S Poddar
Chelsea Women sealed victory in a closely-contested game, claiming 1-0 over Aston Villa Women, dealt the decisive blow by a spectacular first-half strike from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. It was Sonia Bompastor’s first win since taking over the Women’s Super League (WSL) gaff after Emma Hayes’ successful stint.
The game was extremely competitive as both sides displayed remarkable intent right from the onset of the match. Aston Villa, a side that can at times be known to produce danger on most occasions, kept maintaining the pressure upon Chelsea over the ninety minutes but could not see their efforts bear fruit into goals. Despite the persistence in creating attacking opportunities, they failed to find behind a well-organised Chelsea defense when Villa pushed forward with relish.
It was in the 44th minute, literally just before the half-hour mark, however, that Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd conjured up magic. With space outside the box, Kaneryd launched a beautifully curled strike that left Villa’s goalkeeper without hope and sent the home crowd wild. Her effort was as powerful as it was spot on, with her driving forward through a Villa defense that had otherwise held up well for most of the first half.
This was not only a show of Kaneryd’s technical skill but composure in pressure, and this was the exact situation of individual brilliance Chelsea required to break the stalemate. Bompastor, who had been prodding her side from the sideline, could hardly ask for a better way to sign her first win in the WSL.
However, Aston Villa were far from out of the contest. They responded spiritedly in the second half and launched themselves forward with greater sense of urgency as they sought to equalize matters. The Chelsea defense absorbed the pressure, meanwhile, and maintained their shape under attack-a defense marshaled so astutely by back line. Villa drew level on several occasions when their attackers tested Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who remained sharp and alert throughout the match.
And then Musovic made the crucial intervention – diving low to deny a seemingly unstoppable shot that looked as good as entering the bottom corner. Aston Villa’s continued pressure resulted in occasionally jangling nerves among the Chelsea fans but, by and large, the Blues’ defense remained resolute, especially with players such as captain Millie Bright making crucial blocks and interceptions.
Villa would have required a miracle in the final stages of the game to take anything from it as a loose ball in the box nearly fell gift-wrapped for their striker; however, Chelsea’s Jess Carter could see enough to clear the attempt at the last minute, and Bompastor’s side would be coming home with all three points.
For Chelsea, this is a massive win, not just from the immediate results in their standing but also in terms of confidence that this comes in for the team under their new manager. Bompastor needed this early victory by her charges for her to stamp her authority and vision for the squad following long and successful tenures of Emma Hayes. The French coach, who previously took Olympique Lyonnais to great heights, seems to have struck the appropriate balance in a Chelsea team full of talent.
While Chelsea left with all three points, Aston Villa can be allowed a word of praise for this spirited performance today. Carla Ward’s side showed fight and resilience, especially in the second half, and on another day, their efforts would have given them a goal to show for it. They will undoubtedly seek to capitalise on this performance into the remaining matches, looking to translate promising plays into points on the board.
Speaking after the match, Bompastor praised her team’s discipline while emphasizing the role played by Kaneryd’s goal. “It was a tough game, and Villa gave us a real test, but Johanna’s goal is something special, and I am proud of how the team played right up to the final whistle,” said Bompastor.
“We worked so hard, we created chances, it was those times when you just felt like it was little bit of luck or maybe more precision in front of the goal,” Aston Villa’s Ward said after the game, confident that the fortunes of her team would soon change.
This hard-fought win means Chelsea is now continuing to dominate the WSL, and under Bompastor, it looks like they will definitely be one of the top rivals for many seasons. Aston Villa will take solace in this battling display as they look to a turnaround in the next outing.
Highlights of Kaneryd’s fine goal and a good defence from Chelsea will be remembered as the nerve-wracking finale to what was arguably the most competitive and entertaining clash between two determined sides.
