In front of an impressive 4,000-plus sold-out crowd, the defending champions recovered from last week’s disappointment as it finished Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City at Kingsmeadow. Benefitting from some key players returning to the squad the Blues managed to get the better of Citizens, also keeping an important clean sheet in the process.
Team News
Chelsea lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation in this match. Berger made her first start of the season, coming back after her treatment. A back three of Millie Bright, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Magda Eriksson.
In front of this defence was a quartet of Jessie Fleming, Erin Cuthbert, Maren Mjelde, and Fran Kirby. Slotted in front of these four was Guro Reiten and a front two of Sam Kerr and Lauren James.
First Half
Chelsea started brightly in the first 10 minutes with several goal chances, but none of these chances found the back of the net.
At the other end, Bunny Shaw threatened in front of goal for City on more than one occasion in the first half. However, similarly to the home side, none of her chances were converted effectively. The Citizens had a fair penalty shout, after a clumsy challenge by Buchanan but Abi Byrne swiftly waved the calls away.
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea did not impress much in the first half, offering a limited press on City. The away side were growing more confident and comfortable in the game; conversely, the less Chelsea threatened the Manchester side.
Berger was forced to make a smart save to stop Lauren Hemp from scoring just before the break. It was not until the 42nd minute that Super Fran capitalised on a pass from Guro Reiten, leading the team into half time 1 nil up, holding onto that clean sheet. Sarina Weigman who was in the Kingsmeadow stands would have been impressed by Fran Kirby’s confident finish.
The Blues did almost instantly concede, however Berger once again produced a brilliant stop to deny former Blue Laura Coombs. She reacted smartly to tip her effort onto the post to keep Emma Hayes’s side in the lead.
HT: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City
Embed from Getty ImagesSecond Half
Despite going into the second half with a 1 nil lead, City started as confidently like the later stages of the first half. This was a concern for fans watching in the stadium and at home. Berger made some match-saving contributions, showing why even after some time out she is still one of the best goalkeepers around.
Going into the final 20 minutes, however, Chelsea looked for a second goal to try and wrap the game up. The home side created several chances from Lauren James and Fran Kirby. Lauren James curled a ball for a brilliant effort on goal, but it went wide, inches of the post.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn the 78th minute, Chelsea were awarded a penalty after a Manchester City handball from a Sophie Ingle shot. Fran Kirby initially stepped up to take the penalty, but it was experienced penalty shot taker Maren Mjelde who shot the ball confidently into the top right corner. Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City. The Norwegian’s penalty gave Chelsea a comfortable cushion to allow Emma to make defensive changes to prevent City from scoring.
Embed from Getty ImagesThat decision sealed the victory for Chelsea, as well as achieving a well-earned clean sheet. This result was perfectly what Chelsea needed to come back after last week’s loss vs Liverpool. And sends out a message to the rest of the league that the team are still here to compete.
Full Time: Chelsea 2 – 0 Manchester City
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts: Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City
This win was the perfect way to come back after last weekend’s disappointment and in front of a sold-out Kingsmeadow. Keeping a clean sheet is important in any match but against a team who – even though they have lost talented players – still have a particularly good attacking side with a lot of quality is especially pleasing.
Getting three points allows the team to keep up with rivals in the league, who have started the season strong. Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City shows we are not giving up our title easily. Hopefully, this result allows the team to be confident going into future matches, starting on Wednesday against West Ham again at home.