3 standout players as Chelsea Women survive WSL scare vs Liverpool

1. Ève Périsset

Similar to Guro Reiten last season, the French international Eve Perisset has been arguably the most underappreciated Blue throughout 2022/23. After being the main reason why the west London outfit conceded the opening goal, Perisset never let that get to her head. The 28-year-old did not try to do too much attempting to put her mistake behind her. The French defender used her composed passing, and clever anticipation to put the opposition on their heels. On the right side of a new-look defense that was still without Millie Bright and Canadian Kadeisha Buchanan, Perisset stepped up on both sides of the ball.

She had the Blues’ first shot on target in the match, and played an extremely intelligent left-footed ball into Reiten just a few minutes later. Perisset’s eyes were always looking forward as her passing was ultimately the thing that broke the Reds’ backline open. Despite being one of the best passers on the team, Perisset’s corner that found the head of Charles was her first assist of the WSL campaign.

The French international was one of the key reasons for Liverpool’s 55 percent pass accuracy, leading the Blues in total tackles at five on Wednesday evening. Only Charles had more final third carries through 90 minutes than the former Bordeaux defender. Two of her fellow defenders Charles, and Eriksson were the only two players with a better pass accuracy. It was the first time since December in the WSL that the winger had four or more progressive passes in a single game. With defenders missing from the team due to injuries, Perisset’s ability to step up is going to be critical if the Blues seek to sit atop the WSL for the fourth straight campaign.