WSL: Chelsea Women and Manchester City Women draw 0-0 in opener
- Published
Chelsea Women and Manchester City Women finished first and second respectively in the WSL last season
Champions Chelsea Women began the defence of their Women's Super League title with a goalless draw against Manchester City Women.
The home side edged the first half in terms of chances, with Beth England, Maren Mjelde and Ramona Bachmann all forcing saves from Karen Bardsley.
Nikita Parris fired wide for City, while England captain Steph Houghton twice headed off target.
Chelsea finished the stronger, with Fran Kirby curling narrowly wide.
Bachmann also forced another smart save out of England keeper Bardsley at her near post, while South Korea international Ji So-yun waited too long to shoot after creating space in the box and was crowded out.
City, who fielded an entirely British starting XI, were Chelsea's main title challengers last season and boss Nick Cushing will have been pleased with his side's solidity in defence, with Houghton stepping in to thwart Chelsea on several occasions.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, on her return to the dugout after having a baby at the end of last season, brought England striker Kirby on from the bench late on but her side were unable to find a breakthrough.
Erin Cuthbert had a chance to win the game for Chelsea in stoppage time but shot straight at Bardsley from 20 yards.