EMMA HAYES praised her “ice cool” Chelsea players for finally ending their nightmare run against Manchester City.
Boss Hayes’ side were trailing to Caroline Weir’s opener before two late goals in three minutes from Beth England and Maren Mjelde sealed a comeback win.
Maren Mjelde scored as Chelsea beat Man City 2-1Credit: PA:Press Association
The victory extends the Blues’ unbeaten start in the WSL — and drew a line under a five-year run of ten league games without a win against City.
Reflecting on Chelsea’s 2-1 win, Hayes said: “We don’t implode. I’ve coached a lot of football teams to know what happens when it’s a bit tetchy, but this is a team that stays ice cool.
“There was a big difference in this game against City than it has been in the past.
“It’s like a chess match. When we play them, we have to be patient and I thought we conceded off a poor error.
“We develop leaders and thinkers at Chelsea and for that reason, I think there’s more of them in the team this year.
“These players have had a lot of setbacks — that helps. They know the pain of losing.
“The finest result is when you lift the trophy, so this was just an early kick-off where I think we’ve overcome a team that we’ve struggled with.
“The performance was OK by our standards.”
Weir steered a 59th-minute volley into the far corner beyond keeper Ann Katrin-Berger’s reach from a Keira Walsh cross.
But Chelsea fought back and netted the well-deserved equaliser 20 minutes later thanks to England.
She headed home from very close range after Ji So-yun’s shot was palmed by City keeper Ellie Roebuck into her path.
And just three minutes later Mjelde put the Londoners in front — not that she knew much about it.
The Norwegian got the final touch after a driving effort from England bounced around City’s box when Roebuck was unable to clear.
There was a last desperate scramble by City for an equaliser, with an Ellen White header having to be cleared off the line.
City boss Nick Cushing said: “We know exactly what happens when we come here. We are put under pressure at times because we are playing a great team.
“I must say that what Chelsea are doing with their match day is incredible — the atmosphere is outstanding.
“It’s pretty unique in the WSL here with the noise — and the stadium, with 3,498, was almost full.
“If you allow them to get the crowd onside, then it is going to be difficult.
“I said to my team that we just lacked a little bit of aggression that we normally have. I thought it from the first whistle — we looked tentative at times.
“It is my job to push the players and be really honest with them.
“They will accept it and we will make sure the team we put on the pitch next is as aggressive as it has been before.”
Kim Little scored a wonder goal for Arsenal against ReadingCredit: Getty Images
KIM LITTLE praised her Arsenal team-mates after a wondergoal against Reading helped secure a 3-0 win.
The Scotland midfielder scored a contender for WSL goal of the season to help the Gunners end the day top.
And Littlesaid: “It’s always nice to score but it’s even more special when you create good goals for your team-mates and you combine.
“I thought all three of our goals were great. There was a counter, there was a combination.
“That shows the depth and how dynamic we are.”
It was a high-stakes match for both sides at Adams Park.
Arsenal were looking to edge back ahead of unbeaten Chelsea, while battling Reading were aiming to maintain their top-four bid.
“The Royals started brightly, showing no signs of being intimidated by their title- chasing visitors.
And they had a great chance to score on five minutes, with England veteran Fara Williams forcing Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger to parry the ball away.
Yet, after Vivianne Miedema put Arsenal ahead on 28 minutes, Little gave them a half-time cushion with her superb effort.
The Scotland midfielder received the ball on her chest from a deft Leah Williamson pass before volleying it into the net in the 37th minute.
Goal machine Miedema lofted a ball over keeper Grace Maloney in injury time to wrap it up.
Lauren James netted for Man Utd in their win over EvertonCredit: PA:Press Association
LAUREN JAMES struck twice as MANCHESTER UNITED came from behind to beat EVERTON 3-1 to move up to fourth.
She equalised soon after an own goal from United keeper Mary Earps had given the visitors an early lead.
James then won a penalty which was converted by Katie Zelem.
Then she sealed the win with a smart finish just before half-time.
Bottom side LIVERPOOL scored their first goal from open play this season in a 1-1 draw against WEST HAM.
The Hammers had led through Adriana Leon’s scuffed shot in just the fifth minute.
Mel Lawley then missed a spot-kick for Liverpool.
But she redeemed herself by sending in the cross that Niamh Charles turned home.
It was only the second point her side have won this term.
TOTTENHAM moved up to sixth with a 1-0 win over BRIGHTON courtesy of Ashleigh Neville’s goal.
Meanwhile, BIRMINGHAM won 2-0 at second-bottom BRISTOL CITY with goals in either half from Lucy Whipp and Abbi Grant.
Female football stars are lovers who play for bitter rivals Chelsea and West Ham
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
