Chelsea Women 4-1 Paris FC: 3 takeaways from critical UWCL triumph

With the news of BK Hacken’s surprise victory against Real Madrid, Chelsea Women knew what it needed to do. Arsenal tried. Wolfsburg even attempted. Neither could do it. Emma Hayes’ side brushed Paris FC aside behind a stellar second half display and a hattrick by Sam Kerr. As “X” said a whole lot post-game, “beating Paris FC in the UEFA Women’s Champions League isn’t for everyone”. If you don dark blue and your striker owns a Golden Boot award from three different continents, it’s very much for you.

A goal by defender Théa Gréboval just seven minutes before the halftime whistle gave the fans at Stamford Bridge a bit of a scare. It was not the German keeper’s brightest moment between the sticks. In the first 20 minutes or so, Ann-Katrin Berger was forced into action while Lauren James uncharacteristically fired a right-footed wide of the post.

There was no need to be frightened though. Spooky season in 2023 has come and gone. Emma Hayes and Co. made sure it did not extend into the month of November.

Fran Kirby was brought in as a reinforcement for Jessie Fleming. The English midfielder recorded the hockey assist on Kerr’s second goal which was laid on a platter by the the Swedish winger in top-form, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

Just a few minutes later, the Australian did what the Australian tends to do in big games. For some, like the casual fans it looks impossible. Well, it is. For Kerr, its like a regular day at the office. Just as Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie attempted to retreat back into her goal, No. 20 stuck her hand into her bag. The striker chipped the stop-stopper, putting the match officially to bed just 10 minutes after the beginning of the second half.

Whether its in the starting XI or off the bench, options are a plenty for the soon to be departing manager. Throughout her time in west London, there was been a fair share of talented teams. This one may be at the top of the list (knock on wood). It’s still not even December so we’ll reassess later. For now, let’s ride the wave. The future is as uncertain as it has been for this team for quite some time. Don’t think about that.

As Chamillionaire once said, “They see me rollin’, they hatin'”. The west Londoners sure are “rollin” while their English rivals are watching with jealously from the comforts of their own couch.

Here are three of our takeaways from a contest the Blues had to have ahead of the next match week.