EMMA HAYES saluted Magda Eriksson’s fairytale finish to her Blues spell as Chelsea made it a tough day for Arsenal with their 2-0 win.
The Sweden star’s first – and potentially last – WSL goal helped move her side within touching distance of a fourth successive title.
The Blues’ home victory saw them avenge their Conti Cup final loss to Arsenal.
It also derailed the Gunners’ top three hopes before Manchester City’s trip to neighbours Man United this evening.
And Eriksson and Pernille Harder made their penultimate Blues appearance with the duo leaving Chelsea as free agents this summer.
Hayes said: “This is so fitting (that) of course she’s scored today.
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“Everybody wanted that fairytale for her. She has been our captain and leader.
“I know the work that has gone on behind the scenes to get the team to where it is.
I just looked onto the pitch and all I see is the years of work in the background.
“The meetings, the analysis, the disagreements, the good times and the moments you’re sick looking at each other.
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“It’s all of those things. And this team has a habit of peaking when it matters.
There’s three senior leaders in our team (in Magda, Millie Bright and Maren Mjelde).
“I think it’s important that the baton is passed on through them.”
Of Eriksson and Harder playing the final home game at Kingsmeadow, Hayes added: “They’ve had amazing years here and an amazing time.
“They’re not going to be here (from next season) and we have had a chance to replace them with something different.
“It is not them, we can never do that. If there is going to be a separation, they want nothing more than to see Chelsea continuing to thrive.
“On that end it’s been good. I respect them both so much as people. I’m proud of them.”
Before the game Jonas Eidevall spoke of Arsenal needing to “keep the ball well” if they were to stand a chance of beating their rivals.
While possession was fairly even in the first half it was Emma Hayes’ side who were the most ruthless in front of goal.
Blues warning signs came as early as the 10th minute with Sam Kerr seeing a goal disallowed as offside.
Moments later Stina Blackstenius threatened for the visitors going one-on-one with Ann-Katrin Berger forcing a fine block from the Blues goalkeeper.
The hosts had the upper hand in the first half with four shots on target converting twice within 41 minutes.
Guro Reiten slid home Chelsea’s opener following Eve Perisset’s cross in the 22nd minute.
Frida Maanum came close to bagging an equaliser with Berger having to claw the ball from dropping into the net after spilling.
And Eriksson made it 2-0 with a tap in after Kerr’s headed assist close to halftime.
Eidevall altered things in the second spell with Steph Catley on for Kathrine Kuhl and the Gunners gaining the upper hand in attack.
And they won a penalty that skipper Katie McCabe fired well wide of goal.
The hosts weather pressure from Arsenal to go five points clear at the top.
And they could become champions if the Red Devils lose their clash with Manchester City this evening.
A City win could also put Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes in jeopardy with the race going to the wire.
Gunners boss Eidevall said: “My mindset has been that we need to do everything in every single minute of the season to try to finish as high as possible.
“Nothing changes because of today’s result.
“If we look at it in a positive way, it should be in our own hands in control of our own destiny and that is the preference.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
