Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor calls for introduction of goal-line technology for WSL

Sonia Bompastor has called for the implementation of goal-line technology in the Women's Super League following a controversial goal awarded against her Chelsea team during their 5-2 victory over Tottenham. Chelsea were leading 1-0 when goalkeeper Hannah Hampton appeared to fumble a cross from Spurs' Amanda Nilden, with the linesman deeming the ball had crossed the line, despite video replays not conclusively proving it.

An incensed Hampton received a yellow card for her protests, but Chelsea went on to showcase their superiority with an impressive attacking performance.

Despite the win, Bompastor expressed her "frustration" at the slow progress in adopting technology in women's football. "It is available in the men’s game, it has been now 10 years," she pointed out.

"When the technology is available for the men’s game, why shouldn’t it be the case for the women’s game? ".

She argued that professionalism in the sport requires advancements like this, saying, "If we want to look more professional I think we need to move forward with it. Even if it’s a hard decision to make for the referees, I just think you have to be 100 per cent sure the ball was in to make that call. I don’t know if it was the case or not from Hannah’s reaction."

Bompastor praised her players' response to the setback: "But I really like the reaction of my players. The referee made the decision and we need to move on."

She vowed to share her views if asked, emphasizing the impact of such decisions: "If they ask me my thoughts about it I will tell them exactly what I just told you. When you work really hard during the week to prepare the game, if you just lose 1-0 because the referee made that decision without the technology, it’s so, so frustrating."

"You can work so hard and that decision can cost you three points and it’s so disappointing."

Chelsea's victory was largely due to an impressive performance by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who has arguably been their standout player this season. It was her cross in the 10th minute that Maika Hamano converted, before Nilden's cross slipped through Hampton's grip for a 1-1 draw.

Nilden then scored an own goal from a corner, followed by a sensational flying volley from Kaneryd, who leapt into the air to convert Millie Bright’s pass, effectively ending Spurs' resistance. Sandy Baltimore netted her second Chelsea goal, Eveliina Summanen’s free-kick reduced the deficit, and then Kaneryd fired in a fifth towards the end.

"I have to keep my secrets," said Bompastor about the Swedish midfielder’s brilliant start to the season. "She had a great performance tonight. When the team is performing it’s always easier for individuals to perform, but she’s on fire."

Bompastor confirmed that Lauren James will be sidelined for several weeks with the calf injury that forced her to withdraw from the England squad.

Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn reflected on a match that highlighted his team’s progress against the WSL champions. "We gave them a fight, we played bravely, we played some really good football. A few of their players are world class."

"You need to realise who we are and who we are playing against and what we need to fix."