Chelsea Women continued their impressive start to the Women's Super League (WSL) season, edging Manchester United 1-0 on a windy Sunday afternoon at Kingsmeadow. Guro Reiten's first-half penalty proved decisive as the Blues extended their league-winning streak to eight games and remained the only unbeaten team in the competition.
Reiten’s Penalty Secures Victory
Chelsea capitalized on their dominance early in the match, with Reiten coolly converting from the spot in the 17th minute after Mayra Ramirez was brought down by United's goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce. The Norwegian international’s goal marked her sixth of the season, consolidating her position as Chelsea's top scorer.
Despite several attempts to double their lead, the Blues were denied by United's resilient defense and an outstanding performance from Tullis-Joyce, who made multiple crucial saves. At the other end, Chelsea’s defense, led by captain Millie Bright, kept United at bay, thwarting their rare attacking threats.
Key Moments of the Match
Chelsea created a flurry of chances in the first half, with Erin Cuthbert and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd coming close. Ramirez also forced a low save from Tullis-Joyce early in the second half, while Kaneryd’s energetic play in the final third kept United under pressure.
Manchester United’s best opportunity came in the dying minutes when substitute Melvine Malard struck the post, but Chelsea held firm to secure the three points.
Bompastor’s Tactical Adjustments
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor made six changes to the lineup that defeated Celtic midweek in the UEFA Champions League but retained the same starting XI from their league win over Manchester City. The reshuffle ensured fresh legs while maintaining the team’s defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.
League Standings and What’s Next
The victory extends Chelsea’s lead at the top of the WSL table to five points, reinforcing their position as title favorites. With eight wins from eight matches, they remain the only unbeaten side in the league.
As the league pauses for international duty, Chelsea will return to action on December 8, hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at Kingsmeadow.
Lineups
Chelsea: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Bjorn, Baltimore, Nusken, Cuthbert, Reiten (Beever-Jones 56), Hamano (Macario 56), Rytting Kaneryd, Ramirez
Unused substitutes: Musovic, Lawrence, Perisset, Mpome, Bernabe, Kaptein, Jean-Francois
Scorer: Reiten (17’)
Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Turner, George (Sandberg 90+3), Geyse, Awujo (Ladd 89), Janssen, Bizet (Galton 61), Clinton, Williams (Malard 61)
Unused substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Miyazawa, Watson, Simpson
Chelsea will hope to maintain their momentum as they pursue another WSL title in what is shaping up to be an exciting season for the Blues.
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