Manchester City WFC 2-2 Chelsea FCW, WSL: Post-match reaction

Chelsea FCW and Manchester City WFC shared the points after a thoroughly entertaining and tightly contested match. The draw is a much better result for Chelsea, who have effectively secured their second consecutive WSL title. Barring an unforeseen collapse against Tottenham or Reading in the final two league matches, the Blues will stand atop the WSL once again.

Chelsea took a first half lead through a set piece, when Sam Kerr headed home from a corner. Only moments later however, Chloe Kelly was left unmarked in the box to tap home. Chelsea would regain the lead prior to halftime, after Sam Kerr went on an impressive solo run, bypassing multiple defenders before being brought down in the box by City keeper Ellie Roebuck. Pernille Harder calmly slotted the penalty away to regain the advantage for Chelsea 2-1.

Nerves really ratcheted up after the Blues made two terrible mistakes to give away an equalizing goal. Lauren Hemp was handed an absolute gift from Chelsea’s backline and she made no mistake. At 2-2, the Blues found themselves penned in and defending for their lives. Fortunately, a couple of world class saves from AKB combined with several big misses from City, and the Blues were able to see out the draw. It may not have been Chelsea’s prettiest performance of the year, but they got the job done, under enormous stakes, on a ground they have struggled mightily to get results. Manchester City weren’t too happy that Chelsea were awarded the WSL title on a points per match basis last season, but I don’t think we will be hearing any such complaints this time around.

• We did it, but Eriksson’s absence was massive, and she won’t be any less important for the upcoming UWCL semifinal matches against Bayern Münich. Get your rain dance on and pray Magda doesn’t miss additional matches.
• Ann-Katrin Berger has been unbelievable this season, and she may have saved her best performance for today. Despite Kerr’s impact, AKB was absolutely my MOTM after saving Chelsea blushes multiple times in both halves.
• City did an excellent job marking Fran Kirby tightly today, limiting her ability to create on the ball. I’ve often wondered why teams allow her as much space as they do, but it was clear City weren’t going to let her work in space today.
• Two excellent plays by Kerr for both goals. The penalty she earned was truly an impressive solo effort. She is quite a player.
• Next up: The first of two legs of the UWCL semifinal against Bayern Münich, Sunday, April 25th
• KTBFFH!