New season, same problem: Chelsea's finishing woes resurface in WSL opener
Chelsea dominated their Women's Super League season opener against Aston Villa but could only draw 1-1, repeating a finishing problem that cost them the title last season.
Chelsea's women's team endured a frustrating start to the new Women's Super League (WSL) season, drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa despite overwhelming statistical dominance. The team recorded 57 touches in the opposition box and 23 shots inside the area, along with a strike against the crossbar, yet failed to convert their control into a win.
England international Lauren James opened the scoring within 11 minutes with a well-struck goal, and summer signing Katie McCabe impressed on her WSL debut after joining from Arsenal. However, McCabe acknowledged afterward that Chelsea needed to be more clinical at this level of competition.
Late in the match, Aston Villa's Noelle Maritz saw her shot deflect off goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and in off defender Veerle Buurman, earning the visitors an unlikely point. Chelsea also had another goal ruled out for offside during the match.
The result echoes a recurring issue under manager Sonia Bompastor. Despite beating eventual champions Manchester City at the start of last season, Chelsea finished third overall, undone by four draws and three defeats. One of those losses, a 1-0 defeat to Everton in December, ended a 585-day unbeaten run in the league, even though Chelsea had 79% possession and 30 shots that day.
Chelsea's attacking options were further limited by injury and fitness issues, with summer addition Melvine Malard sidelined by a minor injury and Mayra Ramirez still working back to full fitness. England forward Aggie Beever-Jones, filling the void left by the departed Sam Kerr, struggled with confidence in front of goal, missing chances and having a late effort disallowed.
Bompastor described the issue as largely mental, saying her side needs to develop a sharper killer instinct in the box. The result leaves questions over Chelsea's title credentials ahead of weekend fixtures for defending champions Manchester City and rivals Arsenal, who many pundits consider the stronger contenders this season.
