It seemed like it was inevitable, but Chelsea Women’s Football Club did it again. The Blues continue the race for the FA Women’s Super League title after winning against second-bottom of the table Everton (3-0), leaving the opposite team again with only 5 points and in total despair; even after the high display the Toffees showed in the Continental Cup against rivals Manchester United (0-3) and Liverpool (3-1).
But, it only took 6 minutes for the ladies in blue to go ahead on the score. A beautiful play, followed by an assist from Erin Cuthbert, ended up with Chelsea’s forward Beth England left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner of Everton’s goal.
Everton had some chances, especially from corners, after the first goal from the match, but the defense created by midfielder Drew Spence and defender Hannah Blundell didn’t let the Toffees had any opportunity at all.
The first half ended up with a 1 goal lead for the Blues, with Everton still dreaming of a comeback. It never happened.
It took more time, but after 15 minutes from the start of the second half, in the 60′, Drew Spence made the second goal of the match, after scoring with a right footed shot from a very close range to the center of the goal.
In the end, Hannah Blundell decided to make the third goal of the match, scoring with a right footed shot from the left side of the box, which went directly to the bottom right corner, impossible for Everton goalkeeper Kirstie Levell to reach.
With this win, Chelsea continues with its hot strike of consecutive wins, 8 games at the moment; tying with second-place Manchester City (28 points), but with an abysmal goal difference and one less match played. Arsenal still 2 matches less, but they’re only ahead by 2 points (30 points).
Chelsea Ladies still on the race and they’re clearly looking forward to facing the Gunners next week, January 13th at 12:30, at Boreham Wood FC; and it’s for sure they’re going for the win and for the so acclaimed title.
Chelsea Women’s Line-up:
(Number of shirts in brackets) (* for players that have been substituted)
H. Lindahl (1)
H. Blundell (3)
M. Bright (4)
M. Eriksson (16)
J. Andersson (20) *
S. Ingle (5)
D. Spence (24) *
E. Cuthbert (22) *
Ji So-Yun (10)
K. Carney (8)
B. England (15)
Substitutes
A. Asante (6) (75′ for Spence)
A. Riley (11) (70′ for Cuthbert)
F. Kirby (14) (70′ for Andersson)
Everton Ladies’ Line-up:
K. Levell (1)
T. Hinds (14)
G. Brougham (4)
G. George (6)
D. Turner (3) *
C. Kelly (11) *
A. James (12)
M. Finnigan (20)
S. Magill (10)
C. Boye-Hlorkah (7) *
E. Hughes (28)
Substitutes
S. Worm (5) (78′ for Turner)
I. Kaagman (8) (70′ for Boye-Hlorkah)
Abbey L. Stringer (13) (86′ for Kelly)
WOMEN IN FOOTBALL: THE GLASS CEILING 