Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scores as champions win season opener

Chelsea began their Women's Super League title defense with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow on Saturday.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored the only goal of the game in the second half as the Blues made a winning start to the new campaign.

The hosts dominated possession and chances in the first half but were unable to find a breakthrough. Sam Kerr had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes, but her header was well saved by Hannah Hampton.

Chelsea continued to push for a goal after the break and finally found their reward in the 65th minute. Rytting Kaneryd was on hand to tap home from close range after a cross from Guro Reiten.

Villa had a chance to equalize late on, but Rachel Daly's header was kept out by Ann-Katrin Berger. Chelsea held on to secure the three points and make a winning start to the new season.

## Chelsea dominate possession but Aston Villa hold firm

Chelsea were the dominant side in the first half, enjoying 70% of possession and creating a number of chances. However, they were unable to find a way past a resolute Aston Villa defense.

The hosts came closest to scoring in the 25th minute when Kerr's header was well saved by Hampton. Villa goalkeeper made a number of other impressive saves to keep Chelsea at bay.

## Rytting Kaneryd breaks the deadlock

Chelsea continued to press for a goal after the break and finally found their reward in the 65th minute. Reiten's cross from the left found Rytting Kaneryd in the six-yard box, and the Norwegian forward made no mistake with a simple tap-in.

## Villa threaten late on but Chelsea hold firm

Villa had a chance to equalize late on when Daly's header was kept out by Berger. The German goalkeeper made a number of important saves in the closing stages to help Chelsea secure the three points.

## Chelsea make a winning start to the new season

Chelsea's victory over Aston Villa was a hard-fought but deserved win. The Blues were the dominant side throughout the game and created a number of chances.

Rytting Kaneryd's goal was the difference between the two sides, and the Norwegian forward will be hoping to continue her goalscoring form in the weeks and months to come.

## What's next?

Chelsea will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women's Super League. Aston Villa will host Manchester United on the same day.