The WSL’s defending champions Chelsea Women have had a mixed start to the season, drawing 1-1 at Manchester United Women, before emphatically defeating Bristol City Women 9-0. This game, against Birmingham City Women and their new head coach Carla Ward, would prove to be a very difficult for them. In this tactical analysis, we will look at how Birmingham set up defensively to frustrate Chelsea, and how Chelsea changed their formation and tactics in the second half to try and play around Birmingham’s well-organised defence.
Lineups
Birmingham City Women made two changes from the side that lost 5-2 at home to Manchester United Women. Midfielder Mollie Green and forward Emma Kelly dropped to the bench, with Jamie-Lee Napier, on loan from Chelsea, starting against her parent club, whilst Connie Scofield also came in. Claudia Walker continued to play as the central striker, looking to score for the second game running.
Chelsea Women made three changes of their own from the victory over Bristol City Women. Hannah Blundell, South Korea forward Ji So-yun and Australia striker Sam Kerr all dropped to the bench, with Wales defensive midfielder Sophie Ingle and Norway forward Guro Reiten coming in to give them more balance in midfield. Left-back Jonna Andersson also returned to the starting 11, having missed the game last weekend.
