Manchester City were left cursing early whistle controversy in their 2-1 loss to WSL leaders Chelsea, with Kerolin and Khiara Keating heroics in vain.
Brazil international Kerolin joined City in January and is currently helping to cover the injury-enforced absence of prolific Jamaican team-mate Bunny Shaw. The South American opened her WSL account against the reigning champions.
Kerolin’s pace threatened Chelsea in behind on a couple of occasions before she forced a breakthrough in the 32nd minute. England defender Millie Bright was backed into her own penalty area, before the ball was slipped through her legs and into the bottom corner.
City thought they had a second before half-time, as Jess Park looped a strike into the top corner, but a foul on Kerolin had already been awarded. Yui Hasegawa hit the crossbar from the resulting set-piece, as City were left questioning the match officials.
The home side saw their mood soured further within four minutes of the restart as some sloppy defending allowed Chelsea to find a route back into the game. Aggie Beever-Jones restored parity before the Blues – who saw their unbeaten record ended by City in Champions League competition last time out – snatched a dramatic winner through Erin Cuthbert in stoppage time.
GOAL rates Manchester City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
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Khiara Keating (8/10):
Enjoyed a surprisingly quiet start to the game, with confident claims made whenever called upon, before producing a string of outstanding saves in the second half – including a couple of sprawling efforts.
Kerstin Casparij (5/10):
City were rarely troubled early on and appeared ready to build on solid foundations, but their defensive unit was pulled apart as a collective as Chelsea raised their game.
Gracie Prior (5/10):
Beaten too easily for Chelsea’s first goal, as she dived in early at first and then failed to get back into position and block a close-range shot from Beever-Jones.
Laia Aleixandri (5/10):
Was able to make amends for a few misplaced passes in the opening 45 minutes, but found the going much tougher after the break as City were carved open with alarming ease.
Naomi Layzell (5/10):
Pulled out of position far too often after half-time, with Chelsea able to get in behind down their right and pose City plenty of problems.
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Yui Hasegawa (6/10)
Agonisingly close to adding a second for City when her well-struck set-piece struck the top of the crossbar, while putting in important blocks as Chelsea pushed for a winner.
Jill Roord (5/10):
Not involved as much as she would have liked, as a key creative influence, and failed to get City out when forced onto the back foot.
Jess Park (6/10):
Disappointed to have been denied what would have been a stunning strike, with the ball curled brilliantly into the back of the net after the whistle had already gone.
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Kerolin (7/10):
Should have done better with a couple of early bursts but showed notable composure when netting her goal – faded out of the game slightly as Chelsea took control in the second 45.
Vivianne Miedema (6/10):
Important block in front of her own goal at one point during the second half, with chances at the other end few and far between – with a low second-half shot easily stopped by Hannah Hampton.
Laura Coombs (5/10):
Was the quietest of City’s forwards as they dominated during the first half and could have few complaints when being replaced before the hour mark.
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Mary Fowler (5/10):
Was presented with one clear sight of goal, following good work by Kerolin, but took a wild swing at fresh air from 12 yards out.
Laura Wienroither (5/10):
City handed out late rests to those that will be crucial to the cause in a Champions League return date with Chelsea, but were unable to hang on.
Lily Murphy (6/10):
Clipped in one dangerous cross, which deserved to see somebody get on the end of it, with an immediate impact made when entering proceedings.
Leila Ouahabi (5/10):
Introduced in the final minute of the 90, so had no time to impact the game.
Nick Cushing (5/10):
Appeared to have found a formula to trouble City again, following success in European competition, but was unable to stem the tide as the hosts found themselves hanging on for long periods.