Chelsea Women continued their perfect start to the new Women’s Super League campaign by beating Arsenal 2-1 away from home on Saturday.
Mayra Ramirez opened the scoring just three minutes after the kickoff, before Sandy Baltimore doubled the visitor’s lead in the 16th minute.
Caitlin Foord got one back for the Gunners just before halftime, but the hosts could not find an equaliser before the final whistle despite creating almost twice as many chances as Chelsea.
“We knew it was going to be tough,” captain Millie Bright told BBC Sport. “Everyone knows it’s two top teams, but as a team we’ve got that fight.
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“We know how to deal with pressure at the end, while still creating chances. We’re disappointed we didn’t put the ball in the net more.”
Legendary manager Emma Hayes left the club at the end of last season after 12 years and seven WSL titles, but new boss Sonia Bompastor has already achieved something her predecessor never could by beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
“Our style of play under Sonia is about possessing the ball, being brave, even in stadiums like this and against top teams,” Bright said. “We have to play with intensity and be brave on the ball no matter the state of the game.”
The result leaves Chelsea top of the WSL table with nine points from three games. The side continues to embody a winning mindset, despite all the success they have achieved over the years.
“It’s a part of who we are,” Bright affirmed. “As a new player you know what you have to do to get into the team and stay in the team. We have that monster mentality. It’s become part of our environment.”
Despite the win, Bompastor feels there is still room for improvement in her team. “For sure it was a tough game, we were expecting that,” she told BBC.
“It’s always good to win, three points are three points. But I wished my team were able to possess the ball better in the second half.
“The quality of the players we have, we should be able to produce more.
“Good moments, we need to enjoy them and have fun.”
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