United “took Chelsea toe-to-toe” in Blues’ title winning game, says Marc Skinner | OneFootball

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner suggested his side are closing the gap to Chelsea, after the Blues beat United 1-0 to secure their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title.

United were the better team for large parts of Wednesday night’s clash, where a point would have been enough to secure the title for Chelsea after Arsenal lost 5-2 to Aston Villa.

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The Red Devils missed a handful of big chances and in the end Lucy Bronze’s header from a corner in the second half was all that separated the two sides – something Skinner says his side deserve credit for.

What did Marc Skinner say?

Reflecting on the performance, Skinner told the media United “took Chelsea toe-to-toe.”

“I felt we should have been better in the finishing phase. I think we had three chances, which I think should be goals.”

Melvine Malard had an opportunity one-on-one with Hannah Hampton in the first half, while Grace Clinton put an effort over the bar and Celin Bizet headed wide from close range. Skinner also described a challenge just before halftime on Clinton from Millie Bright as a “stonewall penalty,” but referee Abigail Byrne was not convinced on the night.

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Both goalkeepers were forced into excellent saves and the clash once again came down to fine margins. Skinner, asked how teams could close the gap on Chelsea, reflected: “I think everyone’s trying to find the answer.

“You really have to take those head-to-heads because I think it’s a massive difference. You can’t drop many points in this league if you really want to win it. I mean, the simple part is you’ve got to invest in the players that have the ruthless moments on a continuous basis.”

“I know this sounds strange, but for probably the finances they spend, I don’t think they’re a million miles off.

“There’s always a chance to get them and catch them, but they just… They have serial winners. They’ve experienced it for many years, and you’ve got to try and topple that dynasty.”

He congratulated Sonia Bompastor’s side: “They are serial winners, and they deserve that congratulations.”

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Three points against Chelsea would have secured a Champions League place for United. They now have the chance to seal qualification against Manchester City on Sunday by avoiding defeat. If not, it will come down to their final-day clash with Arsenal.

“If we replicate a performance like that, with the energy and the commitment, then I have no doubt that we can beat Man City and Arsenal.

“It’s got to have the same energy, it’s got to have the same drive, the same commitment. And as good as those teams are as well, that’s not disrespecting them, but we believe that we can do that.”

Manchester United face City at Old Trafford on Sunday 4th May at 12:00.