KEY POINTS
- Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the table to 12 points following a 3-0 victory against Chelsea.
- Brazilian forward Kerolin stole the show with two clinical goals, including a solo break just after half-time.
- Khadija Shaw also found the net as City’s high-octane attack overwhelmed the six-time defending champions at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City took a massive step toward their first Women’s Super League title since 2016 by dismantling rivals Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday. Playing at the Etihad Stadium in front of a significant crowd, City showcased why they are the current league leaders. The victory moves them 12 points clear of the second-placed Blues, who now face an uphill battle to retain their crown.
The hosts began the match with aggressive intent, pressing Chelsea high up the pitch from the opening whistle. This pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Kerolin broke the deadlock. After the ball dropped to her in the box, the Brazilian international fired a deflected effort past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The goal energized the home supporters and put the reigning champions on the defensive early.
Chelsea attempted to respond through the creative efforts of Erin Cuthbert and Lauren James. Cuthbert forced a brilliant fingertip save from Ayaka Yamashita midway through the first half. Despite several promising spells of possession, the Blues struggled to break through City’s disciplined defensive unit. City’s backline, anchored by Alex Greenwood, successfully neutralized Chelsea’s attacking threats for much of the afternoon.
The lead was doubled in the 36th minute by the league’s top scorer, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. Vivianne Miedema intercepted a loose ball in midfield before sliding a perfect pass through to the striker. Shaw used her strength to hold off a defender before calmly slotting the ball into the corner. The goal gave City a comfortable cushion heading into the half-time interval.
Any hopes of a Chelsea comeback were extinguished just four minutes into the second half. Kerolin produced a moment of individual brilliance, starting a run from within her own half. Showing incredible pace and composure, she bypassed several defenders before chipping the ball over Hampton. The 3-0 scoreline reflected City’s clinical efficiency and tactical superiority on the day.
This result marks a significant shift in the WSL power dynamic after six years of Chelsea dominance. City have now won 12 of their 14 matches this season, dropping points only once. For Chelsea, the defeat is a major blow to their aspirations under manager Sonia Bompastor. While the Blues still have games in hand, City’s 12-point advantage puts them in a commanding position with only eight games remaining.
