This week’s Liverpool Women column looks at how United can learn from their 5-1 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
If Liverpool want to know what it takes to top the Women’s Super League, last weekend’s game against Chelsea was an extensive education.
Matt Bird’s side travel to Stamford Bridge looking to build on their impressive start to the season after a tough draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The odds were in Chelsea’s favour, but Reds fans had reason to be optimistic ahead of Saturday’s game.Before the test in west London, Liverpool had the best defensive record in the league and had scored as many goals in their last three away games as last season.
A shock win over Arsenal at the Emirates proved they can handle the stress of the road, while club-record signing Sophie Roman Haug got off to a flying start for her new club against Tottenham.
Liverpool’s progress this season has been such that even Chelsea boss Emma Hayes called the Reds “the most improved team in the league” ahead of this weekend’s clash in SW6. High praise for the woman who led the Blues to six WSL titles.
Chelsea’s midweek effort in the UEFA Women’s Champions League looked to have given Liverpool an opportunity to capitalize on their European hangover, but it’s notable that Beard’s strength has allowed the Blues to develop into a back-three and to continue to pose a threat. deserve.In fact, Hayes decided to switch teams on Saturday afternoon, handing Aggie graduate Beaver-Jones her first WSL start for the club, Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old scored Chelsea’s second goal of the day in an impressive display against Sakal’s side.
But teammate Lauren James stole the show. The England international scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in the match against the Reds. Sjoke Nyusken’s 78th-minute goal compounded Liverpool’s woes and 13 minutes later Jess Carter’s own goal ended Chelsea’s impressive performance.
This was more than a consolation prize from Beard.”It’s a disappointing result for us,” the Liverpool manager said in his post-match press conference.
“After the game, I told the players we weren’t happy with the goal, especially when Chelsea worked so hard to make us lose the ball.” “The best team”.
