The Japan international played the entirety of the vital success as sensational goals from Filippa Angeldahl and Lauren Hemp secured three points.
But it was Hasegawa’s second half display which has earned praise from her colleagues and pundits alike, with Gareth Taylor describing her as ‘top class’ after the full-time whistle.
The 26-year-old was often a thorn in Emma Hayes’ team’s side as she covered every blade of grass, broke up play and dictated the tempo from deep.
Speaking on our Matchday Live broadcast for the meeting with the Londoners, Wright-Phillips highlighted her importance to City’s engine room.
“For me in general, the midfield battle was key and I think with the two midfielders we had in there plus Coombs, they pretty much ran the show,” he explained.
“Hasegawa. I don’t even know how to explain her football intelligence and the way she plays. The way she creates space for others on and off the ball for me is just frightening.
“I thought she was my player of the match.”
Since joining the Club from West Ham in pre-season, Hasegawa is yet to taste defeat in the WSL in sky blue – featuring in 12 wins and two draws.
And Wright-Phillips was impressed with her capability to stamp her authority on a game of high importance against Chelsea.
He added: “The way she plays is delightful. I’m small myself so to see someone control the flow of the game and go through the tackles like she does is great.
“She keeps possession, plays at her own pace and sees it in her own way. She’s key to the midfield.
“The way she plays is delightful. I’m small myself so to see someone control the flow of the game and go through the tackles like she does is great.
“She keeps possession, plays at her own pace and sees it in her own way. She’s key to the midfield.”
