Emma Hayes’s side drew consecutive blanks in the WSL as they missed a great chance to put pressure on Arsenal. Although they started 4 points behind the Gunners, the Blues were frustrated throughout by inspired Brighton defending and goalkeeping as it finished Brighton 0-0 Chelsea.
Team News
After the midweek Conti Cup victory over West Ham, Chelsea made two changes. Ann-Katrin Berger stayed in goal, with Jess Carter, Aniek Nouwen and skipper Millie Bright at the back. Erin Cuthbert and Jonna Andersson started at wingback, with Drew Spence and Jessie Fleming in the engine room. Pernille Harder started in the front 3 with Guro Reiten and Fran Kirby.
First Half
Chelsea once again started in familiar fashion. They dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances as Hope Powell’s side kept a solid shape. Despite being on a 6 game losing streak, the Seagulls limited space. On the 25th minute, Harder finally breached the backline, but her low cross evaded both Kirby and Reiten.
Embed from Getty ImagesKirby herself was guilty of missing good chances and before half-time, she missed another great opportunity. Pouncing on some indecision, she found herself one-on-one with Megan Walsh. She chose to sidefoot the effort, trying to take it early, but Walsh was able to react well and save.
This profligacy once again summed up Chelsea’s frustrations.
Second Half
The second half began in the same fashion. Chelsea continued to control the ball, but were wasteful with their chances. Barely 2 minutes into the half, Harder drove wide, before Kirby twice went close, firing wide and being denied by Walsh. An unmarked Erin Cuthbert also missed a great chance as she fired wide.
Embed from Getty ImagesHayes surprisingly didn’t make many changes as Walsh continued to make superb saves to deny the Blues. Walsh wasn’t able to deny an absolute rocket from Cuthbert, but the Scot’s effort slammed back off the crossbar. Niamh Charles and Beth England both came on to try and break the deadlock, but again Walsh denied Harder and England. In the final moments, it appeared Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty, as Walsh clattered Beth England, but referee Kirsty Dowle was unmoved. It ended all square: Brighton 0-0 Chelsea.
Full Time: Brighton 0-0 Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts: Brighton 0-0 Chelsea
Another frustrating outing for Chelsea as once again they were denied by a sensational goalkeeping performance. The point actually means they slip to third behind Manchester United, and they will need Manchester City to get something against Arsenal to keep their flagging WSL hopes alive. Up next, it’s a London derby against West Ham again.