In a game of few chances, Nick Cushing’s reigning champions will be the happier of the two sides.
Although the remarkable winning streak of 2017/18 came to an end, the Blues retained their place atop the table despite a difficult night which saw goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and captain Steph Houghton forced off through injury.
The visitors also had to withstand a wave of Chelsea pressure late on but defended magnificently to preserve the stalemate, with young shot-stopper Ellie Roebuck producing some vital stops.
What happened…
An early but lengthy stoppage hindered what promised to be a tasty affair, as the Blues were dealt a severe blow after just three minutes.
Having landed awkwardly on her shoulder after jumping for a catch, Bardsley was stretchered off and replaced by youngster Roebuck.
A stop-start first-half heralded few opportunities.
Jill Scott created the first, firing goalward from the edge of the area – only to be denied by Hedvig Lindahl.
At the other end, Roebuck was called into action to thwart Maren Mjelde and Ramona Bachmann, while Jen Beattie slid in expertly to intercept Fran Kirby’s delivery.
While neither side could gain a foothold in the opening 45, City looked the more dangerous. Mel Lawley, who saw plenty of the ball down the left flank, drove at Millie Bright and drove in a teasing cross, before Abbie McManus headed a corner wide and Nikita Parris saw an effort deflect into Lindahl’s arms.
City enjoyed a spell of possession in the second half’s early exchanges, after Roebuck had been on alert to claim Bachmann’s cross-shot.
Houghton went close with a trademark free-kick before Beattie headed over the bar.
The hosts then sparked into life. Kirby spurned the game’s best chance, firing narrowly wide; then curled over shortly after.
Roebuck produced a match-saving stop on 74 minutes, making herself but to prevent Drew Spence from breaking the deadlock and the away side endured a lengthy spell of pressure, showcasing their defensive qualities with a gritty and determined display.
How they lined up…
Cushing made one change to the side that cruised to a 3-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday, as Lawley was recalled to the starting XI in place of Claire Emslie.
Bardsley took her place between the sticks, shielded by a back four of Demi Stokes, Beattie, Houghton and McManus.
Keira Walsh protected the back line in her defensive midfield role, just behind Scott and Izzy Christiansen with Lawley and Parris operating on the wings. Nadia Nadim led the line upfront.
What it means…
City maintain their advantage at the top of the table, leading Chelsea by two points.
What’s next…
Cushing’s side travel to Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup on Sunday 3 February (2pm) before hosting Liverpool at the Academy Stadium on Sunday 11 February (12:30pm) in the first home encounter of 2018.
Tickets are available via tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
