Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester City was more than enough to maintain their top spot in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Sonia Bompastor’s side remain unbeaten in the 2024/25 campaign and Saturday’s victory at Stamford Bridge was a clear indicator that they are strong contenders for another title.
Mayra RamÃrez and Guro Reiten hit the back of the net, getting the win and showing why this blue team is world class.
How the game developed
Chelsea dominated much of the first half, leaving a stunned Manchester City on their backs.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was by far the most impressive player on the pitch, continuing the impressive form she has been showing this season.
It was Millie Bright who had the first chance at goal, with a header that failed to hit and Ayaka Yamashita stopped her with ease.
Chelsea’s fluidity proved problematic as Lucy Bronze and Mille Bright fired balls over City’s midfield.
As the first half wore on, the Cityzens managed to regain some possession. The best effort came from Khadjia ‘Bunny’ Shaw who tackled Bright but sent her shot wide.
Despite numerous chances, the Blues couldn’t find the power behind their efforts to keep them level. The home side continued their momentum in the second half and certainly injected some spark into what had been a lackluster encounter so far.
However, it was RamÃrez who gave Chelsea the lead in the 75th minute after breaking through citydefense and finally find the back of the net. After that, they were on the front foot.
Just four minutes later, Reiten delicately slotted his second of the night into the left corner. City looked tired as the game wore on and were unable to overcome a home side, who were now performing in front of a home crowd at Stamford Bridge.
When the final whistle blew, the result was a clear message that Chelsea have their sights firmly set on their eighth consecutive win. WSL title
GK: Hannah Hampton – 6/10 – He didn’t have much to do throughout the 90 minutes, but was a safe pair of hands when required.
RB: Lucy Bronze – 6/10 – The England international was far superior when up against City’s Mary Fowler, using her strength appropriately to shut down any opportunities for the opposition.
CB: Natalie Bjorn 6/10 – The center was his usual reliable self, successfully finding Reiten, Rytting Kaneryd and Reiten with threatening long balls.
CB: Millie Bright – 6/10 – The England centre-back stood strong against Shaw and had a good chance to score with a header in the opening minutes.
LB: Sandy Baltimore 6/10 – The France international wasn’t in the game as much as he usually is, but when in possession he looked threatening and put up a physical fight against Fujino.
CM: Sjoeke Nusken – 7/10 – Maintaining a pass accuracy of 77%, the midfielder did wonders in midfield with Cuthbert.
CM: Erin Cuthbert – 7/10 – She became a real problem against the Cityzens, linking up superbly with Rytting Kaneryd.
RW: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – 8/10 – Had plenty of chances in the palm of his hand, but just couldn’t make it. She was dominant and by far one of the best players on the pitch.
AM: Maika Hamano – 8/10 – Along with Rytting Kaneryd, she was one of Chelsea’s most outstanding players. Not only did he dominate possession, but he was able to use his skills to leave the midfield guessing.
LW: Guro Riding – 7/10 – After mixing in the back for most of the game, he burst out of the blocks to give Chelsea their second.
ST: Mayra RamÃrez – 8/10 – Despite struggling to get past Alex Greenwood in the first half, the striker gave Chelsea the lead with a superb strike.
Substitutes
SUB: Ashley Lawrence (83′ for Reiten) – 7/10 – He won a ground duel and maintained a 100% accuracy in passing percentage.
SUB: Aggie Beever-Jones (90′ for Ramirez) – N/A
Subs not used: Zecira Musovic, Catarina Macario, Eve Perisset, Wieke Kaptein, Maelys Mpome, Oriane Jean-Francois, Alejandra Bernabe.
manager
Sonia Bompastor – 8/10 – Chelsea’s victory marks Bompastor’s eighth consecutive win since becoming head coach. Although they failed to dazzle in the first half, in the second they put on a show showing why they are one of the best clubs in the world.
