Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor ‘pleased’ with her side’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City in WSL opener.
The Blues were back to winning ways as they lined up under the lights of Stamford Bridge for the opening game of the 2025/26 Women’s Super League (WSL) season. Chelsea got off the mark early as Aggie Beever-Jones buried Ellie Carpenter’s pin-point cross, before Maika Hamano doubled the side’s advantage. Manchester City managed to get one back thanks to an own-goal from Chelsea defender Niamh Charles.
“I’m pleased with the result, but also with the performance,” Bompastor said. “I think in the first half, we had the control. I think we created the most dangerous opportunities in the game.
“At the end of the game it was more transitional, because I think both teams were probably not at 100% physically. But overall, I think we had a good performance in possession, but also out of possession. We were strong. We were able to keep some really good players in City quiet, which is good.
“We had a strong start in the season tonight, and I’m pleased with that, but again, that’s only the first game. So, always important to start with three points, but we still have a long way to go.”
Bompastor praises Chelsea’s workhorses in WSL victory
Beever-Jones, who was the side’s top scorer last season, hammered home the first goal of the new WSL campaign from close range. Linking up nicely with new signing Ellie Carpenter, the English forward continues to flex her muscles for Chelsea.
“Aggie just had the opportunity to start the game, and I think she was able to have a good performance,” Bompastor praised. “Also to score, which is important in her position. From the beginning of the season, she’s showing everyone she’s ready and she’s able to perform in the big games.
“That’s nice for her, but also for us. She needs to keep the confidence and she needs to keep the right mentality. She has the right mentality. She works hard. She’s always listening to the small tweaks we can bring to into her game, and I think today, it was a really positive day for her and for the team.”
Speaking on Chelsea debutant Carpenter, Bompastor praised the Australian’s showing under the lights.
“It was a great performance from Ellie,” Bompastor said. “I know Ellie by heart, and I’m not really surprised about her debut with Chelsea and her debut in the league. She’s a great player. As you could see tonight, she just brought an immediate impact into the performance, into the result.
“She has this quality, so it’s a good addition in our squad. I think it’s good to have her in Chelsea and in this league. Having the opportunity to bring players with her quality in this league is always something really positive, and we are really proud to have her in our squad.”
