It was the same feeling last season – that Chelsea did not feel invincible and there were areas where they could be exploited.
Yet nobody managed to take advantage as they went unbeaten in their WSL, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
They took time to settle in Friday’s opening game, instead needing to figure out how to stop the movement of their opponents and get around a new-look set-up from Andree Jeglertz in his first game in charge of City.
The match had been teed up nicely by Chelsea’s presentation of blockbuster deadline day signing Alyssa Thompson walking out on a red carpet before kick-off.
Sam Kerr, the Australian superstar striker, was also back in the squad for the first time in 20 months after her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
And there was a debut for Kerr’s compatriot Ellie Carpenter – an exciting full-back addition from eight-time Champions League winners Lyon.
But after working out City’s fluid system, the hosts quickly settled into their usual routine to take control of the match.
They realised Carpenter had the better of City captain Alex Greenwood with her pace and was causing the visiting defence problems. So Chelsea kept getting the ball to Carpenter and the debutant assisted Aggie Beever-Jones for the opener.
They doubled their lead in the second half, capitalising once again with their attacking quality after City created good chances of their own, but did not take them.
An own goal from Niamh Charles on a Greenwood set-piece was the only chink in the armour despite all of City’s pressure and creativity – and the unanswered chants of “we want Kerr” was the only thing missing in an otherwise perfect scenario for the Chelsea support.
They had three points against one of their title rivals and Carpenter ran the show.
“Yeah, I’m pleased with the result but also the performance,” said manager Bompastor. “In the first half we had control and created the most dangerous opportunities.
“We were able to keep some really good players at City quiet. We had a strong start in the season and I’m pleased with that, but it’s only the first game.
“In terms of the psychological aspect, it’s always important to beat a big opponent and someone who is trying to fight for the league.
“I won’t go crazy with these three points. We still have 21 [games] to go.”
