Aggie Beever-Jones' equaliser helped Sonia Bompastor's side get back on track and now a sixth successive league title looks inevitable

Goals from Aggie Beever-Jones and Erin Cuthbert saw Chelsea come from behind in dramatic fashion at Manchester City on Sunday, thus further strengthening their tight grip on pole position in the Women's Super League's title. The Blues are pursuing a sixth successive crown and this fixture, against a City team that beat them in the Champions League in midweek, threatened to open things back up at the top, especially after Kerolin gave the hosts a first half lead. However, Sonia Bompastor's side showcased their winning mentality and strength in depth to fight back and secure a 2-1 victory late on.

Three points seemed well out of Chelsea's reach at the interval, owing to an electric opening 45 minutes from Kerolin. The Brazilian caused Niamh Charles all sorts of problems down the Blues' left and it was no surprise when she broke the deadlock. Some neat footwork by the winger was also on show in the game's most controversial moment, as she was fouled on the edge of the box by Millie Bright before the loose ball fell to Jess Park, who fired it into the top corner. The whistle had already gone for a free-kick, though, from which Yui Hasegawa struck the crossbar.

If Chelsea were lucky to not be two goals down though, there was nothing fortunate about the way they responded to such an underwhelming first half. The Blues looked a totally different side after the break and it took just five minutes for Beever-Jones to level things up. From there, Khiara Keating became the star of the show, making huge saves to deny Wieke Kaptein and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd in particular. But there was nothing she could do to prevent Cuthbert from winning the game late on with a flying header that keeps Bompastor's side eight points clear at the top of the table, with just five games to go.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Etihad Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (6/10):

Didn't have enough of a view of the goal to do anything about it. Stopped everything else that was thrown at her and was good on the ball.

Ashley Lawrence (6/10):

Had an intriguing individual battle with Park, losing a few duels but also winning her fair share to limit the England forward's impact on the game. Great cross for Cuthbert's winner.

Lucy Bronze (6/10):

Covered well in a role not so natural to her.

Millie Bright (5/10):

Inherited the problem of Kerolin when she got past Charles and struggled to deal with the Brazilian throughout the first half.

Niamh Charles (4/10):

Improved in the second half but Kerolin got the better of her almost every time she ran at her. Had to intervene to help Bright for the opener.

AdvertisementMidfield

Oriane Jean-Francois (6/10):

Moved the ball well and improved in her pressing as the game went on.

Wieke Kaptein (8/10):

Was involved in all of Chelsea's best attacking play, showcasing great movement and eye for a pass.

Maika Hamano (5/10):

Honoured her defensive duties and was always trying to create something, though was also a little loose in possession at times. Off before the hour.

Attack

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (8/10):

Grew into the game massively and that made a massive difference in Chelsea's improvements after the break. Caused Layzell constant problems and her end product was great.

Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):

Clinically took the first chance that came to her. Was involved in the build-up in that move, too, as was the case with several attacks.

Lauren James (7/10):

Was the only Chelsea player who looked like making anything happen in the first half and she continued to get on the ball to try and dictate in the second. Defensive work was great again, too.

Subs & Manager

Erin Cuthbert (8/10):

Helped to bring more control and steel to the Chelsea midfield, before scoring a brilliant late winner.

Mayra Ramirez (5/10):

Didn't quite have the impact Bompastor would've hoped.

Keira Walsh (6/10):

Another introduction that helped Chelsea get more control of the game.

Mia Fishel (N/A):

Made her long-awaited return from injury late on.

Catarina Macario (N/A):

Another sub in the final minutes.

Sonia Bompastor (8/10):

Could've made subs at half time, which she is no stranger to doing, but trusted in those on the pitch and they levelled the scores, before she then brought on game-changers like Cuthbert. Also made tweaks as well to stop City getting the ball to Kerolin in the second period and that helped nullify the opposition's attacking threat massively.