WSL Season Opener: Chelsea Edge Past Manchester City Despite Unconvincing Display
Chelsea opened their Women’s Super League campaign with a narrow win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, showcasing a familiar ruthless streak despite an underwhelming performance.
Can anyone stop Chelsea? That was the question as the Women’s Super League kicked off with a showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Despite a sluggish performance, the champions’ clinical edge secured all three points.
Title defence in spite of teething problems
Chelsea took time to adjust to City’s new-look system under Andree Jeglertz but eventually imposed themselves. Blockbuster signing Alyssa Thompson enjoyed a glitzy red-carpet arrival before kickoff, while Sam Kerr made her first appearance in 20 months. Defender Ellie Carpenter also debuted and quickly proved her worth.
After sizing up City’s fluid defence, Chelsea targeted Carpenter’s pace down the right flank. She fed Aggie Beever-Jones for the opener before Niamh Charles deflected a corner into her own net in the second half.
'I won't get carried away—21 games to go'
Manager Sonia Bompastor praised the result but urged caution. "We had control and created dangerous chances, but it’s only the first game. We still have 21 matches to go," she said.
Carpenter’s instant impact
The Australian full-back combined direct runs with precise deliveries, unlocking City’s back line. "Ellie knows my style from Lyon—her debut was exactly what we needed," added Bompastor.
City’s tactical gamble falls short
Jeglertz reshuffled positions, moving Alex Greenwood to centre-back and inverting Lauren Hemp to the right. City pressed high and crafted openings but lacked the final touch. "We created chances but conceded two goals," he reflected.
Despite an underwhelming display, Chelsea’s ruthless efficiency saw off a restructured Manchester City, reaffirming their status as WSL favourites.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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