Chelsea Ladies skipper Chapman: It’s massive for us that we did not lose

By PAUL LAGAN – paul@slpmedia.co.uk

Chelsea Ladies skipper Katie Chapman remains upbeat despite losing top spot of the WSL 1 to Manchester City after drawing 2-2 at Adams Park this afternoon against Reading.
The Blues went behind in the first half before Karen Carney’s brilliant free-kick and Eni Aluko’s low drive put Chelsea ahead.
A 93rd minute own goal by Magdalena Eriksson saw two points dropped – the first of the season for Chelsea.
City thrashed Bristol Academy 4-0 to open up a two point lead over the Blues at the top of the table.
Midfielder Chapman said: “It was a really tough game. We started really, really well and could have scored a couple of goals in the first 15 minutes, but we didn’t take them.
“We knew it would be difficult here, Reading are a good side this year, they are challenging.
“I don’t think we were complacent in the slightest. We are on a hard run of games at the moment. I thought we did great out there as a team performance. We dug in and worked hard. We knew it was going to be tough and that they would not lay down or it would be easy for us. I think credit to us. We stayed resilient and did well.
“We didn’t lose. It’s massive for us that we don’t lose, We pride ourselves on doing well and winning games, but you know what, sometimes games are like this and teams want to beat us and we have to deal with that.”
The Blues were unbeaten, having won all four league game so far and had not conceded a goal, something Chapman understands but is not too worried about.
“Yeah, it does hurt because we pride ourselves in not conceding,” she said. “The first goal we conceded was really scrappy, we did not get rid of it and the second was an own goal, which we could do nothing about.”
On Wednesday, the Blues’ tough run of games continues when they travel to Sweden, defending a 3-0 lead in the last 32 of the Champions League against Rosengard – Chapman is not having it that perhaps her team-mates might have had one eye on that game.
“Do you know what, no. Knowing this team and the way they are, we want to do well in every single game. The league is really important to us too. We have put ourselves in a good position in the Champions League for the next leg and our focus was on this game. Unfortunately they gave us a great game and it ended 2-2.”

Looking ahead to Rosengard on Wednesday, Chapman said “We still have to be on our game. Although we have got a 3-0 lead, it’s important that we go to their ground, with their crowd behind them and put a stamp early on the game. I think if we get that away goal, then it’s game over.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves. Teams are absolute quality, they are ranked highly in the Champions League and for us to go there with a 3-0 lead is an advantage but we will take it as a 0-0.

Click here to see Karen Carney almost score for the Blues – 9E6B6107-A4A7-41AA-BCC9-F135FA876585