Manchester Metropolis drew stage on factors with WSL leaders Chelsea and boosted their title hopes with a vital 1-0 win on Friday evening.
Bunny Shaw scored the one purpose of the sport at Kingsmeadow – her 14th WSL purpose of the season – with a composed end after solely 14 minutes.
The Blues noticed penalty appeals turned down within the first half, when Mayra Ramirez was caught by Alex Greenwood within the field.
They have been additionally denied what regarded a sure equaliser by a surprising double save from teenage goalkeeper Khiara Keating deep into second-half stoppage time.
After a uncommon dwelling defeat for Chelsea – their first at Kingsmeadow in 34 video games – solely purpose distinction now separates the groups within the standings, with eight league matches remaining till the conclusion of the marketing campaign.
How Man Metropolis ship out an announcement at Kingsmeadow
Manchester Metropolis moved stage on factors with WSL leaders Chelsea after their win at Kingsmeadow
In her press convention on Thursday afternoon, Emma Hayes instructed there could be little to separate the WSL’s prime two the next night – and, for the primary 10 minutes a minimum of, that was the case. It was cagey; a slip-up might have grave implications for both workforce’s respective title probabilities.
With their first shot of the sport, Metropolis took the lead. Gareth Taylor might be heard urging his aspect to press and the directions bore fruit, as Jess Park caught Erin Cuthbert in possession and slipped the ball by to Shaw, who stayed composed as she drove ahead and slipped the opener previous Hannah Hampton.
Shaw virtually had one other quickly afterwards, however Hampton beat the striker’s shot away after she was once more discovered by a intelligent Park move.
In the meantime, Chelsea – who have been uncharacteristically missing fluency and efficiency in assault – have been denied a penalty when Ramirez was caught by a last-ditch deal with from behind by Alex Greenwood. Had VAR been in operation within the WSL, the incident would definitely have been reviewed.
For essentially the most half, the second half handed by with out incident. Hayes made adjustments in an try to inject extra vitality and creativity, however her aspect had generated simply 0.33 xG by the hour mark.
When captain Erin Cuthbert met a cut-back and flashed a curling shot throughout the face of purpose, it grew to become clearer it was not going to be the hosts’ evening.
As Metropolis sat again to defend their treasured within the 9 minutes of added time on the finish of the sport, Chelsea did the alternative.
They virtually benefitted from it, too, however 19-year-old Keating produced an important cease to maintain out Jelena Cankovic after she caught a bouncing ball sweetly, and a good higher one to disclaim Sjoeke Nusken as she adopted up from point-blank vary, securing Metropolis’s sixth clear sheet of the season and an eighth league win in succession.
Hayes unfazed by finish of unbeaten run
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes:
“It [the unbeaten run] is not the sort of thing you’re going to put on my tombstone.
“I feel I will be remembered for the medals we get on the finish of the yr, and my focus is on that relatively than what number of followers have been right here, or what number of wins we have had right here. For me, it isn’t fascinating.
“It’s close. It always has been. I’ve never felt it any different way so I don’t pay attention to it. I don’t spend time looking up or down a league. It’s like wasting time.”
Taylor: It is a huge step – however that is all it’s
Manchester Metropolis supervisor Gareth Taylor:
“I’m really pleased, proud of the players. I thought we defended incredibly well, and we’ve got eight games to go. We’re excited about the challenge.
“It is a huge step, however that is all it’s. It is three factors and we transfer onto the subsequent. It is a huge step for us, there isn’t any doubt about it. We have sort of gone below the radar slightly bit this season.
“We’ve tried to play our game as much as we possibly can, but we’ve added a bit of steeliness and determination to our defending now, we’re trying to improve our set plays. The signs are good. It’s just hard work from the players.”
What’s subsequent?
The WSL now takes a break for internationals. Chelsea return to league motion on Sunday March 3 as they journey to Leicester, dwell on Sky Sports activities; kick-off 6pm.
Man Metropolis can even be on Sky Sports activities after the worldwide break. They host Everton on Saturday March 2; kick-off 12pm.
Get Sky Sports activities on WhatsApp!
Now you can begin receiving messages and alerts for the newest breaking sports activities information, evaluation, in-depth options and movies from our devoted WhatsApp channel!
Discover out extra right here.
