.
Hampton highlighted Kerr's prowess in the box, saying, "She's an absolute demon in the box. It's about time she starts annoying opposition goalkeepers - she does it enough to me in training."
Kerr herself expressed immense relief and happiness upon her return. "It feels good," she said. "I am really happy but [feel] a lot of relief. It's been a long journey and I'm glad it's over." She added that scoring her 100th goal for Chelsea was particularly meaningful.
"When I signed for Chelsea I never thought I would score 100 goals," Kerr admitted. "To do it for such a massive club, and a club I love so dearly, is a massive achievement and something I am really proud of. I don't reflect too much on my goals, but to score 100 for Chelsea is something I will keep with me forever."
With 59 goals in 76 WSL matches for Chelsea, Kerr boasts an impressive 0.78 goals-per-game ratio, second only to Manchester City's Khadija Shaw among players with more than five WSL goals. Gilly Flaherty, a former England defender, noted that Kerr's goal would alleviate the pressure that often accompanies a player's return from injury.
Kerr's time away from the pitch was also marked by a high-profile court case, where she was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment in February. In May, Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis celebrated the birth of their son, Jagger.
Fran Kirby, who played alongside Kerr at Chelsea, expressed her joy for Kerr's return, emphasizing the challenges she had overcome. "I'm absolutely delighted for her. It's been a real tough journey for her," Kirby said. "She belongs out on the football pitch and I'm delighted she her 100th goal for Chelsea. She has been waiting a long time for that moment. Hopefully she can stay fit, stay healthy, and contribute more throughout the season."
The return of Sam Kerr not only boosts Chelsea's attacking options but also injects a sense of optimism and excitement into the team. As Bompastor noted, Kerr's presence is like adding an extra signing, and her impact on and off the field is undeniable.