Chelsea Women: 3 takeaways from deflating 2-0 defeat at Manchester City

Depth was a strength in September, now it is a major problem

Before the 2022/23 campaign began, everyone in the football world was talking about the new found depth that this west London side possessed. Jelena Cankovic, Rytting Kaneryd, Eve Perisset, and Kadeisha Buchanan were brought in over the summer to add to a roster that lifted two major trophies at the end of 2022. Injuries combined with a number of outgoings during the January transfer window created a squad with little depth, especially on the defensive side of things.

Erin Cuthbert is clearly still struggled with her hamstring, having to come off for Jessie Fleming in the 80′. Bright’s absence created a near impossible situation in the backline as Hayes was going into the match without a replacement center back. Jess Carter could have moved there in a formation shift, but this was a game where Nouwen could have been given a chance to see what she could do against a top WSL side.

If Sam Kerr is struggling up top, the Blues have nobody to turn to for a replacement since Bethany England took her talents to north London during the winter transfer window. In many matches throughout the season, this was an issue that would not be exposed. Bright is rumored to be back into the fold at the Bridge on Thursday which would be a massive help to a club that was clearly out of gas in its third road match in four games.