Chelsea Women showcased their dominance with a resounding 7-0 victory against Crystal Palace Women.
Aggie Beever-Jones ignited the scoring spree, with Lucy Bronze and Lauren James contributing significantly to the team’s success.
First Half Struggles and a Breakthrough
In the early stages, Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm despite dominating possession. Crystal Palace’s defence stood firm, frustrating the visitors with their disciplined approach.
Just when it seemed the first half would end goalless, a swift counter-attack led by Sjoeke Nusken set up Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who then assisted Aggie Beever-Jones for the opening goal. Palace’s defence, which had been resolute, was finally breached.
Chelsea had additional chances through Katie Stengel and Annabel Blanchard, but it was Beever-Jones’ clinical finish that gave them the lead going into the break.
Second Half Surge
The second half saw Chelsea return with renewed vigour. Lucy Bronze doubled the lead with a stunning long-range effort, marking her first goal for the club in spectacular fashion.
Lauren James made it 3-0 after combining well with substitute Mayra Ramirez. It was a straightforward finish, highlighting Chelsea’s offensive prowess.
Guro Reiten’s powerful strike extended the lead further, demonstrating the team’s dominance. Nathalie Bjorn added another from a poorly defended corner, solidifying Chelsea’s control.
Late Game Domination
As the match progressed, Crystal Palace found it increasingly difficult to contain Chelsea’s relentless attacks.
Sandy Baltimore, a late substitute, played a crucial role in setting up Reiten for her second goal of the game.
Even in stoppage time, Chelsea continued to press, with Catarina Macario capitalising on a defensive lapse to score the seventh goal.
Managerial Insights
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was pleased with the adjustments made at half-time, particularly in defence and ball control. She noted the importance of scoring the first goal to break the opposition’s resolve.
“We needed to be more confident with the ball,” Bompastor stated, emphasizing the tactical changes that led to Chelsea’s improved performance in the second half.
Crystal Palace manager Laura Kaminski acknowledged the difficulty of facing a top-tier team like Chelsea. She pointed out the promising first-half performance but lamented the team’s inability to maintain momentum.
Star Performances
Aggie Beever-Jones’ contribution was particularly noted, with pundits highlighting her remarkable development and goal-scoring prowess.
“Her progress is unbelievable,” said Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen, underscoring the young talent’s potential within the Chelsea squad.
Guro Reiten, who was deployed in a new role, expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting the benefits of positional versatility.
Post-Match Reactions
Chelsea’s dominance was clear throughout the match, with both open play and set-piece situations proving fruitful.
Guro Reiten shared her thoughts on the game, commenting on the team’s need for quicker ball movement in the first half, which ultimately led to a seven-goal triumph.
Sonia Bompastor reiterated the team’s ambition to win every title and every game, reflecting the squad’s high aspirations.
A Tough Lesson for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s inaugural top-flight game ended in disappointment, but the experience is expected to serve as a valuable learning opportunity for the team.
Despite the heavy loss, the first-half performance provided glimpses of the team’s potential to compete at this level.
Chelsea’s commanding performance against Crystal Palace Women’s team highlights their status as a dominant force in the Women’s Super League.
The match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges newcomers face in top-tier football, while also showcasing the sheer talent and depth within Chelsea’s squad.
