Chelsea come back to win 2-1 against City in controversial WSL clash – Five things we learned | OneFootball

Chelsea came back from a goal down to beat Man City at the Etihad Stadium and maintain their lead at the top of the WSL.

The result did not come without a bit of fortune for the league leaders though. Shortly before half-time, the hosts should have had a two-goal lead as they had the ball in the back of the net. However, a refereeing mistake meant that City’s second goal did not stand.

Chelsea were far superior in the second half and turned the game around. An injury-time winner secured all three points for the away side, who remain unbeaten in the league.

Here are five things we learned:

Contentious goal decision costs City

City will feel aggrieved after a contentious goal decision went against them in the first half. Kerolin broke forward in the 40th minute and was fouled on the edge of the box by Millie Bright. The ball rolled to Jess Park who hit it first time. It was a beautiful curling effort that sailed into the top corner and should have given City a two-goal lead. However, instead of playing an advantage, the referee blew her whistle as Park was shooting. The goal did not stand and it was a decision that completely changed the game.

Chelsea’s squad makes the difference

The depth and quality of Chelsea’s squad is no secret and today it made the difference for the league leaders. They were second best in the first half but they improved as the game went on. Whilst the hosts seemed to tire, Sonia Bompastor was able to utilise her bench to keep her Chelsea side looking fresh. It was one of those substitutes who scored the winning goal, as Erin Cuthbert headed home in the 91st minute.

Kerolin finding form

Kerolin could not be contained by the Chelsea defence in the first half. The Brazilian international joined City in January from North Carolina Courage in the USA. As a winner of the NWSL’s MVP award, she arrived in Manchester with big expectations. Today was the winger’s best performance since joining City. The attacker fired in the opener in the 32nd minute and went close on a number of other occassions. It was a great display from Kerolin and the exciting talent will become a star in City’s side.

Kaneryd stars

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was a standout performer for Chelsea today. The winger was the visitors’ outlet all afternoon and she was a constant threat. The Swedish international got in behind City’s defence on countless occasions and she could have had a handful of assists. She picked out her teammates in great positions numerous times and was eventually rewarded with an assist in the 49th minute. Kaneryd went close to scoring too as her effort glanced off the post in the 55th minute. She was one of Chelsea’s best players this afternoon.

Confidence boost for Chelsea

Today’s match will serve as a real confidence boost for Chelsea ahead of the crucial Champions League second leg between the two sides on Thursday night. The Blues need to overturn a two-goal deficit but they will not be short of belief after today, and especially after the second half. Chelsea are the best team in the country and it is too early to rule them out of the European tie. City already looked tired today and lacking rotation options, they will likely be even more leggy on Thursday. Chelsea will be flying after their late winner and they will have the crowd behind them at Stamford Bridge.