Chelsea ends Manchester United's unbeaten streak in the WSL.

Guro Reiten celebrating her goal during Chelsea's big win. Credit: @Chelseawfc

By Gaby Harman- Craddock (24/11/2024)

Chelsea- 1-0 Manchester United

Chelsea faced Manchester United at a very windy Kingsmeadow. Both teams

entered the pitch unbeaten in the WSL, and United left with their first loss of the

season.

“We won the league at Old Trafford”, the Chelsea fans sang from the stands,

reminiscent of their last meeting with United at the end of the 23/24 season. The

game saw United 6-0 down at home. The match was followed with Chelsea lifting the WSL trophy.

By 6’, both Hampton and Tullis-Joyce had to make saves as both teams were on the attack to maintain their respective WSL track records. United made the first attacking moves, but it wasn’t long before Chelsea got the ball back in their half.

Geyse had medics on the pitch at 9’ with what appeared to be a hand injury. Play

continued as she got her wrist taped up. 2 minutes later, she was back on the pitch.

A penalty was awarded to Chelsea on the spot after striker Ramirez was brought down by United’s GK Tullis-Joyce. Reiten then opened the scoring for Chelsea at 16’ with a successful goal from the penalty spot.

United made another good attempt to keep pushing forward, but Chelsea are using their A* back line to their advantage.

29’, Hampton goes down and medics are called out following a chance from United. This meant it was time for a water break for the rest of the girls. 31 minutes in and play continues, Hampton remains between the sticks. However, moments later, Hampton went down due to Rachel Williams being left booked after clashing into the Chelsea keeper.

39’, another Chelsea ball goes straight to the hands of Tullis-Joyce. Grace Clinton then went into the books at 41’ for taking the ball after the referee had already stopped the game after a foul.

4 minutes of extra time are added to the first half.

Chelsea finished the first half with 1 shot on target, while United are yet to make

anything happen. It seems difficult for either side to make it past the other's defence. Looking at this match, it is hard to picture how Chelsea scored 6 goals and kept a clean sheet against the Reds back in May.

The second half quickly sees a free kick given to United skipper Le Tissier, which is

soon batted away by the blues.

50’ and the United fans are loud as George takes it from the corner. Yet again, no

chance at getting it past Chelsea’s defence.

55’ in and Chelsea make their first substitutions. Hamano comes on for Macario to

switch up their defence, and Beever-Jones comes on in place of goal scorer Reiten.

United make their first team changes at the 60-minute mark. Malard comes off the bench to replace Williams, and fan favourite Galton replaces Bizet, one of United’s summer transfers.

65’, and Le Tissier blocks a Chelsea attempt. Both she and Turner were performing

quite well together. They had to at that point, as most minutes of the second half are spent in their last third.

Malard had refreshed United’s attack, but it wasn’t enough to keep the ball in

their half. Chelsea remained the dominant force in this game, despite not being able to do much with it.

At 73’ Janssen was booked for a foul against Cuthbert.

A shot from another Chelsea free kick goes straight into Tullis-Joyce’s gloves at 74’.

77’ and the United GK called for medical attention. The play resumed at 79 with no changes.

79’ in and Ramirez went down following a battle with Le Tissier She appeared to be clutching her mouth, and fellow blue Beever-Jones called for medical attention.

In the 86th minute sees another big attack from the WSL titleholders, but again, there’s no getting it past Tullis-Joyce.

At 88’, United made another substitution in their midfield and brought on Ladd in place of Awujo.

89 ’ in and Malard makes an attempt at goal for United that hits the post. Her attacks are strong, but not quite enough here.

2 minutes into extra time, and Sandberg comes on to replace George in United’s

defence.

20 seconds left to play and Sandberg took a corner that got pushed out and was

given again. Chelsea starts the push forward and the whistle blows meaning they take the 3 points.

Teams

Chelsea:

Hampton (GK), Bright (C), Nusken, Ramirez, Cuthbert, Reiten, Bjorn

Baltimore, Rytting Kaneryd, Bronze, Hamano

Substitutes used: Macario (55’), Beever-Jones (55’)

Scorers: Reiten (16’ p)

Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce (GK), George, Le Tissier (C), Clinton, Awujo,

Riviere, Bizet, Janssen, Turner, Geyse, Williams

Substitutes used: Malard (60’), Galton (60’), Ladd (88’), Sandberg (92’)