Chelsea Women resumed their Women’s Super League campaign for the first time in a month as they paid a visit to Brighton & Hove Albion. With league leaders Arsenal having dropped points to Birmingham City the door was open for Chelsea to close the gap at the top of the WSL. Coming off a 4-2 Conti Cup win over West Ham United in midweek, Emma Hayes’ side were no doubt expecting to keep the momentum going but they failed to make their chances count in a disappointing scoreless draw with Brighton.
Chelsea Women Held By Brighton & Hove Albion
No Shortage of Opportunities
With Sam Kerr currently taking part in the Asian Cup, where she scored five goals in Australia’s opening match, the Chelsea front line was left in the capable hands of Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, and Jessie Fleming. Chelsea’s offense had no shortage of opportunity in the first half as they dominated the game and had ten shots on goal, although only two managed to hit the target. The two sides went into the break level but a breakthrough for The Blues seemed likely.
Chelsea Women Without a Goal Despite 26 Shots
As has been happening more and more with Chelsea Women lately they failed to make their chances count and couldn’t break down their opponent’s defense. Emma Hayes’ side ended the game with 26 shots compared to Brighton’s four, but it was Brighton who were more likely to score through Danielle Carter’s hard work. Chelsea’s offense was once one of the most feared and ruthless in all of football but more and more they are being held scoreless in games, this is something that they will need to sort out as goals win games, and they need to win as much as possible from here on out to catch Arsenal.
Where This Leaves The Blues
After the draw, Chelsea sit in third place in the WSL with 22 points. They have two games in hand over second-placed Manchester United and will likely close that gap. More importantly, they are three points behind Arsenal who are top of the league. Due to postponements, Arsenal have played one matchday more than Chelsea but the gap between the two sides could widen to as much as six points if Arsenal defeat Manchester City tonight.
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