Chelsea clinched a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Women’s Super League, scoring twice in four minutes. This win propelled them to the top of the table.
Mayra Ramirez and Guro Reiten netted crucial goals, handing City their first league loss of the season. Chelsea’s triumph was marked by a late surge, showcasing their resilience and determination.
In a closely contested match, Chelsea maintained composure despite early missed opportunities. Ramirez initially squandered a chance to assist a teammate but redeemed herself later. She capitalised on a counter-attack, outmaneuvering defenders to score in the 75th minute. Shortly after, Reiten doubled the lead with a skilful finish from the right side of the box.
The absence of Lauren Hemp seemed to affect City’s performance as they struggled to create significant chances. Khadija Shaw had an opportunity in the first half but failed to convert it into a goal. Chelsea appeared more threatening throughout, registering 15 shots compared to City’s eight and leading in expected goals (xG) with 0.85 against City’s 0.56.
Under Sonia Bompastor’s leadership, Chelsea maintained an impeccable record, winning all ten matches so far this season. This victory put them two points ahead of City at the top of the WSL standings, with an additional game still to play against their title rivals.
This match held significant implications for the title race even at this early stage of the season. City’s defeat marked a pivotal moment as they faltered under pressure. Despite some wastefulness from both teams initially, Chelsea emerged as the more likely scorers and ultimately secured a vital win.
Bompastor achieved a milestone by becoming the first manager to win her initial seven games in the WSL. Her leadership has been instrumental in Chelsea’s success this season, guiding them through challenging matches and maintaining their unbeaten streak.
Chelsea’s ability to perform under pressure and seize opportunities when they arise has been key to their success so far. Their tactical discipline and attacking prowess have set them apart as strong contenders for the title this season.