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This season, Emma Hayes’s last with Chelsea, the Women’s Super League is once again coming down to the wire. However, the credit for this excitement can be attributed to Manchester City, as their victory over the reigning champions has made the title race wide open. Despite the opportunity to go six points ahead with a win, Chelsea seemed off their game and City stepped up to the challenge, earning themselves a spot at the top of the standings alongside Chelsea with eight games remaining.
In a highly anticipated match between top teams, Khadija Shaw scored her 14th goal of the WSL season in the 14th minute, securing the win for City. Despite facing intense pressure in the remaining nine minutes of stoppage time, City was able to hold onto their lead. The team’s signature resilience, often referred to as “mentality monsters” by coach Hayes, was challenged by City’s outstanding goalkeeper Khiara Keating. Keating made a crucial double save in the final moments, blocking Jelena Cankovic’s volley and Sjoeke Nusken’s follow-up attempt. Chelsea had a strong case for a penalty late in the first half when Mayra Ramirez was taken down by Alex Greenwood in the box. However, overall, the 19-year-old Keating had a relatively calm night and likely expected a more challenging end to the match.
There would be no late equaliser or someone rising to the occasion to produce a big-game moment in the absence of Sam Kerr, though Hayes will rue that Cankovic chance. It has been that resilience on which Chelsea have won four titles in a row under Hayes, but if there was an opportunity now with the Australian out for the season, City grabbed it with both hands. This felt like a significant moment for Taylor’s side, a sense of a team coming of age as they defeated Chelsea at this stage of the season and as the form team in the WSL.
City takes the lead as Shaw scores past Hannah Hampton.
In stoppage time, Keating made an impressive double save to deny the opposing team an equalizing goal.
In December, Arsenal dominated Chelsea in their 4-1 defeat at the Emirates. However, in this recent match, Chelsea was outplayed by a composed and strategic visiting team. The visiting team successfully executed their game plan by playing aggressively and putting pressure on Chelsea. Last year, Taylor’s team may have lacked a clear identity due to several high-profile departures, but they have since built an impressive team. Yui Hasegawa’s strong positioning in midfield, the poise of Alex Greenwood and Laia Aleixandri, and the bravery and composure of Keating were all notable aspects of the game. Keating’s impressive performance may even earn her a debut with the England team later this month.
Keating sealed the win for City in the final moments, but Shaw got them started early on. Park made a great setup, stealing the ball from Cuthbert, and Shaw finished with an impressive strike using the outside of her right foot to beat Hampton. City’s focus seemed to center around Shaw, with Hemp and Kelly constantly attacking on the wings and the team’s pressing tactics all leading towards her. In the end, it may be Shaw’s goals that lead City to the title, as goal difference could be the deciding factor in the race.
Shaw scores her 14th goal of the WSL season.
Shaw’s goal was one of the few moments of quality in a clash that Chelsea never quite turned up for. With Chelsea stunned, City should have doubled their lead: Shaw dragged wide on her left foot when space opened up in front of her, before Park cut inside smartly and reversed another incisive pass through to Shaw – this time the Jamaica international’s finish lacked the clinical edge shown in dispatching the previous chance and Hampton saved at her near post.
Apart from Lauren James, who drifted dangerously at every opportunity, Chelsea lacked threat; though they should have been awarded a penalty when Ramirez burst past Greenwood but was cut down by the City captain as she shaped to shoot. Ramirez had lost control slightly but Greenwood got none of the ball and for City it was a fortunate escape. Chelsea improved and Keating was forced into a good save to deny Fran Kirby following a well-worked move instigated by James gliding off the wing.
Greenwood’s tackle on Ramirez was unskillful and had the potential to result in a penalty.
In the second half, Chelsea’s performance was not as strong and their attempt at a comeback came too late, during the nine minutes of added time. Manager Emma Hayes made changes to the team and adjusted their formation, but without striker Kerr, the team needed someone to step up and make a big play. Cuthbert had a chance with a curling shot, but it missed the far post. Chelsea’s only other threat came in the final seconds, when Cankovic had an opportunity in the City box, but goalkeeper Keating made a save. Chelsea was unable to score their usual equalizing goal and it appears that this season’s title race may be going in a different direction.
Source: independent.co.uk
