Match reportLiverpool lose 2-0 at Chelsea in WSL
Goals in either half by Sjoeke Nusken and Lauren James settled Sunday afternoon’s game at Kingsmeadow, where the Reds created several half-chances but were unable to capitalise.
Alice Bergstrom, restored to the Liverpool starting XI, had the ball in the net in the early stages, but was penalised for handball and the goal was disallowed.
Amid torrential rain, Ceri Holland saw a powerful drive parried by Hannah Hampton and, after an encouraging start by the Reds, Chelsea’s grip on proceedings tightened as the first half wore on.
Gareth Taylor’s side were well organised defensively, though, meaning Jennifer Falk was untroubled before Nusken’s opener, which came from the hosts’ first shot on target.
James cut inside and whipped in a low cross from the left, with Nusken darting to the near post and adeptly diverting the ball beyond Falk from close range.
Bergstrom was hurt in the act of attempting to stop James and was substituted at the break, Mia Enderby her replacement.
It was Liverpool who began the second half on top, with Cornelia Kapocs engineering a chance for herself by dispossessing Keira Walsh, only to miscue her attempt from the edge of the penalty area.
Martha Thomas saw a shot saved by Hampton before working herself an angle for another opportunity by skipping away from Naomi Girma. This time, however, her effort was wayward.
Chelsea’s ruthlessness in attack was the difference and midway through the half, James doubled their lead with a fine strike from 20 yards.
Falk got the better of Chelsea substitute Sam Kerr in a one-on-one before Taylor introduced Aurélie Csillag from the bench.
Csillag then made a final sight of goal for the Reds, but her low delivery from the right was hit over the crossbar by Holland.
Liverpool: Falk, Shimizu, Clark, Fisk, Bernabe, Nagano, O’Sullivan, Kapocs (Maclean, 83), Bergstrom (Enderby, 46), Thomas (Csillag, 75), Holland.
Unused subs: Kirby, Parry, Evans, Olsson, Woodham, Bonner.
Next up
Liverpool’s next match is a Merseyside derby against Everton in the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday February 22.
Kick-off at St Helens Stadium is scheduled for 4.30pm GMT and ticket information is available here.