A group of dedicated fans in a small section of Kingsmeadow erupted in cheers and shouts, signaling the start of an intense title race. Manchester City delivered a powerful performance to match their strong victory. The reigning champions of Kingsmeadow, Chelsea, have been defeated on their home turf in the Women’s Super League for the first time in over three years. As a result, their lead has been reduced to zero points and zero goal difference.
Khadija Shaw scored the sole goal of the match, her first against Chelsea in five league games. However, this victory was more about determination and strong defense in the midst of overwhelming pressure. It was not only about defending against Chelsea’s relentless attacks, but also about carrying the weight of history and the significance of this win.
It was everything: the sight of City’s victorious players rejoicing with their fans after the game, still filled with adrenaline and unable to feel the exhaustion and injuries from a tough night’s work.
Their ability to safeguard the legacy bestowed upon them by Shaw was truly remarkable. The defensive lineup of Laia Aleixandri, Alex Greenwood, and Khiara Keating were exceptional, with Aleixandri dominating in one-on-one situations and Greenwood bravely defending against the formidable Mayra Ramírez, although she was lucky to not concede a penalty in the initial half. However, the standout performer was their young goalkeeper, Keating, who displayed an impressive display of agility and made a crucial double save in the final moments of the game.
You could go on through the spine of the team: Yui Hasegawa at the base of midfield, Jess Park in between the lines, the way Shaw was as pivotal in defence as she had been earlier in attack. And if the denouement felt a little sketchy and chaotic, to an extent City had earned their little strokes of luck. For all the pressure they would inevitably impose in the closing minutes, you would still struggle to identify more than one or two clearcut chances that Chelsea created all game.
Ramírez caused trouble in the attack and on the sidelines, while Fran Kirby, playing in a wider position than usual, was surprisingly subdued, as was Lauren James.
After a week of intense speculation, the outcome has been the most unfortunate, and despite discussions about her successor, Emma Hayes understands the importance of staying present and focusing on the small details that will determine the outcome of this championship.
Like the one upon which this game ultimately turned. And fittingly, it was a turn: 13 minutes had passed when Erin Cuthbert tried to swivel on the ball in her own half, failing to spot that Park was closing her down at speed. Park robbed the ball, her pass to Shaw was perfectly weighted, and the finish was pure silk: outside of the foot, lifted carefully over the onrushing Hannah Hampton, the hand cupped to the ear in celebration before the ball had even hit the net.
It is highly possible that City could have ended the game within the initial 20 minutes. Shortly after, Shaw had another opportunity to score, followed by another chance when she shot directly at Hampton. However, as the first half continued, Chelsea started to take control, with James gaining possession in more dangerous areas and the midfield adapting to the style and actions of Ramírez.
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They should probably have had a penalty on the half-hour when Ramírez burned Greenwood around the outside for pace and then stumbled on the ball. A fraction of a second later Greenwood steamed in with a sliding tackle that got absolutely zero ball and a significantly non-zero portion of leg. The referee, Abigail Byrne, was unmoved, and in an age when pretty much every officiating controversy is either bias or corruption, perhaps this was a decision that could safely be filed away as a honest error. Albeit, a pretty bad one.
In the second half, City did occasionally pose a threat. It’s possible that Chelsea’s last-minute goal against them in October served as a grim reminder of the risks of being too cautious. However, it was Chelsea who had more opportunities: Cuthbert came close to scoring in the 78th minute, Keating made a save from Jelena Cankovic in the 95th minute, and then expertly stopped the follow-up from Sjoeke Nüsken.
Kingsmeadow was filled with an odd and unfamiliar feeling after the game ended. City’s performance has not received much attention this season, but that will change now. With only eight games left, Chelsea has a slightly tougher schedule, including a match against Manchester United on the last day of the season and the added pressure of the Champions League. It is becoming more evident that in order to give Hayes the farewell she deserves, Chelsea will have to utilize every last bit of her brilliance.
Source: theguardian.com
