Sonia Bompastor said Chelsea will need to find different ways of playing against high-pressing opponents if they are to win a sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title.
The former Lyon boss marked her first game in charge of the Blues with an uncomfortable 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s brilliant solo goal late in the first half at Kingsmeadow was the difference between the sides but Villa, who also had a new manager in the dugout in the shape of Robert de Pauw, could count themselves unlucky to lose after a spirited display.
First win of the Bompastor era. ✅ pic.twitter.com/QHMiLMFNgK
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) September 20, 2024
The game almost concluded with a sensational headed equaliser in stoppage time from Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, denied brilliantly by her counterpart Hannah Hampton.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper also made a smart save from Rachel Daly late on as Villa battled gamely for a point but the hosts clung on to hand Bompastor victory in the WSL curtain-raiser.
“We started well,” she said. “Sometimes we didn’t recognise during the game where we should have played.
“But you need to take into account the scenario of the game, especially the second half. Villa put us under a lot of pressure and you have to be able to find a more direct style of play behind their back line.
“If you keep playing short when the opposition is pressing you it’s sometimes difficult. Being smart and trying to find a different style is important when you want to win.”
Starting the season with a BIG win! 👊#CFCW pic.twitter.com/beYAW7MXYr
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) September 20, 2024
The winning goal came after 36 minutes and it was all Rytting Kaneryd’s own work.
The ball arrived at her feet in a central position with new signing from Barcelona Lucy Bronze striding up outside her. Feigning to pass, the Swede instead cut back inside onto her left foot, left defender Paula Tomas on the ground and sent an effort curling around the dive of D’Angelo and into the far corner for the first goal of Bompastor’s reign.
Millie Bright ought have doubled the lead but miscued her header from Erin Cuthbert’s deep cross, then Daly sent a header against the crossbar from Kenza Dali’s cross as Villa reminded Chelsea of their threat.
“I think we started good,” said Bompastor. “We were able to score the first goal. We had two or three very clear situations in the box, we should have scored more goals.
“In a high-level game when you are not able to score the second goal, you give confidence to the opposition. We should have scored more, been more efficient. It would changed the game for sure.
“We need to give credit to Aston Villa. They will make some trouble to other teams in the league. That’s why the league is so competitive because the other teams are getting better and better.”
Villa boss De Pauw reflected on a game he felt his side deserved to take a point from, and was left ruing D’Angelo’s near miss at the death.
“It’s what we will ask ourselves (how we didn’t score) for a long time,” he said. “If you can force the champions in this way, it says something about what we have this season.
“If (D’Angelo) had scored it I would have carried her off the pitch. If she’d made it, it would have gone around the world.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Maresca - Jack You can't elbow players.Nicolas Jackson - Ok boss LOL Haaland the last time Arsenal won the league.. South America owns football he is here …. How good is Cruzeiro? GOAT RECOGNIZES GOAT! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Emi Martinez 'dreaming' of a move to Man UtdAston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer amid the Red Devils' uncertainty regarding Andre Onana's future.The Sun has reported that a move to Old Trafford is Martinez's 'dream' and Ruben Amorim is keen on “captains and leaders” in his squad, and is an admirer of the Argentine World ...
GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth BaleBale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.The 35-year...
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. Howe...
Liverpool have broken their transfer record for the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Friday.ESPN previously reported the deal to be worth a total of £116 million ($156.27 million) -- it includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in add-ons.Wirtz has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, a ...
Al-Ittihad rival Monaco for Pogba signatureAS Monaco face competition for Paul Pogba's signature.The free agent is in talks with Monaco about a playing return, having been suspended since last year due to a failed doping test.Released by Juventus earlier this year, Pogba is now free to resume his playing career and talks with Monaco are underway.However, Fichajes.com says Al-Ittihad, from the Saud...
Man Utd plan to loan Rashford to Inter Milan ahead of next season in shock moveManchester United plan to loan out winger Marcus Rashford this summer as the club continues to look for a buyer.As reported by the Manchester Evening Standard, United are preparing for the prospect of loaning out Rashford for the entirety of next season after the winger fell out with manager Ruben Amorim last season. Th...
Napoli coach Conte: I really didn't think we'd sign McTominayNapoli coach Antonio Conte admits he didn't think Scott McTominay could be signed from Manchester United.McTominay joined Napoli in the final days of the summer market and ended the season a Serie A winner and also named Player of the Year in Italy.Conte told Sky Italia: "I knew McTominay very well , he grew up in the Premier League with...
Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Real Madrid since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2018Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he will always be available to help new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen acclimatise to life at the Bernabeu.England defender Alexander-Arnold recently joined the club for 38m from0Liverpool while Spanish international Huijsen signed from ...
Barcelona superkid Yamal: We will definitely win the Champions LeagueBarcelona superkid Lamine Yamal is confident he will eventually win the Champions League.At 17, Yamal has won every trophy available in the domestic game - with a European title, at club level, still to be won.He told Barca Inside: "At 18 I ask for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the title I am missing (the Champions League) ...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 7 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 8 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 9 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 10 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN