Leupolz scores twice as Chelsea Women thrash Spurs

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Melanie Leupolz’s brace helped Chelsea coast to a 4-0 derby win over Spurs and keep the pace at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League

The German bagged the opener just before the half-hour mark and further first-half strikes from Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr put the Blues in control.


Leupolz added a penalty in the second half to bring Spurs’s seven-game unbeaten streak to an end and condemn Rehanne Skinner to a first defeat as manager.

The visitors started brightly as Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky shot over from inside the box after 13 minutes.

Seconds later Ria Percival took possession of Kit Graham’s pass and her long-range shot was tipped onto the post by Ann-Katrin Berger.

Graham was involved again five minutes later when she forced the Chelsea keeper into a sprawling save from her shot.

Chelsea’s breakthrough came on 27 minutes when Leupolz spotted Spurs’ debutant goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen out of position, and shot home from 25 yards out.

Harder doubled the lead within a minute, making no mistake from close range from Fran Kirby’s pass.

Harder was involved in Chelsea’s third after 38 minutes, placing the perfect cross for Kerr to head home.

After the break Leupolz’s curling strike was destined for the top corner only to be headed clear by a Tottenham defender.

Just after the hour, the hosts were awarded a penalty after a handball incident in the box and Leupolz sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Then they went in search of a fifth as Harder’s half-volley from a Guro Reiten corner went just wide.

The Blues could have got a fifth in stoppage time, but Mikalsen was able to tip an audacious long-range shot round the post.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said: “I’m so blessed with so many good players. We have so much quality in the side, from week to week we’re able to provide opportunities for players who work so hard in training.

“I think Melanie Leupolz has been an unbelievable signing for us this season. She brings an energy and tenacity but also composure, calmness and leadership that adds to what we already had.

“That’s always a strength if everybody can stay committed to the cause. That’s the challenging part when you’ve got so much depth. Confidence is high and that’s why you’re seeing such a higher level of performance from the team.

“I think until the first goal, we were sloppy. We were slow, we played into their hands. I thought our decision making and composure struggled until the first goal.

“We made some adjustments just before that, and from there on in, I think we dominated. I think with so much experience, you have to be calm under pressure.

“You’re not going to dominate for 90 minutes, but when the momentum’s not with you, you work hard to keep a clean sheet.”

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