Chelsea Edge Past Manchester City in Thrilling WSL Season Opener at Stamford Bridge

Champions Begin Title Defense with Victory

Chelsea successfully launched their Women’s Super League title defense with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. The match, which took place on September 5, 2025, demonstrated the competitive nature of the WSL’s top teams.

Match Highlights

The Blues appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable win after Aggie Beever-Jones opened the scoring in the first half, followed by Maika Hamano’s goal just past the hour mark. However, the match would prove to be far from straightforward.

The game saw dramatic moments, including a crucial save from Hannah Hampton to deny Khadija Shaw an equalizer. City eventually pulled one back through an own goal when a powerful Greenwood free-kick deflected into the net off Niamh Charles.

Tactical Battle

The match showcased new City Head Coach Jeglertz’s tactical approach, with his team displaying impressive flexibility between 3-4-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 formations. The emphasis on pressing and quick passing reflected the Swedish coach’s philosophy, suggesting promising developments ahead for the Manchester side.

Notable Developments

There was encouraging news for Chelsea supporters before the match, as Sam Kerr was named on the bench, marking her return to the squad following an anterior cruciate ligament injury that had kept her sidelined since January 2024.

The match concluded on a concerning note for Manchester City, with Lily Murphy requiring assistance to leave the field due to injury, while Greenwood also had to be substituted late in the game.

Looking Ahead

Manchester City will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Brighton at the Joie Stadium on September 12, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 UK time. This opening day result sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling WSL season.