Chelsea vs Aston Villa LIVE: Live updates as new WSL season begins
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Chelsea host Aston Villa in the opening match of the Women’s Super League season at Kingsmeadow to mark the start of a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.
The Blues won the WSL for a fifth consecutive season last campaign under the departing Emma Hayes and Bompastor has big shoes to fill after arriving from Lyon for a new era in the women’s game. The Chelsea squad has also seen several changes, with England international Lucy Bronze the pick of the new signings.
A season of possible transition under Bompastor means Chelsea are likely to face increased competition for the title from Manchester City and Arsenal – who meet at the Emirates on Sunday – so a winning start is vital in a WSL where there is usually little margin for error over the campaign. Villa finished seventh in the WSL last season and have a new manager of their own, with Dutchman Robert de Pauw replacing Carla Ward. The visitors are led by former Lionesses striker Rachel Daly.
The match is live on BBC Two, and you can follow all the latest updates in the live blog below.
HALF TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
The first goal of the WSL season!
HALF TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa made a very good account of themselves in that half, but Chelsea had the better share of the chances and lead thanks to that stunning strike from Rytting Kaneryd.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
First Half ends, Chelsea Women 1, Aston Villa Women 0.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Millie Bright (Chelsea Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Sjoeke Nüsken with a cross following a set piece situation.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Fourth official has announced 1 minutes of added time.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea Women) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt blocked. Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Lucy Bronze.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt saved. Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea Women) right footed shot from long range on the right is saved in the centre of the goal.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
36 mins: The first goal of the WSL season – and it’s a stunner from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd!
What a hit from the winger – she cut inside onto her left foot and bent a brilliant curling effort inside the far corner.
The Sonia Bompastor era is underway – and in some style.
