Women's Super League: Chelsea close the gap as City lose their 100 per cent record

Wednesday night saw the first half of the Women’s Super League season come to close with Chelsea closing the gap on Manchester City to four points after their 2-1 win over Sunderland. The league leaders lost their 100% record as they were held goalless by Liverpool in Widnes.

"It feels like a loss, just from the fact we've won every other game,” City boss Nick Cushing told Yahoo Sport after the game. “I thought it took us too long to get going today. It maybe took us 65 minutes to really use our possession and use the ball in their half, to put them under real pressure."

Far from a classic game, Liverpool will go into the break much the happier side after keeping their second clean sheet in a row. Scott Rogers had to react after they shipped six goals against Chelsea, but Wednesday’s test was much tougher than what Sunderland provided last week.

"We are obviously delighted to get the point, but most importantly, I'm really proud of the team's effort today,” beamed Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner. “I think we deserved the clean sheet."

Rogers has had to change things. With Satara Murray back from injury, the American defender was able to play at right-back, and was outstanding. A vast improvement from some of her disappointing displays last season. Sophie Ingle impressed at the centre of defence, helped by an inspirational performance from Bonner.

"There was no hiding the fact that we've conceded a lot of goals this year,” Bonner continued. “The past two performances we've really focused on that and showed what a good team we can be."

The break comes at the wrong time for the Reds, two wins in a row has seen them collect eight points from seven games – three of those fixtures against the top two – and Bonner believes they are in a good place.

"We've got to keep the momentum if we can. First game back we've got Manchester City, but it's the same for both teams. We'll have a good break now and come back in ready to carry on."

Once they visit the Academy Stadium in June, Rogers side can concentrate on picking up points from more winnable fixtures. When asked if the top of the table clash against Chelsea had played a part in City’s laboured display, Cushing wasn’t convinced.

"I think the pitch affects it a little bit, you can't really get much rhythm out of the game. Don't get me wrong, we've got areas we need to improve, but we know the pitch is a leveller. I was going to bring a team to block it up and try and hold a good team, I'd love to do it on this pitch and not a grass pitch."

Liverpool play at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes, the only WSL 1 team to play on a 3G pitch. It may be the same type surface that the England players faced last summer in the World Cup in Canada, but it is far from being at the same level of quality.

It is often seen as a difference maker in the league, with many wondering if it actually helps or hinders Liverpool’s chances of playing good football. It is a place that no one likes to go, so Cushing will be relieved to leave without defeat – and with no players picking up injuries.

"I will guarantee you, and you can hold me on this, no one will win the WSL with a 100% record.”

After defeat in the FA Cup final and the City last week, Chelsea knew they had to win on Wednesday, regardless of what their title rivals managed in Widnes. There was a potential shock on the cards when Stephanie Roche put the away side 1-0 up early in the first half, but Emma Hayes’ side would show spirit and fight.

“I think with their goal we were caught in transition, but that’s football for you,” Chelsea captain Katie Chapman admitted after the game. “But we are a resilient side and got it back on track and have done it a few times this season where we’ve come back from behind.”

Chapman inspired the comeback, heading in Karen Carney’s free-kick two minutes later and Fran Kirby would put the Blues in front mid-way through the half. Chelsea have a game in hand over City and will hope to reduce their lead to just a point when the league resumes at the end of June.

City still look the stronger of the two teams at the moment, they remain unbeaten and have yet to conceded a goal in the league after seven games. Anything can happen in this league and it will make for a thrilling second half once the summer break is over.