The 2018-19 version of Chelsea FC Women may have finished third in the title race but they only lost two matches — one to eventual champions Arsenal, and the other to Birmingham City. Ellen White, then Birmingham forward, now Manchester City’s, turned a 2-2 match into three points with a 93rd minute goal at Kingsmeadow.
The loss didn’t factor in as much as Chelsea’s six draws, which ultimately led to the Blues finishing twelve points behind Arsenal, but it was still weird.
This season things have already been different. The Blues have already exorcised last season’s loss to Arsenal, have scored the most goals in the league, and are top of the table. If staying top and avenging an awkward loss isn’t motivation enough, then I just don’t know what is.
Date / Time: Sunday, November 24, 2019; 14:45 GMT; 9:45am EST; 8:15pm IST
Venue: Damson Park, Solihull, England
Forecast: Foggy, 44°F/7°C
How to watch: The FA Player is the only thing you need to watch every WSL match for free — yes, FREE — barring any applicable local broadcast rights. Did I mention is free? Sign up on the FA Player website, bookmark the site, save Chelsea Women FC’s fixture schedule, and keep checking WAGNH.
Chelsea team news: The Blues had a midweek Continental Cup match versus Tottenham Hotspur and rolled to a 5-1 win. Erin Cuthbert got her second goal of the season (though she’s still seeking a first in the league), Bethany England scored a brace, and Drew Spence and Deanna Cooper added goals of their own. Everyone came out of that match unscathed, the Blues were able to work in players returning to fitness (Hannah Blundell) and gave debuts for academy players (Charlotte Wardlaw and Emily Murphy).
Birmingham City team news: Birmingham are struggling a bit this season. After finishing right behind Chelsea in the table last season, a lot of important players moved to bigger clubs. The result is that Birmingham currently sit 10th, with just three points in five matches, and have only scored two goals all season.
Previously: A sad and confusing 3-2 loss. Nevermind that, in 2018 Ji So-Yun did this en-route to a 2-0 win.
Bend it like JI!
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) November 23, 2019
What a goal from our South Korean against Birmingham back in 2018! pic.twitter.com/PcmaSGXC2x
Sauce Moment of the Week: (2:00 minute mark; Deanna Cooper receives a one-touch through ball from Bethany England and curls it around the keeper with a first touch of her own)