Reigning Women’s Super League champions Chelsea dropped points for the first time since March as their eight-game winning streak in the top-flight, across last season and this, came to an end following a 1-1 draw at Manchester United.
Against the initial run of play, the Blues took the lead inside the first 10 minutes thanks to a deft back-heel by Catarina Macario which found Wieke Kaptien who slotted the ball past Phallon Tullis-Joyce from close range.
Chelsea’s lead did not last long as just after the 20-minute mark, the ball fell to Anna Sandberg on the edge of the box and she drilled it past Hampton to equalise for the home side.
Here are five things TIBS News learned from the encounter.
Jess Park is Manchester United spark
There was a lot of noise surrounding the Lioness’ move from cross-town rivals Manchester City, but Park has been nothing short of pure class. Friday night was a statement performance from the midfielder as she picked up the player of the match award.
The 2025 Euros winner completed six of her seven dribbles attempted while also maintaining an 89% pass accuracy. It was a fast, dynamic and dazzling performance from Park as she brought a new lease of life to the United midfield. She often picked up the ball in tight areas before twisting and turning her way through the Chelsea defence to open space for her team-mates. She was a key part of why the home side were so composed on the ball and electrifying on the counter.
Speaking after the game to the club media, Park said: ‘It’s really starting to click now. You’ve seen how many chances we created: we can build from the back, we can build it longer, we’re a bit more creative in the style. The [dynamism] is hard for teams to cope with.’
An off day for champions Chelsea or a flaw exposed?
While it is still early in the season, this was not the usual dominant Chelsea performance we have become accustomed to under Sonia Bompastor’s reign. The Blues may have taken the lead but there was a lot of space afforded to the creative duo of Park and Ella Toone. Repeatedly, throughout the game the pair would pick up possession either in their own halves or inside the channels and carry the ball to the box.
Despite battling hard to get back into the game in the second half, Bompastor showed no sign of changing the system to allow for more midfield solidity to combat the space Untied had on the counter.
Instead, she made the midfield lighter in the hope of finding a winner. A point on the road against a title-rival is still a good result as Chelsea keeps their position at the top of the table.
Anna Sandberg continues her rise
When thinking of a Manchester United player to watch this season, not many would have considered Sandberg as a potential star. After signing from BK Hacken last season, the talent was always there but she was battling with the established Gabby George last season.
She has started the season on fire and this game was yet another statement performance from the young Swede. She epitomised United’s fight and desire as she fought up and down the left flank excellently with her performance being topped off by a stunning half-volley on the edge of the box for her first goal for the club.
Defensively she grew into the game and was a warrior for her side as she completed six tackles to complete six of her 10 ground duels. Going forward aside from the goal she was also dangerous with three chances created.
Chelsea’s forward depth looking dangerous
Going forward into the future, the attacking department is looking exciting. Macario epitomised that when on the ball – oozing class creating four chances for her team-mates as she linked up with Kaptein for the opening goal.
There was an abundance of forward options to bring on for Chelsea as Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten and Alyssa Thompson were substituted on. While neither managed to get a goal, they disrupted the flow of United and created several chances late on. Most notably, in the final moments of injury time Kerr managed to drive into the box and square the ball for Reiten but her shot was blocked by Maya Le Tissier.
Having these options, with more to come as Lauren James returns from injury, will certainly boost Chelsea’s chances of going gar in all competitions, not just the league.
Can Manchester United keep this up?
Alongside Chelsea, Manchester United remains the only side left unbeaten in the league this season.
Being disappointed with a draw against Chelsea and the manner of their performance shows how far United have come since their promotion to the WSL in 2019.
They still have a long way to go but the signs are there that the Red Devils can be real competitors this season and push their rivals hard.
