Sonia Bompastor's remarkable start to her WSL tenure continued with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Kingsmeadow. This win marked Chelsea's eighth consecutive league victory, extending their lead to five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the WSL. Notably, this impressive form is occurring early in the French manager's reign, a period typically marked by transition, as the players are still acclimating to Bompastor's tactics and style of play.
The match at Kingsmeadow showcased two unbeaten managers, with one receiving praise and the other facing mounting pressure. After three full seasons at the helm of United, Marc Skinner's position is constantly under scrutiny. The first defeat, coupled with three draws, leaves United in fifth place, with small 'Skinner out' signs becoming a persistent sight among fans who are quick to latch onto any discontent expressed by departing players in interviews.
United had reason to seek revenge, despite their historic FA Cup victory over Chelsea in the semi-finals. A humiliating 6-0 defeat at Old Trafford on the final day of the season, just a week after their first major trophy win, left a lasting scar. Colombian forward Mayra Ramírez's dominant performance in that match was a painful memory for the Reds, who walked around the pitch with their FA Cup while Chelsea celebrated their WSL victory in front of ecstatic away fans.
The pain of that defeat is still fresh, as Rachel Williams noted in pre-season. 'It still sits with me now, it's not gone,' she said. 'It wasn't us. It wasn't good enough. I'm glad that a lot of the girls still feel that last day.'
At Kingsmeadow, the chance for redemption seemed distant. Despite being a clash between the last two unbeaten WSL sides, the game was dominated by Chelsea. This reflected United's less dominant run, with three draws placing them six points and four places behind their opponents.
By half-time, United were only a goal down, a fact they could be thankful for. Chelsea had five shots, two on target, compared to United's zero, and enjoyed 69.1% possession. The only stat in which United had an edge was fouls, with 12 fouls and three yellow cards to Chelsea's three fouls and zero bookings. The Chelsea fans were relentless, chanting 'We won the league, at Old Trafford' and '6-0, in your own backyard.'
The goal came from Maika Hamano's pass, which released Ramírez. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce brought down the Old Trafford tormentor, conceding a penalty that Guro Reiten converted. United showed slight improvement after the break, with Geyse posing the only real threat. The Brazilian forward's shot forced a save from Hannah Hampton in their brightest moment.
Chelsea could have extended their lead after withstanding a brief spell of pressure, but Erin Cuthbert's shot was saved and Lucy Bronze missed a corner. United pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Melvine Malard striking the woodwork and a corner grazing the crossbar, but it was not enough. Chelsea have conceded only three goals in the league this season, and they were not about to relinquish their three points.
Bompastor's Chelsea continues to march on, while Skinner remains under the spotlight. The narrow margin between the sides was the only positive for United on a windy day.
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