Superb Man City dominate champions Chelsea to take three vital points - here’s how we rated each player

First half strikes from Filippa Angeldahl (20) and Lauren Hemp (30) gave Gareth Taylor’s a deserved win as his side put on one of their best displays of the season in front of 5,222 fans.

The head coach made just two changes from the FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa as Steph Houghton and Laura Coombs came back into the starting XI.

And it was Taylor’s side that would start the brighter as good work between Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp saw the latter test Katrin-Ann Berger in the early stages of the clash. Sam Kerr would make sure the City defence were on guard though shortly afterwards after a strong run and drive tested Ellie Roebuck in the home nets.

Roebuck was called into action again shortly afterwards when Sophie Ingle fired a venomous drive towards the corner of the City goal - the Lionesses stopper did well to palm it away though.

The game would have its opening goal after 20 minutes though and it was a real stunner with Swedish midfielder firing an inch perfect 25-yard drive drive into the top corner of the Chelsea net to hand her side the lead.

And things would get even for better for City just 10 minutes later when Kelly once again caused problems down the right hand side and saw her looping ball reach Coombs in the box. The midfielder showed excellent strength to lay it off to Hemp who fired a delicious drive into the net with the outside of her boot.

Chelsea would almost half the deficit after the restart when Esme Morgan did well to clear off the line after a dangerous corner from Cuthbert. Angeldahl would then drive just wide of the Chelsea net on the hour mark after good interplay with Kelly.

Roebuck would be called into action with 15 minutes left on the clock as she pulled off a smart save at her near post from Kerr as Chelsea looked to force a way back into the game - but in truth, City were comfortable.

Kelly tried an audacious drive with the game winding down that almost caught out Berger as City broke on an increasingly desperate Chelsea but had to settle for just the two goals as they moved above Chelsea into second in the Women’s Super League and reignite their previously slim title hopes.

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Player ratings

Ellie Roebuck: Pulled off a good save from Ingle in the first half but enjoyed a surprising quiet afternoon at the Academy Stadium. 7/10.

Laia Alexandri: Neat and tidy in possession, the Spanish midfielder offered a calm head in the centre of the ball and allowed City to build well from the back througout the afternoon. 7/10.

Steph Houghton: An excellent return to the side. Marshalled Kerr well and brought a calm and composed feel to the defence. 7/10.

Alex Greenwood: Much like Houghton, Greenwood was her usual composed self and was excellent passing out from the back. 7/10.

Laura Coombs: Does so much good work in the middle for City, great movement and always available for the pass. 7/10.

Chloe Kelly: Outstanding. Was dangerous throughout and always asked questions of the Chelsea defence with her pace and direct running. 9/10.

Lauren Hemp: Was excellent on the left hand side and caused Chelsea a number of problems. Her goal was out of the top drawer. 9/10.

Filippa Angeldahl: What a goal! Has fought her way back into the starting XI and it is proving be the correct decision. 7/10.

Esme Morgan: Slotted in well at right back and coped with everything that was thrown at her. Played her part in a great City display. 7/10.

Bunny Shaw: Offered City an option up top every single time and is a real handful for any defence. 7/10.

Yui Hasegawa: Just a really lovely footballer who picks the right pass almost every single time. 8/10.

Subs

Julie Blakstad (on for Hemp 78): Came on late as City looked to close the game out. 6/10.

Man City player of the match:

Chloe Kelly/Lauren Hemp

Impossible to pick just one, Kelly was an absolute menace down the right and Hemp was a headache for the Chelsea back line with the duo causing the champions an endless amount of problems. An outstanding performance from both.