Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 in their opening WSL match, with Maika Hamano scoring the decisive goal. The win marked a positive start for Chelsea’s title defense and extended their unbeaten league run. Manchester City showed promise but were ultimately undone by injuries and Chelsea’s clinical finishing.
A thrilling start to the Women's Super League (WSL) season saw Chelsea edge out Manchester City with a 2-1 victory, highlighted by a decisive goal from Maika Hamano. The match, played at Stamford Bridge, marked the beginning of Sonia Bompastor's quest to secure Chelsea's unprecedented seventh consecutive WSL title. Despite Manchester City's efforts, Chelsea's resilience and clinical finishing proved to be the difference.
For Andrée Jeglertz, it was a disappointing start as the new manager of Manchester City, while Bompastor continues her unbeaten streak in English league football. Chelsea's dominance in the WSL remains unchallenged, extending their unbeaten run to 26 league games since May 2024. The match showcased Chelsea's ability to capitalize on crucial moments, a trait that has defined their success over the years. Chelsea demonstrated the characteristics that have helped them dominate the division in modern times, particularly their ruthlessness in the final third by comparison to their rivals.
Manchester City had moments of promise, with Khadija Shaw nearly leveling the score with a powerful shot that narrowly missed the crossbar. However, their efforts were marred by late injuries to key players Alex Greenwood and Lily Murphy. One positive for Manchester City was the debut of Sydney Lohmann, who impressed in midfield after her transfer from Bayern Munich. Iman Beney also made her debut, adding fresh energy to the squad. Grace Clinton, a deadline-day acquisition, was absent due to a minor injury.
Chelsea fans eagerly anticipated the return of Sam Kerr, who was named as a substitute. Her presence on the bench added excitement to the matchday experience.
The match took place shortly after the Euro 2025 final, and while the stadium wasn't packed, the Chelsea supporters made their presence felt. New signing Ellie Carpenter stood out with her dynamic runs down the wing, creating the opening goal for Aggie Beever-Jones with a precise cross. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to witness Chelsea's latest talent in action.
Another of Chelsea's new transfers, Alyssa Thompson, was introduced to the home fans on the pitch before kick-off to add to the mood of anticipation. This fixture came too soon for her debut after her deadline-day move from Angel City for a club record £1.1m, but Chelsea hope her arrival can help them in their quest to achieve the aim clearly specified in Bompastor’s matchday programme notes: to win all four major trophies this term and go one better that last term’s domestic treble. As for City, just one piece of silverware would be an uplift on their past three trophyless campaigns.
Manchester City had an early scare when a deflected shot off Gracie Prior's arm tested goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, who responded with a brilliant save. Throughout the first half, Hannah Hampton showcased her skills with impressive saves, denying Khadija Shaw on multiple occasions. Manchester City created opportunities, with Lauren Hemp featuring on the right wing, and a free-kick from Greenwood rattled the crossbar. Vivianne Miedema also threatened with a powerful strike.
Chelsea's Maika Hamano extended their lead, capitalizing on a well-timed pass from Wieke Kaptein. However, Manchester City found a glimmer of hope when Niamh Charles scored an own goal from a Greenwood free-kick.
Despite a late push, Manchester City couldn't find the equalizer, allowing Chelsea to secure a crucial victory in their WSL title defense.