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Champions Chelsea opened the new Women’s Super League season with a nervy victory over Aston Villa in their first match under Sonia Bompastor.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s superb strike in the 37th minute was the difference at a sold-out Kingsmeadow to give Bompastor a winning start after replacing Emma Hayes in the summer.
But Villa, who were also under a new boss in Robert de Pauw, were bright throughout and made life difficult for the hosts. Rachel Daly hit the top of the crossbar with a looping header, before the visitors pilled on the pressure in stoppage time.
In stoppage time, Hannah Hampton was forced to make two brilliant saves – denying Daly and then Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, who had been thrown forward in a final row of the dice for the visitors.
Chelsea held on to start their bid for a sixth-consecutive WSL title, where they are expected to face competition once again from Manchester City and Arsenal over the season. Those teams meet at the Emirates on Sunday.
FULL TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
Chelsea hang on! Hannah Hampton is the hero, denying Sabrina D’Angelo in the 93rd minute!
Jamie Braidwood20 September 2024 20:51
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Match ends, Chelsea Women 1, Aston Villa Women 0.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Second Half ends, Chelsea Women 1, Aston Villa Women 0.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
90+3 mins: WHAT A SAVE AGAIN! Stunning from Hampton! D’Angelo is still up and meets the cross, but Hampton tips it onto the crossbar!
Jamie Braidwood20 September 2024 20:50
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Hannah Hampton.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt saved. Sabrina D’Angelo (Aston Villa Women) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Jordan Nobbs with a cross.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
90+2 mins: WHAT A SAVE! Chelsea are hanging on and concede a corner in the 92nd minute. Sabrina D’Angelo is up for it, and it falls to Rachel Daly! But what a stop from Hannah Hampton, diving to her right!
Chelsea scramble it clear!
Jamie Braidwood20 September 2024 20:49
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Substitution, Chelsea Women. Nathalie Björn replaces Guro Reiten.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Maika Hamano (Chelsea Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Missy Kearns (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick on the right wing.