Manchester City are still searching for their first victory of the Women's Super League season after a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.
A Fran Kirby goal late in the first half followed by a penalty from Maren Mjelde secured Chelsea their first three points of the campaign and lifted them to fourth, if only temporarily. City meanwhile dropped to tenth.
Manager Gareth Taylor made three changes from the side that lost the seven goal thriller at Villa Park last weekend with Kerstin Casparij, Leila Ouahabi and Deyna Castellanos making their first starts of the campaign. Despite the changes, City were nearly caught cold straight from the first whistle as a long ball forward presented a chance for Sam Kerr but her shot was sliced wide.
ALSO READ: Taylor claims Villa had more fight in opening day defeat
The Blues were let off the hook ten minutes later as a mistake from Steph Houghton allowed Kerr to break through. The Australian's selflessness though cost Chelsea the opener as her pass to Kirby allowed City to recover and keep the scores level.
Taylor's team managed to settle the ship and were unlucky not to go ahead when Lauren Hemp's strike was well saved by Ann-Katrin Berger in the 35th minute. This save would cost City just seven minutes later as a free flowing move from the hosts resulted in Guro Reiten crossing for Kirby to tap home.
Laura Coombs nearly provided a quick response for the Blues but her close range effort at the back post was brilliantly stopped by the legs of Berger. City showed signs of getting back into the match at the beginning of the second half with Laia Aleixandri flicking a corner just over the crossbar but Emma Hayes' side soon found their rhythm once more.
Lauren James tested her range for the London club with 20 minutes remaining but her shot was curled wide. She would go closer five minutes later but Ellie Roebuck was equal to it.
Chances of a comeback for City were ended in the 77th minute as Ouahabi was adjudged to have handled a long range effort inside the area. Mjelde made no mistake from 12 yards to seal the three points.
City's Women return to action in the WSL on Sunday, October 16 when they host Leicester City at the Academy Stadium.
READ NEXT:
