Chelsea FC Women began the 2020 season the same way they ended the last; winning silverware. In a strong opening day performance, the Blues created chance after chance, ultimately settling for a deserved 2-0 victory. While Chelsea’s finishing reflected early season rust, the overall performance was excellent.
After the first half saw good chances for both teams, the Blues grabbed control of the match in the second half, particularly after Jill Scott was sent off for a second yellow. Millie Bright’s smashing drive from outside the box broke the deadlock after 67 minutes. After more wasteful finishing, Erin Cuthbert finally put the match away with a clinical finish into the top left corner.
The performance highlights how strong this squad is, even when yet to reach full form.
- Sam Kerr started up top in favor of Bethany England, but may want to put today out of her memory. She was constantly a threat but missed quite a few fantastic opportunities. She easily could have had a hat-trick with better finishing.
- Melanie Leupolz looked strong on her debut, creating havoc in the midfield with high energy and quick passing. She looks to be a valuable addition to the squad.
- Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde looked dangerous linking up on the right side, particularly in the first half. Kirby appeared sharp and created several clear goal scoring opportunities.
- Ji So-yun was her normal, dangerous self, creating chances from multiple places on the pitch. She was particularly happy to take the ball “deep” in the midfield to create passes further up the pitch. Glad to see her recover after taking a heavy challenge from Jill Scott.
- Take a bow Millie Bright! In a strike reminiscent of Fikayo Tomori’s goal of the season against Wolves, Bright absolutely walloped her shot past Ellie Roebuck.
- Cuthbert replaced Kirby and Bethany England came on for Sam Kerr. Niamh Charles and Jessie Fleming also came on late for their Chelsea debuts.
- Next up: The Women’s Super League kicks off against Manchester United on September 6th.
- KTBFFH!