Chelsea continued their impressive unbeaten run with a comfortable 3-1 win over FC Twente in their second UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage match.
Sonia Bompastor has taken to her new role as head coach like a duck to water, eradicating any concern about her ability to create success in the absence of Emma Hayes.
Still riding high after their London derby win last week in the Barclays Women’s Super League against Arsenal, the Blues proved once again why they are worthy contenders for the champions of Europe crown.
Asserting dominance over FC Twente, one of the most successful modern Dutch teams early on, it was goals from Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and Guro Reiten that helped them retain the top spot in their group.
How the game unfolded
Chelsea’s effortless talent and skill was on full display from the first whistle and it was a deflected effort from England international Aggie Beever-Jones that helped them take the lead at seven minutes in.
The Blues continued to maintain the majority of possession in the first half, breezing the ball past their opponents showcasing an obvious advantage.
Summer signing and French international Sandy Baltimore put in a great shift in the first half on the left-wing, creating a number of fast-paced runs into challenging positions, using her strength to cross the ball when she could.
Chelsea’s ongoing persistence paid off when a long-range screamer from Hamano caught FC Twente’s goalkeeper Olivia Clark off guard, dipping behind her into the net.
Despite a comfortable lead, the Netherlands side successfully pressed on a few occassions but there lack of connectivity minimised any chance of real threat.
The Blues were given another an opportunity to extend their lead even further in the second half when substitute Mayra Ramirez was awarded a penalty after being taken down by Lieske Carleer.
It was Reiten that stepped up to the spot and converted the chance to give Chelsea a 3-0 lead. However, FC Twente fans were given a reason to celebrate shortly after when Nikee van Dijik exposed the away side’s backline and snuck one past Zecira Musovic.
The home team certainly ramped up their efforts towards the end of the game, but any fighting chance they had was too late as Chelsea were awarded another three points.
Arsenal player ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: Zecira Musovic – 7/10 – The Sweden international remained a safe pair of hands despite not being able to stop van Dijk’s effort.
RB: Eve Perisset – 7/10 – Made her first start this season and looked comfortable resuming her position on the backline.
CB: Kadeisha Buchanan (c) – 6/10 – The Canadian international displayed strength when required but didn’t have a lot to do before being taken off at half-time.
CB: Nathalie Bjorn – 8/10 – There is never any doubt about the 27-year-old’s consistency to show up and perform.
LB: Ashley Lawrence – 7/10 – Displayed of why she’s been described as one of the best full-backs in the world but wasn’t fully tested.
CM: Wieke Kaptein – 7/10 – Assumed dominance in her position in the centre working well with Jean-Francois.
CM: Oriane Jean-François – 7/10 – The new recruit made her debut in Chelsea’s starting XI since joining in the summer and proved why she’s an exciting addition.
CM: Maika Hamano – 8/10 – The Japan international bagged her first goal of the season and commanded the game well from the middle.
RW: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – 7/10 – The Swedish international tore up FC Twente’s right-side and was a useful creative spark.
LW: Sandy Baltimore – 8/10 – Got taken off at half-time but made a huge impression in her short time on the pitch.
ST: Aggie Beever-Jones – 8/10 – The England international snagged a goal and found herself on the end of a few near-misses.
SUB: Guro Reiten (45′ for Baltimore) – 8/10
SUB: Maelys Mpome (45′ for Buchanan) – 6/10
SUB: Erin Cuthbert (60′ for Jean-Francois) – 8/10
SUB: Mayra Ramirez (60′ for Kaneryd) – 8/10
SUB: Julia Bartel (60′ for Kaptein) – 6/10
Unused subs: Katie Cox (GK), Hannah Hampton (GK), Millie Bright, Sjoeke Nusken, Lucy Bronze
Manager
Sonia Bompastor – 8/10 – The Bompastor era is certainly proving to be an exciting one but the ex-Lyon manager must focus her efforts on tightening Chelsea’s backline as they progress in the competition.
