Last season’s WSL champions Chelsea came into this match against Bristol City looking for their first victory of the season after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
The match was competitive in the early stages, with Bristol battling in the midfield to try to stifle Chelsea’s dynamic attack. As both teams settled into the tie however, it was clear that while Chelsea were quick to tighten up their defence in response to any pressure from their opponents, Bristol City were much less organised at the back.
Fran Kirby would be the first to capitalise on the open Bristol City defence as she struck a fairly weak effort towards goal from outside the 18-yard box which Bristol City goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley would spill into the net.
The goal would be Kirby’s first in the WSL in 16 months after struggling with pericarditis and missing three months of action last season, a feel-good moment for one of England’s most talented players.
Bristol City would be helpless against Chelsea’s pressure for the rest of the half, unfortunately showing the same defensive issues that they had last season, finishing the shortened season with the league’s worst goal difference and the most goals conceded.
Chelsea would finish the first half five-nil up, including a goal from Melanie Leupolz, who netted her first for the London outfit with an impressive diving header.
Bristol City began the second half, clearly eager to put a cap on Chelsea’s scoring for the day, with striker Charlie Wellings being the only player not behind the ball.
Chelsea would continue to pressure for their sixth; Kirby and Sam Kerr linking together beautifully on multiple occasions.
Chelsea would eventually find gaps in the Bristol City defence, bolstered by the creative footwork of star signing Pernille Harder, who came on as a substitute.
Harder would get a goal for her efforts, Chelsea’s eighth of the day, getting onto the end of another slick team attack to flick a back heel past Baggaley for her first goal in the WSL.
Chelsea would finish with nine, equalling the tally that rivals Arsenal were able to put past West Ham Women yesterday. Sam Kerr was the woman to cap off Chelsea’s scoring, a fitting end as Kerr looked dangerous throughout the whole game and deserved to find the net.
This result will likely leave Bristol City well adrift at the bottom of the table having lost their opening two games by a combined thirteen goals and not being able to hit the net themselves in either.
Bristol City will have the international break to lick their wounds, before travelling to Arsenal in their next fixture on the 4th of October, while Chelsea have a quarterfinal matchup from last season’s FA Cup against Everton before the next round of WSL fixtures, where they will face Birmingham.
The Inbound Observer 