England gives Chelsea title push
A piece of individual brilliance from Beth England underlined her reputation as the most in-form striker in the Women’s Super League as she secured victory for Chelsea over Birmingham City. Rushing at goal, she headed the ball in front of her to leave three defenders in her wake. One-on-one with Hannah Hampton, she made no mistake to score her 13th goal in 14 league games.
It was not a particularly exciting victory, especially after Chelsea beat West Ham United 8-0 in their previous game. Yet it was job done regardless, keeping Chelsea in prime position to overtake Manchester City at the top of the table, as they remain trailing by just one point with a game in hand.
Emma Hayes, the Chelsea manager, said grinding out the win despite not being at the height of their powers was evidence of how “great” her team are. “If we think every game is going to be a crescendo moment, then we’re mistaken,” she said. “It’s about winning however we need to win, and we’ve done that. Is it a sign of a great team? It definitely is.”
Despite their lowly position in 10th now, Birmingham were the last side to beat Chelsea in the league over a year ago and the first half was a disconcerting one for the home side. The same XI who had annihilated West Ham struggled to create a chance of note beyond a fine effort by Erin Cuthbert, which Hampton had to tip over the bar.
In their last meeting with Chelsea in November, Birmingham conceded within two minutes in a match that ended 6-0 – their biggest defeat of the season. But last night they were organised as Chelsea managed just one shot in the first 30 minutes, and Birmingham had a strong chance of their own when Lucy Staniforth blasted a loose ball just over the bar. It was promising for a team who have fallen so far from their top-four perch of last season.
But the inevitable happened just before the interval as Guro Reiten scored after a short scramble. The home side had little difficulty thereafter, with barely any activity in their own half from a Birmingham side who have scored just five league goals all season.
Chelsea added their second goal before the hour mark as Cuthbert and England combined for a fine goal. It affirmed England’s spot as the team’s No9, while Sam Kerr remains on international duty with Australia. The partnership between England and Cuthbert is one Phil Neville will no doubt be keeping an eye on, as he scouts out his Great Britain squad for the Olympics. More imminent is next month’s Shebelieves Cup.
Hayes says England, who later clattered the post in search of her second goal, has earned her starting spot for the national team, too. “She is marvellous,” the manager said. “I’ve said it before, she’s the best English No9 in the country.”
Chelsea (4-3-3) Telford; Blundell, Bright, Ericksson, Andersson; Ingle (Thorisdottir 77), Spence (Bachmann 66), Mjelde; Cuthbert, England, Reiten (Carter 77).
Subs Berger (g), Ji, Cooper. Birmingham City (4-3-3) Hampton; Jordan, Harrop, Brougham, Mayling; Arthur, Whipp, Staniforth; Visalli (Kelly 78), Williams, Grant (Walker 84). Subs Brooks (g), Scott, Scofield, Holloway.
Referee Robert Whitton (Essex).