Chelsea 0-1 Man City: Player ratings as Cityzens go level on points at top of WSL

FROM KINGSMEADOW — Manchester City put in an inspired performance to defeat reigning WSL champions Chelsea 1-0 on Friday, blowing the title race wide open and ending the Blues' run of 22 games unbeaten at home in the league.

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw helped City in their race for the title by netting the winning goal in the 14th minute, continuing her own quest for the Golden Boot in the process.

Her impressive strike dented Chelsea's impressive home record, while before this meeting, Chelsea had defeated City in their last six home games in the WSL.

Shaw's goal was the product of brilliance from Jess Park, who earned a recall to the Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses squad during the week. On her first league start after Jill Roord suffered an ACL injury last month, Park excelled in the midfield, keeping City one foot in front for the entire evening and ensuring the pressure never ceased on a mismatched Chelsea defence.

The result now leaves the two sides level at the top of the table. They are tied on points (34) and goal difference (+28), with only Chelsea's superior goals for keep them at number one. But after this defeat, Emma Hayes will be looking over her shoulder as any minor mistake could gift City the title in her final season.

With both teams vying for early dominance, it was a highly contested opening few minutes before the deadlock was broken 14 minutes in. Park careered down on goal after robbing Erin Cuthbert of the ball and played in Shaw, and the Jamaican striker made no mistake to fire home past Hannah Hampton.

Two minutes later, Shaw could have added a second after some nifty footwork foiled two defenders but she rolled her limp shot wide.

After City faced some questionable officiating having had two players sent off