Chelsea get off to winning start against Spurs | OneFootball

Chelsea have made a winning start to the new Barclays Women’s Super League season, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Stamford Bridge this evening.

The reigning champions claimed all three points despite not being at their absolute best. Emma Hayes’ side will be hoping for a repeat performance of the last four seasons as they look to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive Barclays Women’s Super League title.

Robert Vilahamn’s new-look Spurs side showed some promising signs in the early stages of the first half with some pieces of slick play. Summer signing Martha Thomas was able to fashion a couple of chances that forced home keeper Zećira Mušović into action.

The hosts then grabbed the lead when Niamh Charles took the ball to the byline and played a cross into the Spurs penalty area. Mia Fishel produced a great leap to meet the ball and direct it into the net with a superb downward header. That was the American’s first goal in the Barclays Women’s Super League and it topped a very strong debut for the striker.

Despite going in at the break behind, the away side will have certainly felt confident of getting back into the game, especially given the quality of chances that they were able to create. However, it didn’t take long for the champions to double their lead through Lauren James. The England star had looked dangerous all game and she finally had the goal to show for all of her endeavour. After an initial scramble in the box, the ball seemed to have crossed the line before being cleared but the referee and their assistant decided not to give a goal. Still, Chelsea continued their attack and a teasing cross into the six-yard box found James who converted the ball into the net from close range.

Spurs were by no means out of it and they very nearly pulled a goal back through Thomas. The striker received the ball in the Chelsea box and she took her time to find an opening before firing a venomous shot at goal. It looked certain to find the back of the net, however, the ball kissed the outside of the post.

Spurs and Thomas did eventually have their goal to half the deficit. Manchester United loanee Grace Clinton shot through a crowd of players, forcing Mušović to make a save. However, the Chelsea goalkeeper couldn’t keep hold of the ball and Thomas reacted sharply to poke it into the net.

The goal set up a tense ending to the match but Chelsea were able to use all of their experience to see it out. It wasn’t the most convincing of victories from Hayes’ team but they have won titles on simply getting the job done and it looks to be business as usual for The Blues. As for Spurs, they look much-improved under new boss Vilahamn and they could cause a lot of problems this season if they continue to play like they did today.