Manchester City Women secured a strong 2-0 win over Chelsea Women in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) quarterfinals at the Joie Stadium. This victory ended Chelsea’s 28-match unbeaten run in the season.

The match began with both teams aiming for goals, but neither could net during the first half. In the second half, City turned the match in their favour, thanks to Vivianne Miedema. She scored both goals, with a rebound in the 60th minute and another in the 89th minute through Kerolin Nicoli’s pass.

Chelsea did have a chance to reduce the deficit, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd hitting the bar, but they struggled to break through City’s solid defence.

Man City on changes, Chelsea’s struggles

City’s win was seemingly more impressive given their recent managerial change. The squad dismissed their five-year head coach, Gareth Taylor, which led to questions about City’s remaining fixtures. Former manager, now interim boss, Nick Cushing led the team’s success in this match.

Meanwhile, defender Lucy Bronze said Chelsea were ‘miles off�?their usual level, admitting they lacked energy which led to their defeat. Chelsea must now overturn this loss in the second leg of the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 27.

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Manchester City Women have dismissed head coach Gareth Taylor just days before their crucial Women’s League Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday, March 15. The club announced Taylor’s dismissal, citing the need for a change as they push for the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.

Taylor, who took charge in 2020, guided City to an FA Cup victory in his debut season and secured the League Cup title in 2022. He played a key role in shaping the squad, guiding them to straight top-three finishes in the WSL.

However, this season has seen Man City struggle. The club’s inconsistent performances have raised concerns about their title chances. They currently sit in fourth place, 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Nick Cushing, the club’s former manager (2013-2020), has been appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the season. He’s a key figure in Man City’s early success, having previously led them to their only WSL title in 2016. 

Sacking Taylor before a major final is a risky move, but the club believes a managerial change is a must to turn their season around.

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