The defending champions picked up another important 3 points as they saw off a resilient Villa at Kingsmeadow. For this season’s Rainbow Laces match, Lauren James was in inspired form, scoring twice and picking up an assist as it finished Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa.
Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa: Team News
After Chelsea’s midweek thumping of Vllaznia, Denise Reddy once again rang the changes. Ann-Katrin Berger returned in goal. Eve Perisset and Magda Eriksson started in the fullback roles. Millie Bright was restored to the centre of defence, partnering Kadeisha Buchanan. Erin Cuthbert and Sophie Ingle started in deeper midfield roles. Pernille Harder occupied the number 10 role, with Guro Reiten on the left and Lauren James on the right. Fresh from her four-goal haul midweek, Sam Kerr led the line.
First Half
It was a competitive start at Kingsmeadow. Aston Villa sat well into their shape, using the presence of Rachel Daly as a focal point for breaks. In contrast, Chelsea dominated possession but struggled to break down their opponents. Pernille Harder slipped Guro Reiten in early on. However, the Norwegian’s effort was tipped over acrobatically by Anna Leat.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Blues did continue to monopolise possession and took the lead after 22 minutes. A driving run by Lauren James saw her motor towards the Villa goal. She laid the ball off to Harder who played it wide to Reiten. Her low ball was perfect for James to collect on the edge of the box. Tiptoeing into the area, the winger powered a low drive into the far corner. Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa.
However, Denise Reddy’s side struggled to kick on and kill off the match. One terrific one-touch passing move nearly played in Sam Kerr. The Australian did well to beat Leat to the ball, however the keeper narrowed the angle and saved well. Harder also had a good chance to double the lead. However, the Dane was only able to shoot straight at Leat.
The away side capitalised on Chelsea’s profligacy and grabbed the equaliser. Some lax possession from Kadeisha Buchanan and Magda Eriksson saw the ball given up cheaply. Sarah Mayling was the recipient and she produced a brilliant cross. Daly tussled with Millie Bright and was just able to poke the ball past Berger. Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough Reiten and Ingle both lashed wide after, it was hard to argue that the scoreline was unfair at half-time.
Second Half
The Blues were clearly keen to start the second-half quickly. They pressed high and reaped a quick reward. Pernille Harder drove forward through the Villa midfield on the 47th minute. The Dane laid the ball off for Lauren James. She cut in before unleashing a piledriver past Leat from just inside the box. Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa.
Embed from Getty ImagesCarla Ward’s side again tried to hit back. Some more poor defending from Chelsea saw substitute Tash Harding tee up Kenza Dali on the edge of the box. However, her low drive was saved well by Berger. She distributed quickly in the 63rd minute to find James, whose superb cross found Kerr. It was a tough header, and subsequently failed to really trouble Leat. However, her distribution was poor and the ball once again came back to James. This time, her low pass into Sam Kerr allowed the Australian to fire a central shot past Leat from close range. Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa.
Embed from Getty ImagesJames and Harder were replaced moments later by Jo Kaneryd and Jessie Fleming. The two substitutes combined within minutes, however, a mix of desperate blocks and good keeping ensured it stayed Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa. The home side made several more changes to freshen things; Kerr and Reiten replaced by Charles and England. At the other end, a mix-up nearly allowed Daly a chance, however, she was stopped by the impressive Ingle.
Jess Carter was the final Chelsea change, replacing the impressive Eve Perisset. Villa threw players forward to search for a goal to make it a nervy contest, however, the home side saw it out comfortably as it ended Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa.
Full Time: Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts: Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa
An important win against a tough opponent. Whilst the match today lacked the drama of last season, it is nevertheless a welcome win. Lauren James was absolutely sensational and gave fans a glimpse of what she can do when she is fully fit, firing and focused. Guro Reiten grabbed another assist taking it up to 8 for the season. Some of the interplay at times was excellent, particularly when Chelsea managed to break the lines. The defence remains a concern and Kadeisha Buchanan is still struggling, especially against teams that press high.
It was also an important match for promoting the very important Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to make football inclusive for everyone.
Chelsea remain in the pecking order at the top end of the Women’s Super League, tustling with Arsenal and Manchester United. Next match is critical, as the defending Champions visit the latter at Leigh Sports Village, looking to end their unbeaten run.