Hayes hails Kerr as ‘the best’ after Chelsea Women’s FA Cup semis defeat of Aston Villa before Barcelona duel | The Sun

EMMA HAYES saluted Sam Kerr describing the striker  after she fired Chelsea a step closer to FA Cup glory.

The Australia ace’s header sent the holders back to Wembley for a final against WSL leaders Manchester United on May 14.



And delighted Blues boss Hayes, whose team will face Barcelona in the Champions League on Saturday, declared: "You just can't stop her.

"I don't know a striker in world football who can do what she does ? She's the best.

"I have never seen a centre-forward move as much as her.

"Even if she strays into an offside position, she doesn't stay still, she just goes again.

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"She's a total nightmare to defend against for opponents.

"Her energy levels – it's like she's a 12-year-old. It's so infectious but her qualities, she's just unbelievable."

Kerr's 24th goal of the season in front of a 5,000-plus crowd at Walsall's Bescot Stadium sent Chelsea to a third successive women's FA Cup final. 

The London outfit overcame a battling performance by Aston Villa with Carla Ward’s side pushing them all the way before bowing out of the contest. 

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The Blues, chasing the WSL title and Champions League glory, are now eyeing a fifth women's Cup final triumph.

And Kerr declared: "I love what I do, love playing for this club and love playing alongside these girls.

"Emma will tell you, when she takes me off or makes me take a rest day at training, I get angry.

"So it's me that wants to keep playing and I'll play as much as I can."

On beating Carla Ward's plucky Villa side, the Australian added: "It was a really gutsy team performance.

"We just needed to do what we needed to do and we got the win."

Villa failed to create enough clear-cut chances, and the injury-hit Cup holders made their opponents pay.

Kerr headed home Guro Reiten's cross to hand Chelsea the crucial advantage.

They then weathered a late Villa barrage as Alisha Lehmann missed two opportunities before Sarah Mayling agonisingly struck a post in the 85th minute.

Chelsea now face a tricky Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

It was Villa's first semi-final appearance in the competition.

Proud boss Ward said: "All my players were absolutely outstanding.

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"I thought we were the better team. We're heartbroken ? That's the reality.

"We had quite a few chances to score and we just didn't put them away. But I'm so, so proud of the group."

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