Controversial penalty decisions proved to be the talking point as Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory against Manchester City at Kingsmeadow.
Both sides came into the game off the back of convincing wins in the Continental Cup mid-week, which was sure to provide some confidence going into this clash. The last time these two sides met, Chelsea cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Community Shield at Wembley; City would be hoping that the availability of their new signings would ensure that history didn’t repeat itself. With rivals Arsenal sitting top of the WSL on twelve points after a convincing win over Brighton & Hove Albion, the two sides were certainly feeling the pressure going into the game, knowing that a win was vital if they had any hopes of gaining ground on the frontrunners.
Chelsea had the better chances of the first-half, registering twelve shots and coming close in the opening fifteen minutes through a powerful half-volley on the edge of City’s box from forward Sam Kerr. Although unable to direct her volley on target, the Australian forward continued to work tirelessly to set the tempo, initiating the press and forcing the error from City’s back line – a reoccurring theme of the afternoon.
However, it was the penalty decision just after 34 minutes that would prove to be the talking point. A powerful strike from Erin Cuthbert was judged to have hit the arm of City’s Ellen White, with referee Rebecca Welch showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot. What ensued was an animated protest from the Manchester City players, namely White, who was clearly baffled by the decision. On further inspection, her reaction seemed justified with the ball appearing to ricochet off the elbow of full-back Demi Stokes. Despite the protests, the decision was upheld and it was Chelsea’s Maren Mjelde who ensured the Blues claimed an early advantage, sending Ellie Roebuck the wrong way from the penalty spot and registering her second goal of the campaign.
Chelsea continued to dominate proceedings and the beginning of the second-half was no different, with the Blues continuing to play with a high and aggressive line, forcing mistakes and creating a plethora of chances – the absence of goals added to the score line an indication that clinical finishing is still an area that requires improvement. Despite squandering a number of chances, the breakthrough finally came after 57 minutes with a clever through ball by Ji So-yun to release Fran Kirby, whose low cross found Kerr who directed it home from close range.
Although a second goal provided some breathing space, City’s squad depth – epitomised by World Cup winner Rose Lavelle still on the bench – would ensure a nervy finish. The addition of Georgia Stanway and Lavelle mid-way into the second half injected some much-needed energy into City’s play; the two attacking-minded players showing an intent to pressurise the Chelsea back line. The substitutions certainly had the desired impact, and following some sustained pressure City were given a glimmer of hope, courtesy of another controversial penalty decision. This time Chelsea defender Millie Bright was deemed the culprit; a close-range shot hitting her arm despite her attempt to use her back instead. Protests followed, but in similar fashion to the previous penalty decision the objections were ignored. Chloe Kelly ensured City capitalised on the decision, smashing home the penalty with her unique, springy technique to make it 2-1 and steer the game towards an exciting final fifteen minutes.
City worked hard to claw their way back into the game, with the American Sam Mewis playing a pivotal role with some driving runs from the centre of the pitch. However, their efforts were undone on the 79th minute when Erin Cuthbert sent a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Kirby, who sidestepped around the advancing Roebuck to slot home and give Chelsea a 3-1 lead.
The Manchester side continued to search for a way back into the game, their best effort coming from substitute Lavelle in the final moments with some quick feet allowing her to get away a fearsome shot that was deflected over the crossbar by defender Bright.
Chelsea were collectively far better than their Manchester rivals, most notably in their work rate, but on an individual note Fran Kirby was a particular standout registering a goal and an assist, suggesting she is back to her best following her diagnosis with pericarditis last year. Erin Cuthbert and Jonna Andersson also deserve notable mentions as they supported each other excellently down the left-hand side to nullify the threat from right-back and Ballon d’or runner-up: Lucy Bronze; winger Jess Park and later the attacking threat Chloe Kelly.
The victory takes Emma Hayes’ side into third place having picked up ten points from four games. For City, the defeat sees them remain in fifth place on seven points; five points off current league leaders Arsenal. The Manchester side will be looking to bounce back next weekend when they face sixth place Reading, while Chelsea will have to wait until November to return to action following the postponement of their tie with Aston Villa due to coronavirus implications.
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