The last time Manchester City beat Chelsea in the league, they were playing them at a ground out by Heathrow Airport, on the now rarely used Wheatsheaf Park that was formerly home to Staines Town. Eight years ago, goals from Demi Stokes and Jen Beattie secured the win in a title-winning season. Familiar names from an unfamiliar time — since then, Chelsea have gone on to win five more league titles and many people would not even remember that they used to play away from their current home of Kingsmeadow.
It had been eight years since City had managed to get a league win away at Chelsea, but a 1-0 victory brought an end to Chelsea’s run of 33 league games unbeaten at home. It also ensures there is plenty of room left to run in the Women’s Super League title race.
Heading into the game, Emma Hayes had been positive about Chelsea’s relationship with Kingsmeadow, without being drawn on the record itself.
“It’s a bit like anybody when they go home or return home — it’s that feeling of comfort.
“It’s a familiarity, it’s a ground we’ve had such amazing memories at (but) this is just another notch in our season.”
Not since Brighton pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at the ground in February 2021 have Chelsea lost here. The past two times a club other than Chelsea…
