Chelsea hosted Manchester United at Kingsmeadow in the Women’s Super League (WSL) on Sunday with the Blues picking up all three points.
Under the windy conditions of Storm Bert in south-west London, Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 to move five points clear of second place Manchester City in the WSL.
Thanks to a first half penalty, Chelsea have now won all eight of their opening league games, conceding just three goals.
“It was a tough game today, we were expecting that,” said Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor in an interview with Sky Sports, she added: “With the wind today it was difficult for us… I think the players are a little bit fatigued as well.”
“Chelsea weren’t at their best today but it’s a big three points,” said former WSL forward Toni Duggan on Sky Sports.
Despite this, Chelsea largely dominated the visitors, enjoying 64% of the possession and 13 shots compared to United’s three.
In the 16th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Chelsea after their striker Mayra Ramírez was taken out in the box by the United goalkeeper, who was shown a yellow card.
Chelsea’s winger Guro Reiten was able to convert from the spot, burying the ball in the bottom left-hand corner in what turned out to be a decisive goal.
Even though United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce dove the right way, the power and precision on Reiten’s penalty left her with no chance to make the save.
Chelsea were able to suppress United well, giving up very few opportunities, but the chances United had were dangerous.
United forward Geyse Ferriera nearly brought them level at the start of the second half as her deflected shot from range forced a brilliant save out of Hannah Hampton in goal for Chelsea, who barely tipped the ball over the bar.
Melvine Malard, United’s attacking substitute, gave them best chance late on, turning in the box surrounded by Chelsea players and firing off a shot that rattled against the crossbar in the last few minutes of the game.
Former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward said on Sky Sports: “Manchester Utd did leave it late. We know they’ve got an abundance of quality and talent, they could have put a lot more pressure on Chelsea.”
Crucially, United were without central midfielder Ella Toone who has more appearances and goals than anyone else in the United squad.
Toone suffered a calf injury in training ahead of United’s game last weekend against Leicester and has remained on the side lines since.
“[The players] have given everything,” United boss Marc Skinner told Sky Sports, he added: “Even though it was a defeat, I was really happy with the performance.”
Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea now sit in a commanding position as she looks to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Emma Hayes, by winning Chelsea’s sixth consecutive WSL title.
Chelsea’s next game will see them host Brighton, who sit third in the table.
