Chelsea 0-1 Man City: ‘I think a draw would have been a fair result’

All eyes were on Kingsmeadow on Friday evening as Manchester City travelled to London to take on defending champions Chelsea in what could be the title deciding clash in the Women’s Super League.

An early goal from the spectacular Bunny Shaw in the 14^th minute was enough to seal the win for City, as they now sit second place in the WSL level on points with Chelsea.

Jess Park dispossessed Erin Cuthbert, which allowed top goal scorer Shaw to break free from defenders, netting her 14^th goal in 13 games.

Not long after the hosts were frustrated as their calls for a penalty were ignored. Mayra Ramirez was brought down during a late tackle by Alex Greenwood inside the box, yet referee Abigail Byrne took no interest.

Speaking about the incident, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said: “The player has got a cut all the way down the inside of her ankle, Greenwood doesn’t get the ball she clearly takes the player out… yes I think it’s a penalty.”

City arrived in London on a 10-match winning run and full of confidence after beating Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup last weekend. Gareth Taylor named the same starting 11 to take on The Blues, whereas Emma Hayes made one change, with Lauren James starting ahead of Johanna Rytting Kaneryd who dropped to the bench.

Despite dominating the second half, Chelsea failed to convert their chances as The Blues struggled to get past City’s defensive line.

Cuthbert fired a curling effort in the 77^th minute which had the stadium out of their seats and pre-emptively celebrating before the ball flew across the face of goal.

“They defended well, as they have done this season with 11 bodies behind the ball,

“I think a draw would have been a fair result,” said Hayes.

The blockbuster fixture was lacking something however, as both teams were missing key players, with Sam Kerr and Jill Roord both out with anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Manchester City left the capital with their first victory at Chelsea in eight years and with it put an end to The Blues impressive 33-match unbeaten run at home.

“I don’t care, it’s not the sort of thing that you’re going to put on my tombstone. We’re going to be remembered by the medals we get at the end of the year and our focus is on that,” said Hayes.

Chelsea have a busy March ahead with eight fixtures on the calendar, as The Blues have games in all four competitions as the fight for the quadruple heats up.