Unbeaten Chelsea rediscover their form with 2-0 win over Roma in Champions League
Chelsea's women's football team beat Italy's Roma 2-0 in the UEFA Women's Champions League and remain unbeaten in all competitions. After a disappointing previous season, the side under head coach Sonia Bompastor is showing consistent form again.
English women's football club Chelsea beat Italian side Roma 2-0 on Wednesday in a league-phase match of the UEFA Women's Champions League, Europe's top club competition. The result keeps the London side unbeaten in all competitions, following a previous season in which they lost their Women's Super League (WSL) and FA Cup titles.
Chelsea created many chances in a dominant first half but failed to convert them. Substitute Ellie Carpenter broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, and defender Kadeisha Buchanan sealed the win with a header shortly before the end.
A strong start to the season
Chelsea are level at the top of the WSL with Manchester City after seven games. In the Champions League league phase they have won two and drawn one of their three matches without conceding a goal. Head coach Sonia Bompastor said she was pleased not only with the results but with the variety of performances, and stressed that a solid defence is the foundation for going further.
Carpenter has four goals in all competitions, England forward Lauren James is in strong form, and young midfielder Lexi Potter is developing a partnership with England international Keira Walsh. The team can switch between a back three and a back four, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's distribution allows them to play more directly.
A period of transition
Last season, the French coach's first in charge, Chelsea had won a domestic treble the year before, but several well-known players then left, including Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Guro Reiten. Bompastor admitted players needed time to adjust to a new coach and philosophy, as the club had previously had Emma Hayes in charge for 12 years.
Captain Erin Cuthbert said the team's level had not greatly surprised her, as the quality had always been there but they had not been clicking. Bompastor added that work has also gone into the club's culture and mentality, saying values and a clear direction are just as important as tactics.
