Mikel Merino turned home a late equaliser to save Spain's blushes, after Jorrel Hato's red scuppered a fine Netherlands performance in Rotterdam.

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Article continues below

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• Nico Williams opened the scoring
• Tijani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo gave Netherlands a deserved lead
• Hato's red left the door open for late equaliser

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  Spain took the lead against the run of play after Jorrel Hato was caught in possession by Lamine Yamal. The young winger found his club team-mate Pedri, who duly squared the ball to Nico Williams. The Bilbao winger blasted home in the ninth minute.

  The Netherlands steadily grew into the game, bossing possession for much of the first half. The pressure finally told in the 28th minute, when Cody Gakpo rifled a low finish into the Spanish net after a well-worked move, inspired by a marauding run by Jeremie Frimpong.

  The Netherlands quickly asserted their dominance after the break, scoring their second a minute after the second half whistle. Again Frimpong was the inspiration, as the Leverkusen ma ndrove into the Spanish box before finding Tijjani Reijnders. The AC Milan midfielder produced a fine finish into the far corner of Unai Simon's goal.

  La Roja posed little threat to Die Oranjee's during the second half, until an 82nd minute red for a rash tackle by Hato invited mounting pressure for the game's final moments. Eventually, the Spanish attack told. Bart Verbruggen could only parry a Williams effort back into the box, allowing substitute Merino to turn the rebound into an empty net in the 93rd minute.

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• THE MVP

  Jeremie Frimpong offered a constant threat on the right flank for the Netherlands, playing a key role in both goals. The Leverkusen man was playing in a more advanced position than for his club, and appeared to relish the freedom.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  Jorrel Hato will rue his costly mistakes as his two key interventions in the game resulted in Spain's first goal, and a crucial red card which invited Spanish pressure. The young full-back has an exciting future, and will be a key part of Ronald Koeman's plans going forward, but he must be more composed if he is to thrive on the international stage.

• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  The two sides will meet again in Valencia on Sunday. Tempers began to fray in the second half, and with progress in the Nations League on the line, it promises to be another intense 90 minutes.

Chelsea are actively exploring a January move for one Premier League star who they seriously admire, with Enzo Maresca’s side looking to shore up a key position when the window officially opens tomorrow.

Chelsea suffer dip in Premier League form ahead of January

The west Londoners have suffered a slight dip in form over the last week and a half, dropping points at relegation-threatened Everton, tasting defeat at home to cross-town rivals Fulham and most recently losing 2-0 away to lowly Ipswich Town.

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Goals from Chelsea transfer target Liam Delap and former player Omari Hutchison cemented what was an afternoon to forget for Maresca at Portmand Road, with the Blues slipping down to fourth and losing serious ground in the Premier League title race.

Maresca has always been adamant that Chelsea are not title-contenders this season, but supporters would’ve held some hope given their imperious form before December 22.

Crystal Palace (away)

January 4

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (home)

February 3

“We expected this kind of moment during the season because we know that this kind of moment belongs to the football,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s defeat to Ipswich.

“It is almost impossible to have a season where you do not have a moment like now for us. But in the same time, not one of us in this room expected us to be where we are now. This means and shows that we are in the right direction, as I’ve said many times, but also shows that we are far from competing and consistency and to be there with the best teams in England.

“Again, I think we have to be satisfied where we are, but at the same time, we have to know we need to do many things better.”

With January right around the corner, it is a chance for Maresca to plug potential holes in the squad, and the club are reliably believed to be chasing a new centre-back.

Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked with a January exit, with Chelsea also considering Axel Disasi’s sale next month. So, it could be a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea exploring January move for Bournemouth defender Illia Zarbarnyi

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, they could even bring in a central defender regardless of sales, and they have their eyes on Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.

The Ukraine international has impressed under Andoni Iraola this campaign, with Chelsea thought to “really like” Zabarnyi as they explore a January move for him.

They also like his teammate, Dean Huijsen, but getting either one of them through the door next month will prove to be tricky. Zabarnyi’s rumoured price tag is around £50 million, but Phillips writes that Chelsea are expected to make a January approach at the very least if they’re given reason to believe he could be available.

As things stand, a centre-back is seen as the most likely incoming at Chelsea next month, and other positions like a new striker may have to wait until next summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are finally up and running in the Premier League as their Boxing Day victory over Manchester United moves them out of the relegation zone.

Goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan gave Vitor Pereira his second win in as many matches since taking over from Gary O’Neil recently.

With momentum building, the Old Gold will be looking to secure positive results against Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, who they face in their next two matches.

If Pereira can avoid defeat against the two clubs, then the Molineux side will head into the January transfer window full of confidence, no doubt about that.

There are still plenty of improvements to be made and Pereira will be keen on bringing a few of his own transfer targets to the Midlands in order to stave away the threat of relegation.

One area that he is already looking at bolstering is his attack, especially as it appears the 56-year-old is lining up a move for a current Bundesliga striker…

Wolves showing interest in German international striker

According to BILD (via Sport Witness), Wolves are looking at Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst ahead of the winter transfer window opening next week, having already made an enquiry after asking for information about the striker.

Everton are the other side who are interested in the player, and there could be a shootout between both sides with regard to who makes the first move for the German.

Gladbach managing director Roland Virkus has already claimed that there have been requests for his star player, saying: “Of course there are requests, that’s completely normal if you perform well. But we don’t want to let any of the top players go because something is happening here.”

Might a big enough bid from Wolves convince the Bundesliga side to sell Kleindienst, however? As the Old Gold could do with more firepower up top ahead of the second half of the season.

Why Tim Kleindienst could thrive at Wolves

If it weren’t for the goals of Cunha this season, Wolves would be in serious trouble. Across 18 top-flight games throughout the 2024/25 campaign, the Brazilian has netted ten goals along with grabbing four assists.

Along with his effectiveness in front of goal, Cunha has also created a staggering 11 big chances for his teammates, while averaging 1.9 key passes and succeeding with 2.1 dribbles per game in the league.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

12

10

Assists

7

4

Big chances created

7

11

Shots per game

2.3

2.8

Successful dribbles per game

2

2.1

The former Athletico Madrid star has delivered the goods for the Old Gold, demonstrating his all-round ability as he has usually been deployed in an attacking midfield role.

This could see him playing directly behind Kleindienst should the German international centre-forward make the move to the Midlands next month.

Having netted nine goals and grabbed five assists in just 15 Bundesliga games, it is evident that the 29-year-old is in the form of his life for Gladbach.

Last term, he scored 14 times, proving that this season isn’t just a one-off and there is no doubt the experienced “leader” – as hailed by manager Gerardo Seoane – could add something different by leading the Wolves’ attack.

This term, he has formed a devastating duo with Franck Honorat which has been praised by analyst Adam Khan, who said on X:

“Is there a more underrated attacking duo in world football than Tim Kleindienst & Franck Honorat?

“Compliment each other so well, play to each other strengths, & seem to have a telepathic understanding for one another’s position on the pitch!”

Honorat has tended to play out wide, linking up well with his elder teammate and this sort of dynamic duo could repeat itself at Wolves, with Cunha acting like the perfect foil for the four-cap German striker.

In yet more good news for the Molineux faithful, Kleindienst is also extremely similar to a former striker who endeared himself to the supporters during his five seasons at the Old Gold – Raul Jimenez.

Tim Kleindienst could be the next Raul Jimenez

The Mexican forward emerged as something of a cult hero during his time with Wolves, scoring a total of 57 goals in all competitions between 2018 and 2023.

Despite a frantic start, his final few seasons were disrupted by injury problems, and he was subsequently sold to Fulham in the summer of 2023 for a fee of just £5m.

Considering the form he has shown for the Cottagers of late, this has turned into a bargain of epic proportions. Given how much of an impact he had at Wolves, if Pereira signed a player who was similar to Jimenez, then hopefully he could replicate the antics of the Mexican striker.

According to FBref, Jimenez is the third-most comparable player to Kleindienst across Europe’s top five leagues, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Marcus Thuram also similar to the Gladbach sensation.

Indeed, the pair have registered similar statistics in their respective domestic leagues this term with regard to goals and assists (13 vs seven), shots on target per 90 (1.36 vs 1.26), total shots (43 vs 38), shot-creating actions per 90 (three vs 2.02) and touches in the opposition penalty area (79 vs 72).

These statistics indicate that the duo offer the same threat going forward, with both generating plenty of scoring chances for their teams while working their way into the opposition penalty area on a regular basis.

Not just content with offering a threat in the final third, Kleindienst has also shone defensively in the German top flight this term.

When compared to his positional peers in the league, the striker ranks in the top 2% for clearances (1.77), the top 9% for aerial duels won (3.96) and the top 5% for blocks (1.36) per 90 in the Bundesliga.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It appears as though the player has all the required attributes to shine in the Premier League. An excellent touch in front of goal, the ability to create chances for others while also being able to contribute defensively, Kleindienst sounds like the perfect signing for Pereira to make next month. That’s a certainty.

The new Neves: Wolves' 8/10 sensation could now be as important as Cunha

Wolves secured a stunning win over Man United on Boxing Day

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 27, 2024

August 17, 2019: BCB appoints Domingo as head coach. “Everything looks in place to be a real powerhouse in world cricket,” he says at the time.February 21, 2020: Six months on, BCB chief Nazmul Hassan says that the team management had been asked to inform him of their game plans, including the exact batting line-up, the day before each game.Related

• Bangladesh in 2022: big milestones, but miles to go in all formats

• Bangladesh benefit from Taskin and Litton's changed mindsets

• Russell Domingo resigns as Bangladesh head coach

February 21, 2020: Domingo takes a strong position on Bangladesh’s strategy of preparing raging turners for home Tests, asking for more balanced pitches.February 14, 2021: BCB president Hassan slams Domingo and Test captain Mominul Haque after the series defeat against West Indies at home.August 9, 2021: Bangladesh crush Australia 4-1 in a home T20I series.September 8, 2021: Bangladesh beat New Zealand 3-2 in a home T20I series but with the series played on massive turners, questions remain about their T20 World Cup preparations.November 4, 2021: After Bangladesh crash out of T20 World Cup, Mashrafe Mortaza demands answers from Domingo, calling Bangladesh coaching staff a “rehab centre for South Africa coaches”.January 5, 2022: Bangladesh beat New Zealand for the first time in any format in New Zealand, winning the first Test in Mount Maunganui by eight wickets. It’s perhaps their most famous Test win ever.March 23, 2022: Bangladesh win their maiden ODI series in South Africa, having never won a match in the country previously.August 22, 2022: After Bangladesh’s loss to Zimbabwe in ODI and T20I series, BCB appoints Sridharan Sriram as T20 consultant for three months. The board says Sriram would act as head coach of the T20I side, with Domingo taking charge of the Test and ODI teams.August 25, 2022: Domingo denies reports of his resignation, says he would return to the side for the India home series.December 28, 2022: Not long after Bangladesh beat India 2-1 in the ODIs and pushed them hard in the second Test in, Domingo resigns as head coach.

علق محمد يوسف المدير الرياضي لـ الأهلي، على مصير الثنائي محمد مجدي أفشة وحسين الشحات لاعبا فريق الكرة مع القلعة الحمراء خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وكانت انتشرت أنباء في الفترة الأخيرة عن اقتراب رحيل أفشة والشحات من الأهلي بسبب تراجع مستواهما مع الفريق خاصة ببطولة كأس العالم للأندية.

طالع | رغم تعرضه للإصابة.. الأهلي يتخذ قرارًا جديدًا بشأن إمام عاشور

وقال محمد يوسف في تصريحات نقلتها صفحة الأهلي عبر موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “ما يتردد بخصوص التفريط في اللاعبين حسين الشحات ومجدي أفشة لا أساس له من ‏الصحة”.

وأضاف: “الثنائي أفشة والشحات قدما الكثير مع الفريق على مدار السنوات الماضية وحققا مع الأهلي إنجازات عديدة”.

واختتم: “ننتظر منهما المزيد من العطاء مع زملائهما في المرحلة القادمة، لا سيما وأنهما من العناصر التي تتميز بالكفاءة ‏والانضباط، فهما من اللاعبين المخلصين”.

Super Kings coach Fleming “pretty positive” about the progress Stokes has made

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Apr-2023

Ben Stokes wears a pensive look in the nets•PTI

Chennai Super Kings will wait for Ben Stokes to be “100% ready” before using him as a bowler this season as he continues to manage a long-standing knee injury, team coach Stephen Fleming confirmed.ESPNcricinfo revealed this week that Stokes would start the IPL as a specialist batter following a cortisone injection in his left knee ahead of the season, since he wants to ensure he is fit enough to play a full part in this summer’s Ashes series as England Test captain.Stokes, who cost INR 16.25 crore (£1.6 million approx.) at December’s IPL auction, made 7 off six balls on his Super Kings debut on Friday night, batting at No. 4 in their defeat to defending champions Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.Related

Stokes likely to start IPL as a specialist batter to manage knee injury

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Speaking in the post-match press conference, Fleming said Stokes was “progressing well” and added that he had taken steps towards full fitness in the month since England’s second Test in New Zealand.”He had a fair amount of time off between the last Test match and getting here, and he had some medical work done on the knee,” Fleming said. “We want to do the right thing by Ben and make sure that he’s 100% ready to go.”He’s not there yet and that includes bowling form. We are working closely with him, but he’s making really good progress. We’re really happy with what he’s done so far and I think he feels pretty positive about the progress he’s made.”Super Kings only used five bowlers in their defeat on Friday night, with Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube both unused. They will soon have Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana available after international duty, and Fleming said that Stokes’ return to fitness would provide a boost later in the season.”That’s another addition to the side, when he starts bowling,” Fleming said. “We’ve got some good players to come in, and we’ve introduced some players today, so it’s not all bad.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da realbet： A venda de ingressos para a final da Libertadores, entre Flamengo e Athletico, começará nesta sexta-feira. Por e-mail, a Conmebol comunicou aos torcedores que haviam registrado o interesse em adquirir as entradas para que fiquem atentos às redes sociais da entidade para mais informações ao longo do dia. Inicialmente, a venda será para o setor misto do Estádio Monumental de Guayaquil.

RelacionadasFora de CampoAlerj aprova Projeto de Lei que anistia organizadas; MP marca reunião sobre assuntoFora de Campo22/09/2022Futebol LatinoEm entrevista no Chile, Sampaoli avalia o início de Vidal no FlamengoFutebol Latino22/09/2022FlamengoNa briga por minutos, garotos do Flamengo são observados por DorivalFlamengo22/09/2022

da stake casino： A Conmebol não deu maiores informações sobre os ingressos, como valores. Contudo, já se sabe que, em relação à final de 2021, as entradas estarão mais baratas – confira aqui. Ainda não há detalhes sobre a venda exclusiva dos clubes, dos setores destinados aos torcedores de Flamengo e Athletico, localizados atrás dos gols do Monumental de Guayaquil. A partida será no dia 29 de outubro.

Aston Villa and NSWE have opened talks with a 21-year-old loanee over a new contract, according to a new report.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Midlands side have always been busy in transfer windows since Unai Emery arrived, and January could be no different, given the number of players they have been linked with in recent days and weeks. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is one player who has emerged on Villa’s radar, and he could be a viable option in the New Year, as the German side are open to offers in the region of £33-37 million.

Sky Sports: Aston Villa eyeing move for 18 y/o talent who could cost £19m

Aston Villa find themselves in a Premier League transfer race to sign a striker.

ByBrett Worthington Dec 17, 2024

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles is also of interest to Villa, as Emery wants to freshen his goalkeeper department up by letting Robin Olsen leave in January and replacing him with a young player like Charles. Charles is not a regular in the Wednesday team, but Villa are willing to offer him their number two slot, as they have been impressed by his performances for Northern Ireland.

Emery will want to focus his attention on arrivals, but that could be difficult, as it’s been reported that Napoli are looking to sign Jhon Duran, as they want a “sidekick” for Romelu Lukaku. NSWE are not looking to sell the Colombia international, but an offer between £28-33 million could test their resolve, as talks with intermediaries have already begun.

Aston Villa open contract talks with 21 y/o star

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have opened talks with Filip Marschall over a new contract. The 21-year-old has been at Villa Park for a long time, having come through their academy set-up.

Marschall has played for their under-18s, under-21s, and the first team in a game against Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League last season. As well as playing at Villa, the goalkeeper has had a few loan spells, two of which have come at non-league side Gateshead, as well as MK Dons for the final six months of last season, and this season he is on a season-long loan deal at League Two Crewe Alexandra.

Marschall has impressed for Crewe, as he’s managed to keep eight clean sheets in all competitions. And despite being away from the club and still under contract until 2027, Villa have now opened talks over a new deal.

Apps

24

Goals conceded

25

Clean sheets

8

Marschall is highly rated at Villa, and despite Emiliano Martínez looking to continue his role as number one keeper for the time being, the Premier League side are keen to extend Marschall’s contract, as they look to secure his future. After handing Marschall his debut last season, Emery said it was important for him and others to get confidence.

“We tried to play with some players who are not playing regularly in the season because of injuries, like Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno, and with Leander Dendoncker, Filip Marschall, and Tommi O’Reilly as well. It’s important for them to get confidence and minutes. Tonight was perfect with the draw and result and perfect to give some of the players chances.”

Spin-bowling allrounder expected to play majority of 2023 Blast season

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Dec-2022Michael Bracewell has signed a contract with Worcestershire for the Vitality Blast, effectively replacing Moeen Ali in their T20 side.Moeen has joined Warwickshire on a three-year contract and his departure left a hole in Worcestershire’s top order for a left-handed batter and offspinner.Bracewell, the late-blooming allrounder who has made his New Zealand debuts in all three formats this year, has signed a contract that will see him play county cricket for the first time in the 2023 Blast.Worcestershire did not specify his availability but he is expected to be available for the majority of the tournament. He is likely to spend April and May in the subcontinent – either in Pakistan for a white-ball tour, or in India if he is picked in Friday’s IPL auction – with Worcestershire’s first Blast fixture on May 24.Alan Richardson, Worcestershire’s head coach, said: “It’s always good to have someone of his calibre, but the fact he is a true allrounder means we are really getting two players.”Michael’s international white-ball cricket record is outstanding, but he also has a very healthy first-class record and will offer great experience.”Bracewell will extend a recent relationship between Worcestershire and New Zealand players, with Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford, Martin Guptill, Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner among the Kiwis to have spent time at New Road in recent seasons.Worcestershire will hope he can play a part in reviving their T20 fortunes. They were champions in 2018 and losing finalists the following season but struggled badly in 2022, finishing rock-bottom with two wins in 14 group games.”I’m really looking forward to my first experience of the Blast, a competition in which Worcestershire [have] had a lot of success in recent times,” Bracewell said. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Worcestershire from a lot of New Zealand players who have recently played there, and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join up with the group next summer.”

Sonia Bompastor's side are still six points clear at the top of the table with just four games to go, but will be frustrated with this result.

Coming into the month of March, Chelsea had only dropped points once in the Women's Super League all season. However, the Blues now head into April's international break having failed to win two of their last four games, with a 2-2 draw at home to West Ham on Sunday pouring a little cold water on what had been a wonderful few days for the club. After producing a stunning 3-0 win over Manchester City to complete an almighty Champions League comeback on Thursday, Shekiera Martinez's 91st minute equaliser denied the Blues a win that would've re-established their eight-point lead at the top of the WSL table, though they remain in an excellent position heading into the final four games of their league campaign.

It took Chelsea just 16 minutes to break the deadlock, with Catarina Macario's turn and run, Ashley Lawrence's improvised header and Maika Hamano's sweet half-volley giving them a goal their lively start deserved. It was more good play with her back to goal from Macario, and a slice of luck from a kind bounce of the ball, that put Aggie Beever-Jones through only five minutes later, where she made no mistake. At that point, it seemed like three points were surely on their way.

However, despite a generally good attacking performance, Chelsea never found that third goal and for that, and some defensive lapses, they were punished. Misjudgements from the ever-reliable centre-back duo of Nathalie Bjorn and Millie Bright helped Martinez receive an opportunity just before half time that she didn't waste, and it was a lack of awareness and communications between Lawrence and Lucy Bronze that allowed the young forward to bag her brace in second half stoppage time.

An unprecedented invincible season remains on the table for Chelsea, with this their third draw to go with 15 wins in 18 games this WSL season. The Blues are also still six points clear at the top, so this is no disaster. But they will certainly be glad to see the international break come next week, with Bompastor hoping to get some names off the injury list which could bolster a team still going for the quadruple.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Hannah Hampton (6/10):

  Had little to do other than pick the ball out of her net. Distribution was good.

  Ashley Lawrence (5/10):

  Improvised brilliantly to nod Macario's cross down to Hamano for the opening goal. Was the start of a great game for her – until she failed to keep tabs on Martinez for the stoppage time equaliser.

  Nathalie Bjorn (6/10):

  Didn't communicate with Jean-Francois in the build-up to West Ham's goal and got sucked in unnecessarily. Recovered well to have a solid game otherwise.

  Millie Bright (5/10):

  Generally solid but mistimed her header to prevent Ueki's ball reaching Martinez for the goal then went off at the break.

  Niamh Charles (7/10):

  Has a real battle for her place on her hands with Baltimore in such great form, but took this chance well.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Oriane Jean-Francois (6/10):

  A little passive at times but did grow into the game and improve.

  Erin Cuthbert (7/10):

  Very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after seeing a great strike pushed onto the bar. Played a positive and clean first half before going off at the break.

  Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):

  Lacked her usual bite in midfield but did contribute some nice moments in the final third. Had a couple of decent opportunities to get on the scoresheet but sent the ball just wide on both occasions.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Maika Hamano (8/10):

  Was Chelsea's liveliest player from the get-go, so it was no surprise that she broke the deadlock with a great finish. Delivered dangerous set pieces and was a constant thorn in West Ham's side.

  Catarina Macario (7/10):

  Held the ball up brilliantly in what was an important feature of Chelsea's attacking play. Played a role in both goals with that, even if it was a little fortunate for the second.

  Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):

  Completed a really positive and effective attacking three. Always willing to run at her marker and was very composed in front of goal to make it 2-0.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Lucy Bronze (5/10):

  Replaced Bright at the break. Put herself about well and made some important interventions in her own box, but showed very little awareness for West Ham's late goal.

  Wieke Kaptein (6/10):

  Another half time sub. Played a deeper role on this occasion, so didn't impact the attack as much as usual, though she did move the ball nicely.

  Lauren James (7/10):

  Brought plenty of energy to the table to help Chelsea keep the pressure up in the closing stages. Went close to a goal when her cross hit the bar, too.

  Mia Fishel (6/10):

  After making her first appearance in 13 months last week, a 25-minute sub appearance was another positive step forward in her comeback. Held the ball up well and added something different to the attack.

  Keira Walsh (N/A):

  A late sub.

  Sonia Bompastor (6/10):

  Made seven changes to the team that beat Man City in midweek and another two at half time, which was perhaps too many in hindsight. Chelsea failed to really kick on from a fast start and mishaps at the back, between players in uncommon partnerships, proved costly.