The American made a costly error to hand the Blues the points they needed to secure the title
Manchester United's hopes of finishing in the Women's Super League's top three and thus qualifying for the Champions League took a hit on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea in a result that confirmed the Blues as champions, but placed a great deal of pressure on Marc Skinner's side ahead of their derby date with fourth-placed Manchester City this weekend.
United had a chance after 17 minutes, but first,Melvine Malard forced a good save from Hannah Hampton before Grace Clinton saw her rebounded effort brilliantly blocked by Naomi Girma.
Malard was sent through on goal again shortly before half-time, but she hesitated and Hampton in Chelsea's goal was able to force her back, before saving a follow-up effort from Clinton. The England midfielder was also unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after she seemed to be fouled by Millie Bright in the box, but the referee waved play on.
After the restart, United had yet another chance through Celin Bizet as she ghosted in at the back post and was well denied, before Red Devils goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was required to make a smart double-save to keep the scores level.
Tullis-Joyce, though, was at fault for Chelsea's winning goal with 15 minutes to go, as the United States international tried and failed to claim a corner coming into the box, allowing Lucy Bronze to head into an empty net.
GOAL rates United's players from Leigh Sports Village…
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (4/10):
Made an exceptional double-save before the hour but undid all of that good work by rushing out to try to claim a corner, and getting lost under the ball. As a result, Bronze scored the winner – a costly error.
Jayde Riviere (6/10):
Strong at right-back and pushed forward whenever she could. A good showing.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Organised well and put her body on the line repeatedly.
Millie Turner (6/10):
Unfazed, much like Le Tissier. Was often the deepest of the backline but stood up well. One loose second-half pass, which gave Chelsea a chance to break, aside, she played well.
Gabby George (7/10):
Put in a couple of exceptional deliveries, one of which found Bizet at the back post for a chance, while also showcasing some strong defensive work. Hurt herself when defending in the second half and was substituted.
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Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):
An understated performance but she pressed well and was economical in possession.
Dominique Janssen (6/10):
Tracked back well throughout and made one block in the six-yard box. A solid, reliable option at the base of the midfield.
Grace Clinton (7/10):
Denied by a superb Girma block in the first half. Buzzed around in the No.10 role, offering glimpses of positivity. Surprisingly subbed, despite being United's best attacking player. As she left the pitch, she appeared to take all of the Red Devils' thrust with her.
Attack
Celin Bizet (6/10):
Ghosted in at the back post in the second half and forced an excellent save. Some very nice runs, but couldn't turn it into anything tangible.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Wasted one very presentable chance as she hesitated. A fine No.9 who can occupy defenders well, but she wasn't clinical enough. Subbed alongside Clinton.
Leah Galton (5/10):
Struggled to get into the game and just couldn't carve out a chance. A bad night.
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Elisabeth Terland (5/10):
On for Malard. Barely had a touch.
Ella Toone (5/10):
Replaced Clinton. Could not occupy the Chelsea defenders in anywhere near the same way.
Anna Sandberg (6/10):
On for the injured George. Was barely tested.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Brought on with five minutes left.
Aoife Mannion (N/A):
Came on alongside Naalsund.
Marc Skinner (4/10):
Got his subs completely wrong. Clinton was a threat, but taking her and Malard off at once robbed United of any attacking threat. Their top-three hopes are now in the balance, and the manager ought to take a look in the mirror.