Chelsea continued their impressive unbeaten run with a comfortable 3-1 win over FC Twente in their second match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage.
Sonia Bompastor has taken to her new role as head coach like a duck to water, eradicating any concerns about her ability to create success in Emma Hayes’ absence.
Still riding high after last week’s London derby victory in the Barclays Women’s Super League against Arsenal, the Blues once again showed why they are worthy contenders for the crown of European champions.
Asserting dominance over FC Twente, one of the most successful modern Dutch sides from the start, it was goals from Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and Guro Reiten that helped them retain top spot in their group.
How the game developed
Chelsea’s talent and effortless ability were on full display from the first whistle and it was a deflected effort from England international Aggie Beever-Jones that helped them take the lead seven minutes later.
The Blues continued to hold most of the possession in the first half, moving the ball past their opponents showing a clear advantage.
Summer signing and France international Sandy Baltimore put in a big shift in the first half on the left, making a number of quick runs into difficult positions, using her strength to cross the ball when she could.
Chelsea’s persistence paid off when a long-range whistle from Hamano caught FC Twente goalkeeper Olivia Clark off guard as she slipped behind her into the net.
Despite a comfortable lead, the Dutch side successfully pressed on a few occasions, but a lack of connectivity minimized any chance of any real threat.
The Blues had another chance to further extend their lead in the second half when substitute Mayra Ramirez was awarded a penalty after being brought down by Lieske Carleer.
It was Reiten who stepped up to the spot and converted the chance to make it 3-0 to Chelsea. However, FC Twente fans had reason to celebrate soon after when Nikee van Dijik exposed the away team’s backline and slotted past Zecira Musovic.
The home side certainly stepped up their efforts towards the end of the game, but any chance of a fightback was too late as Chelsea were handed three more points.
GK: Zecira Musovic – 7/10 – The Sweden international remained a safe pair of hands despite being unable to stop Van Dijk’s effort.
RB: Eve Perished – 7/10 – He made his first start of the season and looked comfortable resuming his position in the back line.
CB: Kadeisha Buchanan (c) – 6/10 – The Canada international showed strength when called upon but didn’t have much to do before being taken off at half-time.
CB: Nathalie Bjorn – 8/10 – There’s never any doubt about the 27-year-old’s consistency in showing up and performing.
LB: Ashley Lawrence – 7/10 – It shows why it has been described as one of the best full-backs in the world, but it was not fully tested.
CM: Weekly Captain – 7/10 – Assumed dominance in his central position working well with Jean-Francois.
CM: Oriane Jean-François – 7/10 – The new recruit made his debut in Chelsea’s starting eleven since joining in the summer and showed why he is an exciting addition.
CM: Maika Hamano – 8/10 – The Japan international scored her first goal of the season and dominated the game well from the centre.
RW: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – 7/10 – The Sweden international tore through FC Twente’s right wing and was a useful creative spark.
LW: Sandy Baltimore – 8/10 – She was withdrawn at half-time but made a big impression in her short time on the pitch.
ST: Aggie Beever-Jones – 8/10 – The England international got a goal and was on the end of a few mistakes.
Substitutes
SUB: Guro Reiten (45′ for Baltimore) – 8/10
SUB: Maelys Mpome (45′ for Buchanan) – 6/10
SUB: Erin Cuthbert (60′ for Jean-Francois) – 8/10
SUB: Mayra Ramírez (60′ for Kaneryd) – 8/10
SUB: Julia Bartel (60′ for Captain) – 6/10
Subs not used: Katie Cox (GK), Hannah Hampton (GK), Millie Bright, Sjoeke Nusken, Lucy Bronze
manager
Sonia Bompastor – 8/10 – The Bompastor era is certainly proving to be an exciting one, but the former Lyon manager must focus his efforts on strengthening Chelsea’s backline as they progress in the competition.
