Just minutes into the second half and the game has already reverted back into the same pattern we saw for most of the first half.

Chelsea sitting off and Man City controlling the lion's share of the ball.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Sport

I think revenge is the wrong word, but Chelsea have been beaten by Man City at home this season, they drew with them away and they want to get one back over them.

Whether it's in the semi-final of the League Cup or in the league, they want to win the next game against them and that's what tonight is about Emma Hayes won't say revenge, but will say 'you need to get one back over Man City'.

Back under way at Joie Stadium.

The teams have made their way back out onto the pitch for the second half.

Will City find a way to turn it around or will Chelsea book a fifth consecutive League Cup final appearance?

There was very little between the sides in that first half, but as is quite often the case, Lauren James was on hand to make the difference for Chelsea.

Image source, BBC Sport

Roger: Get Chloe on the ball, girl can shoot. Should be supporting Chelsea, being from West London and going to school in Chelsea, but am a QPR fan

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport

Gareth Taylor came in for heavy criticism last season after a poor start to the campaign followed an upheaval in the summer with several key players leaving.

He called for time and patience as his side went through a transitional period and City gave him that, despite reservations from many outside the club.

That faith in Taylor has now paid off as City have had a strong 2023-24, playing some of the best football in the WSL and showing an identity under his leadership.

They are in position to challenge Chelsea for the WSL title and a 1-0 victory over them last month will no doubt have helped Taylor's case in negotiations over a new deal, which is much deserved.

A new three-year deal is a statement from City regarding their trust in Taylor's ability to win more silverware at a club with the resources to achieve much more than they have.

It is eight years since they last won a WSL title and Taylor's main goal will be to end that wait. Until it happens, he will still have to face his critics.

After a strong run on all fronts for Manchester City so far this season, the club announced on Monday that it had rewarded boss Gareth Taylor with a new three year contract.

He will no doubt want to cement that new deal with a victory in his 132nd match in charge of the side this evening. Although they have work to do as they trail 1-0 at the break.

Adam Millington
BBC Sport at Joie Stadium

Chelsea lead at the break and on the balance it's probably deserved.

Since taking the lead they've definitely been on top. Man City haven't been left with any space to attack behind the visitors' defence.

They've packed the midfield and prevented City being able to build.

City haven't been able to pose much of a threat. Chelsea have been well-organised, composed, and are doing a good job of managing the game.

The referee blows the whistle for half time.

So far so good for Chelsea, but Man City with work to do after a frustrating first half.

Chloe Kelly takes matters into her own hands, breaking past two Chelsea defenders and into the box.

Her shot though is wide of the target, just slightly hitting the side netting as it goes behind.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Sport

We're used to seeing Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp put really quality balls into the box but this evening it's been few and far between. When they have it's gone straight to a Chelsea player. Lack of movement in the box from Manchester City.

Image source, Getty Images

Lauren Hemp breaks towards the byline before cutting a pass back to Leila Ouahabi.

The Spanish full-back opts to deliver a deep cross into the back post but it evades all those wearing in sky blue in the centre.

We enter four minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half.

Chelsea intercept another long period of Man City possession and immediately counter attack.

Erin Cuthbert feeds a great through ball to Aggie Beever-Jones but she is held up on the edge of the City box by Laia Alexandri.

Chelsea recycle the ball and get a cross in but the delivery is inches too high for Beever-Jones to get her head on it in the middle.

We're closing in on half time at Joie Stadium, with Chelsea still holding a narrow advantage thanks to that early deflected strike from Lauren James.

Plenty of huffing and puffing from Man City, but they are still yet to truly test Hannah Hampton in the Chelsea goal.

Lindsay Johnson
Ex-England defender on BBC Sport

It's obviously a really cagey game. At this moment Chelsea are the side that are tactically ahead of this Man City side. They will feel hard done by, but they haven't created any clear chances. We've not really had anything to talk about in that attacking third.

Two corners in two minutes for Chelsea as they hit back with a few chances of their own.

Sjoeke Nüsken gets her head on the first delivery at the front post, but her effort is deflected into the side netting.

The second delivery is testing for Khiara Keating, but she gathers at the first attempt among a crowd of bodies in the six yard box.

Guro Reiten looks to break forward for Chelsea with acres of space in front of her.

Kerstin Casparij makes up the ground for City and deflects the ball out for a corner.