Chelsea 2-0 Man City: Player ratings as Blues maintain WSL top spot

Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester City was more than enough to maintain their top spot in the Barclays Women's Super League.

Sonia Bompastor's side remain unbeaten during the 2024/25 campaign and Saturday's victory at Stamford Bridge was a clear indicator that they are strong contenders to win another title.

Mayra Ramirez and Guro Reiten hit the back of the net, clinching the win and proving why this Blues side are world class.

How the game unfolded

Chelsea dominated much of the first half, leaving a dumbfounded Manchester City on the back foot.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was by far the most impressive player on the pitch, continuing the impressive form she's been displaying this season.

It was Millie Bright with the first opportunity on target, with a header that failed to make an impact and was stopped easily by Ayaka Yamashita.

Chelsea's fluidity proved problematic, as Lucy Bronze and Mille Bright shot balls over the top of City's midfield.

As the first half progressed, the Cityzens did manage to claw back some possession. The best effort came from Khadjia 'Bunny' Shaw who found herself up against Bright but sent her shot wide.

Despite ample chances, the Blues failed to find power behind their efforts keeping them level. The home side continued their momentum in the second half and certainly injected some spark into what had been a lacklustre duel so far.

However, it was Ramirez who gave Chelsea the lead in the 75th minute after breezing past City's defence and eventually finding the back of the net. After that, they were on the front foot.

Just four minutes after, Reiten delicately placed the second of the night into the left-hand corner. City looked frazzled as the game continued and were unable to get the better of a home side, who were now performing to the crowds at Stamford Bridge.

As the final whistle blew, the result was a clear message that Chelsea have their sights firmly set on their eighth consecutive WSL title.

Chelsea player ratings (4-2-3-1)

GK: Hannah Hampton - 6/10 - She didn't have a lot to do during the 90 minutes but was a safe pair of hands when required.

RB: Lucy Bronze - 6/10 - The England international was far superior when up against City's Mary Fowler, adequately using her strength to shut down any chances for the opposition.

CB: Natalie Bjorn 6/10 - The centre-back was her usual reliable self, successfully finding Reiten, Rytting Kaneryd and Reiten with threatening long balls.

CB: Millie Bright - 6/10 - The England centre-back stood strong against Shaw and had a good chance at goal with a header in the opening minutes.

LB: Sandy Baltimore 6/10 - The French international wasn't in the game as much as she usually is, but when in possession looked threatening and put up a good physical fight against Fujino.

CM: Sjoeke Nusken - 7/10 - Maintaining a 77% pass rate accuracy, the midfielder worked wonders in midfield with Cuthbert.

CM: Erin Cuthbert - 7/10 - She made herself a real problem against the Cityzens, linking up superbly with Rytting Kaneryd.

RW: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd - 8/10 - Had a lot of the chances in the palm of her hand but failed to deliver. She was dominant and by far one of the best players on the pitch.

AM: Maika Hamano - 8/10 - Alongside Rytting Kaneryd, she was one of Chelsea's standout players. Not only did she dominate possession, she was able to use her skills to leave City's midfield guessing.

LW: Guro Reiten - 7/10 - After blending into the background for most of the game, she came out the blocks to give Chelsea their second.

ST: Mayra Ramirez - 8/10 - Although she struggled to get the better of Alex Greenwood in the first half, the striker went on to give Chelsea the lead with a superb strike.

Substitutes

SUB: Ashley Lawrence (83' for Reiten) - 7/10 - She won one ground duel and maintained a 100% pass rate accuracy.

SUB: Aggie Beever-Jones (90' for Ramirez) - N/A

Unused subs: Zecira Musovic, Catarina Macario, Eve Perisset, Wieke Kaptein, Maelys Mpome, Oriane Jean-Francois, Alejandra Bernabe.

Manager

Sonia Bompastor - 8/10 - Chelsea's win marks Bompastor's eighth consecutive win since becoming head coach. Although they failed to dazzle in the first half, they put on a show in the second proving why they are one of the best clubs in the world.

Player of the match - Johanna Rytting Kaneryd

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