Chelsea remain unbeaten in the WSL

Chelsea players celebrating their goal. Photo: Chelsea Fc

By Gaby Harman-Craddock (08/12/24)

Under the gloomy skies of South West London, current WSL leaders Chelsea hosted Brighton and Hove Albion.

Less than a minute into play, Brighton took a corner that was quickly headed out by Blues captain Bright. It wasn’t long before Chelsea began their push into the visitors’ half, and the ball was pipped over the bar.

The early minutes of the game saw one of Brighton’s new season signings Parris make two successful tackles to regain possession from the hosts in their half before the ball was kicked out of play. Brighton continued to make several attempts at goal, some panicked defending took place from the current WSL champions.

Chelsea then began to press on with great speed. The pass was made to Norwegian striker Reiten and the shot went straight into the gloves of Baggaley. Chelsea were trying to shoot again but they couldn’t quite get the ball through the sea of yellow shirts. Chelsea were commanding the game with their possession, but Brighton’s defence was difficult to fault.

Parris made a nice, long pass to McLauchlin. The Gulls’ were holding possession well as they moved towards the goal, but it was Reiten who kicked the ball out and ended their chances.

34 minutes in saw the Blues open the scoring for this goal-heavy game, with Nusken being the one to get the ball over the line.

39 minutes in and Beever-Jones scored a second goal for Chelsea. In a moment of madness, the Albion’s goal was left wide open, and Beever-Jones poked the ball over the line.

By the 42nd minute , Brighton are back with a point on the scoreboard with a goal from Cankovic. Parris seemed to start the opportunity, patrolling the penalty area with the ball, but as space and time ran out, it was her pass to former blue Cankovic that saw the ball hit the back of Chelsea’s net.

With half-time approaching, it was chaos at Kingsmeadow. Kaneryd found herself winning a 1 v 1 with Baggaley and headed straight for an open goal before the flag went up and the goal was disallowed.

1 minute of added time was soon over and the half-time whistle blew at Kingsmeadow. Three goals in one half, the second half seemed to present a new range of opportunity for both teams.

Just before the second half began, the stands were screaming for the return of fan favourite Charles. The Lionesses defender had surgery back in September after she dislocated her shoulder in a pre-season game. She came on in place of Lawrence. The Blue’s second half time substitution meant Macario came on to replace Kaptein. Brighton and Hove also brought on Agyemang in place of Bremer.

The second half started with a great save from Lioness Hampton and then the 50th minute saw a third goal for Chelsea from Kaneryd. It seemed to be another big slip up from the Albion. Their defence looked good at points, but they couldn’t seem to hold up under pressure.

The rain was really coming down on Kingsmeadow by now. Both teams were trying to hold the ball, but this was still very much Chelsea’s game.

The Gulls’ next ball was expertly defended by Bronze. The veteran Lioness has found her place at the top of the WSL. Today’s game once again proved the talent and formidability of Chelsea’s backline

In the 70th minute Brighton scored again. A failed save from Hampton gave space for Seike to strike the ball straight between the posts.

It was then down to Parris to defend against Chelsea’s latest corner kick. The former United midfielder has really shown her talent and value with her new squad. She was a standout player in this match, proving herself as a key member of Brighton’s starting 11.

Then medics were called to treat Brighton captain Losada. After almost a minute and a half, the Gulls go down to 10 players as their skipper continued to receive treatment for what appeared to be an injury to her mouth.

Seike found some great space to charge forward. Her attempt was unsuccessful, demonstrated by Bronze who was so determined to defend the chance she almost fell through the back of the net herself.

4 minutes of added time were announced by the official. Moments after the announcement, Chelsea’s Nusken scored again. It’s another costly mistake from Brighton.

Swiftly after, the whistle was blown and the Blue’s secured yet another win at home, as well as yet another three points to add to their advancing lead at the top of the WSL table. Chelsea’s unbeaten streak continues, will anyone be able to stop them this season?

Score: 4-2

Teams

Chelsea: Hampton (GK), Bright (C), Nusken, Cuthbert, Reiten, Lawrence, Bjorn, Kaptein, Rytting Kaneryd, Bronze, Beever-Jones

Subs used: Charles (46’), Macario (46’), Ramirez (71’), Jean-Francois (92’)

Booked: Cuthbert (19’), Nusken (90’+4)

Scorers: Nusken (34’, 90’+1), Beever-Jones (39’), Kaneryd (51’)

Brighton and Hove Albion: Baggaley (GK), Pattinson, Bergsvand, Losada (C), Bremer, Parris, Cankovic, Seike, Carabali, Olislagers, McLauchlan

Subs used: Agyemang (46’), Vilamala (62’), Rayner (85’)

Booked: Parris (64’), Carablí (75’)

Scorers: Cankovic (43’), Seike (71’)