Chelsea Women 4-2 Brighton: 3 standouts from come back win

2. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd

With the goal being as late as it was in the final few seconds of the first half, the west Londoners needed to build. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd made sure the flame stayed lit. She may have only been on the pitch for 45 minutes, but the Swedish winger was incredibly impactful. The Seagulls felt her presence from the jump, coming on for a central defender to provide more dynamism in the final third.

The Swede played a key role in the Blues’ second goal. She drove right at Brighton with purpose before laying it through the lines for Sam Kerr up top. The Australian unselfishly set up Nusken for the German to smash it in. So far this season, her opportunities have not been what she may have wanted.

Going into the break, No. 19 must have confidence that this could be the beginning of even more impactful displays going forward. Her two successful dribbles were tied for the most under the Kingsmeadow sun. Role players like Kaneryd have to make the most of their minutes. That is exactly what she did with even more important games coming up.

3. Eve Perisset

Before this match, the French international had competed in just 21 minutes. Considering the kind of work she put in on Sunday, how could that be? It’s confusing, to say the least. With Ashley Lawrence continuing to adapt to the WSL, why not throw No. 15 on the right flank opposite of Niamh Charles? If you’re getting this out of her game in and game out, there is no reason to bring her off the bench.

Perisset very well could have had two assists and at least a goal if the home side was a bit more clinical in the first half. Over the course of her 90 minutes, No. 15 created seven chances, three more than any of her teammates. Other than Nusken, the right wing back was arguably the best player on the pitch. The French defender is so tidy with the ball, always knowing her next move before she receives it.

According to FotMob, Perisset recorded the third best pass accuracy of anyone in blue, behind only two center backs, Millie Bright and Jess Carter. Vicky Losada of the away side was the only one matched the defender’s total ground duels won. Don’t be shocked. This was all the French defender did down the stretch of last season. Composed, strong on the ball, and fearless running forward down the flank.

Emma Hayes’ Chelsea Women will not take the pitch again until November 4 against Aston Villa as the first international break of the WSL campaign is here.