NOTHING could split the WSL’s top two teams in a six-goal blockbuster that had almost everything.
Twice table-topping Manchester City took the lead, with goals by Ellen White and Georgia Stanway.
Lauren Hemp bagged a priceless equaliserCredit: Alamy Live News
Ji So-yun’s strike made it 1-1 in the first halfCredit: PA:Press Association
But on both occasions Chelsea hit back through Ji So-yun’s strike and a Magdalena Eriksson header.
The drama continued when the hosts were awarded a penalty – yet goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger kept her cool to deny Stanway.
And Beth England’s 25-yard thunderbolt then put Chelsea ahead, only for Lauren Hemp to rescue a thrilling point for City.
It meant City stay a point clear of the Blues at the top, though they have played a game more.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said: “It’s tough for the players. We have to recognise they are humans and you can’t ask everything of them.
“They have emotions and I thought it was a game played with emotions from both teams.
“I’m happy to still be unbeaten, happy to be in the title hunt and even happier I’m in the final of the Continental Cup next week.”
The game began with a bang after 20 seconds when a shot by Chelsea star Sam Kerr was parried into England’s lethal path.
England star Ellen White was in action for the CitizensCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the Lionesses’ striker was unable to cash in as her effort flashed wide of the far post.
It seemed the nerves had not settled at other end either as Caroline Weir whacked a Janine Beckie pass over the bar for City.
But moments later White bagged the opener, netting another classy cross from Beckie on 22 minutes.
So-yun had Chelsea back on level terms with a blistering shot from the edge of the area. And England almost made it two after a desperate scramble in the box, but keeper Ellie Roebuck did well.
The hosts came out fired up in the second half and Stanway reclaimed the lead with a rocket after breaking free on the left on 60 minutes.
Moments later Swedish defender Eriksson had the Blues back in it at 2-2 after a slip-up from Roebuck, who had been superb up to this point.
Eriksson’s header escaped the keeper’s clutches on 68 minutes and ended up in the net.
Roebuck was maybe still suffering from being smacked in the face by the ball and she was later carried off with an ankle injury.
The match could have gone the other way and I could be sat here really annoyed at a loss. But it is the resilience and character in the team which I was really pleased with.
Man City boss Alan McMahon
But the hosts were handed a massive chance to hit back again when the referee pointed to the spot following a late challenge by Sophie Ingle on midfielder Weir.
But Stanway fluffed her lines from the spot.
And shell-shocked City were made to pay when England let rip from 25 yards out to fire Hayes’ side in front.
With the title on the line, the hosts threw everything at it and Hemp poked home a pass from Weir to level the scores.
City boss Alan Mahon said: “I said to the girls be positive and earn the right to enjoy the game.
The Blues thought they’d won it late onCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“So I wanted them to be positive going forward and get the ball squared up, which we did.
“The match could have gone the other way and I could be sat here really annoyed at a loss.
“But it is the resilience and character in the team which I was really pleased with.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
