Chelsea Women’s Player Ratings: Man City Humble Champions

Chelsea women’s player ratings paint a painful picture after Manchester City delivered a crushing 5-1 defeat to the dethroned champions. The match at the Etihad Stadium not only saw Chelsea relinquish their grip on the Women’s Super League title but also exposed significant weaknesses in their ranks, as City surged toward championship glory.

Chelsea Women’s Player Ratings After Heavy Defeat

The game started with high stakes, as Chelsea aimed to keep their title hopes alive against league leaders Manchester City. However, the match quickly slipped away from the Blues. Kerolin opened the scoring for City in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a defensive mishap by Naomi Girma. Girma’s inability to clear a dangerous cross set the tone for a difficult afternoon for Chelsea’s backline.

Wieke Kaptein thought she had equalized for Chelsea, heading in a cross from Lauren James, but the effort was ruled out for a marginal offside. Sandy Baltimore was a bright spot on the left, creating chances with her pace and direct play, yet the Blues failed to convert their momentum into goals.

Midfield Struggles: Kaptein and Girma Under Pressure

City doubled their lead before halftime as Khadija Shaw overpowered Girma before lifting the ball over Hannah Hampton. Kaptein’s error in midfield allowed Shaw the opportunity, highlighting Chelsea’s vulnerability under pressure. The defensive pairing of Girma and Bright repeatedly struggled against the relentless City attack.

After the break, Kerolin took control, notching a brilliant hat-trick and putting the result beyond doubt. Chelsea’s midfield, particularly Kaptein, continued to be overrun, and City’s Vivianne Miedema capped off the scoring with a well-taken header from a corner.

Chelsea Women’s Player Ratings vs Manchester City

• Hannah Hampton (4/10): Exposed by her defense, she struggled to inspire confidence or prevent the onslaught.
• Naomi Girma (3/10): At fault for City’s first two goals and outmuscled by Shaw, she endured a nightmare afternoon.
• Millie Bright (5/10): Tried to rally the team but was powerless to stop the City storm.
• Veerle Buurman (4/10): Ineffective in containing City’s forwards and substituted early in the second half.
• Ellie Carpenter (4/10): Worked hard but struggled to handle Lauren Hemp and was caught out of position.
• Keira Walsh (5/10): Offered rare attacking threat but was unable to control the game in midfield.
• Erin Cuthbert (4/10): Showed flashes of quality but failed to impose herself and was substituted early after halftime.
• Wieke Kaptein (3/10): Lost the ball for City’s second goal and appeared overwhelmed, unable to stem City’s midfield tide.
• Sandy Baltimore (5/10): Provided attacking impetus but left gaps behind, exposing her defense.
• Lauren James (4/10): Created an early chance but was mostly anonymous and struggled with consistency.
• Alyssa Thompson (6/10): Scored a fine consolation goal, though her impact was limited by lack of support.

Substitutes and Manager

• Sam Kerr (4/10): Played almost the full second half but couldn’t change the game’s momentum.
• Sjoeke Nusken (5/10): Offered little influence off the bench.
• Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10): Replaced James but made minimal impact.
• Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A): Late substitute with little time to impress.
• Sonia Bompastor (4/10): The manager’s tactical switches failed to stem the tide, as Chelsea’s title defense collapsed.

Manchester City’s Dominance and Chelsea’s Response

Manchester City were ruthless in their execution, with Kerolin’s hat-trick and goals from Shaw and Miedema underlining their superiority. Chelsea’s lone bright moment was Thompson’s long-range strike, but it was scant consolation on a day when City’s attackers ran riot.

For Chelsea, the defeat was a humbling experience, exposing both tactical and individual flaws. Their inability to handle City’s pressing and direct play will be a concern for Bompastor as she seeks to rebuild confidence in her squad.

Opinion: Major Changes Needed for Chelsea Women

This heavy defeat against Manchester City should serve as a wake-up call for Chelsea Women. With their title defense now all but over, it’s clear that both personnel and tactical adjustments are required. Naomi Girma and Wieke Kaptein, in particular, must learn from this experience and show greater composure under pressure. The team still boasts tremendous talent, but the gap to City on this occasion was undeniable. Chelsea must regroup quickly if they want to reclaim their place at the top of the Women’s Super League.

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