Chelsea vs Aston Villa LIVE: Women’s Super League result and final score as new season gets underway
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s superb strike gave the hosts a winning start in the WSL opener
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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.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea Women) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Erin Cuthbert with a cross following a corner.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Corner, Chelsea Women. Conceded by Noëlle Maritz.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Hand ball by Chasity Grant (Aston Villa Women).
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
48 mins: A couple of early chances for Villa as the second half gets underway. First Hannah Hampton collects a loose ball that could have gone anywhere following a corner, then Rachel Daly’s header loops up and and onto the top of the bar. Hampton may have had it covered.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) hits the bar with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Chasity Grant.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Anna Patten (Aston Villa Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Kenza Dali with a cross following a corner.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Lucy Parker (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Anna Patten following a corner.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Ashley Lawrence.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Second Half begins Chelsea Women 1, Aston Villa Women 0.
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