Reigning Women’s Super League champions Chelsea began their defence with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over title rivals Manchester City.

On an entertaining opening night – where Chelsea introduced their new £1m signing Alyssa Thompson before kick-off and welcomed Sam Kerr back to the fold – the Blues scored two slick goals either side of the break, similar in nature, to secure Sonia Bompastor a record-breaking 20th WSL win.

The Frenchwoman becomes the quickest manager in the competition’s history to reach that total, despite being pushed all the way by dogged City, who played aggressively in the style of new head coach Andree Jeglertz and forced Niamh Charles into an awkward own goal which made for a nervy end.

Before that, Bunny Shaw had squandered a handful of chances, while Yui Hasegawa and Lily Murphy were denied by Chelsea’s faultless goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, as City landed more shots on target and generated a better xG value than their hosts. Chelsea were in fact reduced to their fewest shots (8) since February 2021.

But, impressively crafted strikes from Aggie Beever-Jones and Maika Hamano were ultimately decisive, ensuring a perfect start for the “efficient” champions at Stamford Bridge – with returning striker Kerr only able to watch on from the sidelines. Their bid for a seventh straight title is officially up and running.

And to make matters worse for City, who will feel as if they deserved a better outcome, both Alex Greenwood and Lily Murphy were lost to injury late on.

Chelsea debutant Ellie Carpenter, who assisted Beever-Jones for the game’s opener, told Sky Sports: “Everyone wants to beat Chelsea. Coming into this as a new environment, you can see that winning mentality from day one.

“That’s what is so lovely, everyone gives their all. The small things in training, everyone wants to win everything and that is transferred into the game.”

Andree’s adjustments evident

Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:

Manchester City lost this game, but Andree Jeglertz might well accept the small wins as an important stepping stone. He wants City playing his brand of football. And they did.

Of course, that is no consolation in the short term. City have lost three points to the title favourites. But tactical tweaks were evident and, as acknowledged, they caused Chelsea problems throughout.

His ideas were particularly evident in the central connections between Lauren Hemp, Yui Hasegawa and Kerstin Casparij as City generated 17 efforts at goal, five on target, and three big chances – all totals surpassing Chelsea’s respective columns.

The differences were discernible. City conceded more possession. Unheard of. But created better chances. They won more duels than the home side (51-44), and played more passes (167) in the opposition half. Shaw’s xG contribution (0.56) was the best of any player on the pitch.

“Early signs are you can see an evolution in the way Man City want to play,” pundit Izzy Christiansen reflected on Sky Sports’ live coverage.

Man City might not have liked the outcome here, but they will be dangerous this season. And hold definite title promise.

Efficiency pleases Bompastor

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor:

“I feel pleased about the performance and the result. We’ve spoken about having a strong start and that’s what we did tonight.

“It’s a nice feeling to play a Friday night game and be able to take the three points. When you have strong moments in games you have to be efficient.

“We scored two great goals, that’s important to be clinical, and that’s what makes the difference between these two teams.”

Jeglertz confident City can rival Chelsea

Man City head coach Andree Jeglertz:

“I’m disappointed. We deserved something, based on how we played second half. We should have a result with us, it didn’t happen.

“We are challenging Chelsea during the whole game, and we will definitely do that throughout the season.

“We saw the high press, it’s an important part for us. We did that many times, and also creating scoring chances. It’s not just about crosses. We can play through central combinations.

“I’ve said it already, we are here to win. That’s what our belief is. But if you zoom out, we are changing a few things and I’m bringing a few new things – in the first game we’ve shown we have come quite far. The players believe in what we’re doing.”