Manchester City leveled the score at the top of the Women’s Super League standings by ending Chelsea’s 22-game home winning streak.
In one of the season’s biggest blockbuster matches, City demonstrated their ability to challenge for the title in a contest marked by few decisive opportunities.
WSL leading scorer Khadija Shaw produced another impressive performance for the visitors, taking her season total to 14 goals with a cool finish in the first half following Jess Park’s take-away of Erin Cuthbert’s ball high up the pitch.
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Chelsea had a chance to equalise in stoppage time, but Khiara Keating, a 19-year-old custodian, pulled off a spectacular double save. She first stopped Jelena Cankovic’s shot, then raised her powerful left arm to save Sjoeke Nusken’s attempt.
Shaw remained a threat the entire time, missing a few opportunities to score and then making a great close-range save against goalie Hannah Hampton.
In the second half, Hampton made another vital stop to prevent Chloe Kelly from increasing City’s lead, but Chelsea’s Fran Kirby and Cuthbert came agonisingly close.
While they were not able to test Keating sufficiently overall, the hosts were disappointed not to have been given a penalty after Alex Greenwood looked to have made contact with Mayra Ramirez in the box during the first half.
In Emma Hayes’ last season, the Blues are aiming to win a fifth straight championship, but City who are now second in the standings solely based on goals scored—remains their strongest opponent.
Before their journey to Kingsmeadow, Manchester City defender Greenwood stated her team was “not being talked about as much” in the title competition, but they most definitely will be now.
This season, City has defeated Chelsea by four points, including a 1-1 draw at home when they were reduced to nine players after two controversial red cards.
They have won eight straight WSL games, which is the greatest winning streak of any side right now. They have been in fantastic form since November.
The tide may finally be turning this season as Gareth Taylor’s team continues to amaze with regular performances and added ruthlessness. Prior to the match, Chelsea had won their last four games versus City at Kingsmeadow and enjoyed their fearsome 22-game unbeaten home record.
They have the league’s top goal scorer in Shaw, who never fails to deliver when they need her. With her hands clasped around her ears, she silenced the home crowd as she relished her evening in London and celebrated the goal.
With the important stoppage-time intervention to stop Cankovic’s dipping effort from creeping in and Nusken’s follow-through, Keating backed up a brilliant performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.
