With their lead over Chelsea at the top of the WSL table, it is Manchester City who have had the upper hand over their old rivals so far this season.
This was another opportunity for Andree Jeglertz’s side to wound Chelsea and stop the defence of one of their three domestic titles.
It was a strong team with Miedema and Alex Greenwood among those returning to the starting XI following their 6-0 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup.
They had the best chance of a quiet opening half an hour when Khadija Shaw rounded Hampton on the edge of the box, but she was denied a shot at an open goal by Sandy Baltimore’s brilliant last-ditch challenge.
City’s sloppiness in possession began to open the door for Chelsea and the defending champions were clinical, taking the lead through Kaptein just before half-time.
But Jeglertz’s side were still a threat and hit the woodwork twice through Miedema and Casparij, before dominating the second half and causing Chelsea all kinds of problems.
Hampton had to make a crucial save to deny Miedema later on as City searched for the equaliser.
The hosts thought they had finally found it in the third minute of stoppage time but Lauren Hemp could not provide the touch Miedema’s cross needed from a few yards out, prompting widespread groans in the stands from supporters.
The wait for another trophy continues for City but with their eyes on the main prize of the WSL title, they will hope they can be more clinical when the teams meet again in two weeks’ time.
“We definitely deserved more than a 1-0 defeat. We are here to compete for all titles so that’s a big disappointment,” said Jeglertz.
“But when we take a step back and look at the game, there are a lot of things we can be proud of.
“It’s more positive for us because the players feel that if we can create this many chances in a top game, against a top competitor, it gives the team confidence.”
