Manchester City player ratings vs Chelsea: Khadija Shaw & Vivianne Miedema impress but champions too strong as Alex Greenwood among late injuries in WSL curtain-raiser

Khadija Shaw, Vivianne Miedema and Yui Hasegawa all showed real attacking threat during Manchester City's narrow defeat by an impressive Chelsea.

Manchester City slumped to an opening day loss as Chelsea began the defence of their WSL title with a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Aggie Beever-Jones and Maika Hamano gave the Blues the lead, before Niamh Charles headed into her own net to temporarily give City hope.

Chelsea held out on the night despite boss Sonia Bompastor having to field a patched-up side with a number of key players absent through injury. 

City trio Shaw, Miedema and Hasegawa were the shining lights for the visitors who created a number of chances, but failed to convert. 

But the night was soured for City by two late injuries to Alex Greenwood and Lily Murphy.

GOAL rates Man City's players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ayaka Yamashita (6/10):

  Not at fault for the goals, made a couple of good saves and was a steady presence at the back throughout. 

  Jade Rose (6/10):

  Impressed on debut with composed distribution from the back, will have impressed boss against strong opposition.

  Gracie Prior (6/10):

  Very fortunate to not concede a penalty in the first-half, and should have done better for the second Chelsea goal. 

  Alex Greenwood (7/10):

  Out-paced for Chelsea's opener, but rattled the crossbar with stunning free-kick in the first-half and delivered wicked cross for City's goal. Worrying injury right at the end.

  Kirstin Casparij (6/10):

  A busy evening and hardly put a foot wrong, but wasn't able to make an impact further up the pitch. 

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  Midfield

  Yui Hasegawa (8/10):

  Excellent shift in a congested midfield, showed superb technique with stunning volley just after the break. And very nearly scored with delightful flick. 

  Sydney Lohmann (6/10):

  Overloaded with defensive work and struggled to impose herself on the game. Substituted just before the hour mark. 

  Vivianne Miedema (7/10):

  Bogged down with extra defensive duties, but very unlucky to miss with long-range strike just before half-time. 

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  Attack

  Lauren Hemp (8/10):

  Worked tirelessly in a high position as Man City attempted the press, and created a number chances. Was solid throughout. 

  Lily Murphy (8/10):

  A constant source of energy on the left, but struggled to make a major impact against the outstanding Carpenter. Taken off on stretcher very near end of the match. 

  Khadija Shaw (8/10):

  A constant thorn in Chelsea's side. Showed excellent composure to create equaliser chance, but should have scored. 

• Subs & Manager

  Andree Jeglertz (6/10):

  Failed to react to issues on the left side, but knows his side has the quality to be very competitive this season. Will be worried by two injuries at the end. 

  Laura Blindkilde Brown (5/10):

  Introduced in 78th minute and had too few touches to impact proceedings. 

  Iman Beney (N/A):

  Brought on in 85th minute to make debut, but not enough time to influence game.

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