Ratings Chelsea Women vs Manchester United Women: Girma in the nick of the time as the Blues avoids losing the FA Cup.
Naomi Girma could not have come at the right time to open her Chelsea account. The extra-time goal of the defender ensured a tense 2-1 triumph of the Blues over the Manchester United at the Kingsmeadow sending them into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup following a violent battle.
It was a moment when it seemed that the late strike by Sam Kerr was to suffice. Australian again showed up as a thorn to the United and made Chelsea a goal in the last stages of normal time. Just relief was however brief as Simi Awujo retaliated almost instantly to make the extra-time. That preconditioned the decisive moment by Girma, having contributed to the title defence of the Chelsea firmly on track.
The show itself was something like a move forward following a challenging series of outcomes. Chelsea dominated in possession, launched the ball with power and created ample space. Their disappointment in the first half was partly due to the fact that United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce gave them a succession of good saves that prevented Alyssa Thompson, Erin Cuthbert and Lauren James. United were saved even when beaten, when a goal-line clearance by Dominique Janssen following a corner scrape saved them.
United increased their confidence following the break and played their best in the match. Jess Park knocked furiously at the woodwork, Lisa Naalsund caught a shot in the air, which went flying close by, and Melvine Malard let a fine opportunity to bring down a man go by her. Chelsea had stood that but Kerr appeared to have made it with an instinctive finish when Awujo made a comeback and it was now a draw.
The extra-time later favoured Chelsea. Only nine minutes later, Girma responded fastest following another sharp save by Tullis-Joyce to poke the goal. It was a proper conclusion of the match, demonstrating the power and versatility of Chelsea, whose replacements by Sonia Bompastor contributed to the shift of the balance.
Chelsea player ratings
Hannah Hampton (6/10)
Not at her best in the distribution, but had her box well in command, and taken her own time in resisting the pressure of United.
Ellie Carpenter (7/10)
Clung intelligently and presented genuine momentum in the future, passing the cross which resulted in the opener of Kerr.
Lucy Bronze (7/10)
But, excepting a couple of loose touches, she was solid and kept United, more or less quiet, though unfortunate in the preparations leading to the goal.
Naomi Girma (8/10)
Written on the ball, fierce in defence and cutting at the right time and right place when it was needed most with the goal of the win.
Veerle Buurman (8/10)
Exquisite on the part of the young defender. Her flank was defended excellently, and she demonstrated true quality in the attack.
Keira Walsh (7/10)
Played at the tempo when Chelsea was on the ascendency and spent much undetected defensive work.
Erin Cuthbert (6/10)
Not all that was successful but her spirit and dedication never wavered.
Sjoeke Nusken (6/10)
Demonstrated a positive movement and senses especially whereby Chelsea did not have a classic striker.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10)
Laboured hard, yet failed to impress until called off at the half-time.
Lauren James (7/10)
Pulled the strings imaginatively and formed the key of most of the best attacking at Chelsea.
Alyssa Thompson (6/10)
Clear and uninhibited, yet something had not been added.
Subs & manager
Sandy Baltimore (7/10)
Breathing urgency left and kept on asking questions to the defence.
Sam Kerr (8/10)
Headed the line brilliantly, completed clinically and conquered her duels.
Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10)
The most important thing is a comeback of this magnitude after injury, which brings composure and strength at the back.
Guro Reiten (7/10)
Intensity and harmony added at each end of the pitch.
Wieke Kaptein (7/10)
Ranged and stole as near to a goal in her cameo as she would.
Sonia Bompastor (7/10)
Foreseen her replacements very much and gave Chelsea a tight, taxing cup tie.
Chelsea will now focus on the quarter final draw on Monday, and now they have a sense of confidence as they come out with a win albeit a hard fought and difficult one.
