Following their midweek win over Birmingham in the FA Cup, Chelsea were back at full strength for their WSL tie against Brighton and Hove Albion. Chelsea’s class were on full display as the wasteful side outclassed Brighton on route to a 3-1 victory that temporarily sends them top of the WSL.
Chelsea Top the WSL Following Win Over Brighton and Hove Albion
First Half Ease
Chelsea went ahead after just nine minutes through a Guro Reiten’s strike that Brighton goalkeeper Megan Walsh should have done better on. After 20 minutes, Chelsea doubled their lead as once again the Brighton goalkeeper will feel she could’ve done better on the headed goal from Sam Kerr.
Kerr was a menace throughout the half, playing on the shoulder of the defence and keeping the Brighton backline on their toes at all times. German midfielder Melanie Leupolz had a great half as she sat deep and made a number of fantastic passes that Chelsea turned into chances. If they had been on full form, the Blues could have found themselves with a much bigger lead at half-time.
Brighton Struggled to Mount Comeback
In a surprising move, Brighton pulled one back right after half-time through veteran Danielle Carter. This goal energized Brighton both defensively and on attack where they began creating chances. Chelsea kept Brighton at bay and inevitably grew into the game, exploiting the space being afforded to them by the Seagull’s attacking onset. Bethany England put the match to bed by scoring Chelsea’s third goal with a beautifully placed strike into the top corner of the goal from close range.
This win sends Chelsea top of the WSL temporarily. Arsenal takes on fourth-placed Aston Villa later today and even a single point for Arsenal will see them reclaim the top spot from Chelsea. Arsenal have the advantage at the top of the table thanks to their opening day win over Chelsea.
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