Deanna Cooper netted a 25-yard strike against Reading on Wednesday evening to earn Chelsea a point to ensure we finished as Continental Tyres League Cup group winners, and the defender says the Blues hope to finish 2019 on a high when we face Liverpool this afternoon in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
The Blues have been on a great run this term having only drawn two games in all competitions. Cooper struck a stunning effort to draw us level against Reading on Wednesday.
The cup match went to a penalties to determine who collected the bonus point, and it was Reading who took it away from Kingsmeadow after the shoot-out finished 4-2 to our visitors.
Today’s hosts Liverpool are currently placed bottom of the WSL league with just three points after nine games, but Cooper insists the Blues will not underestimate the Reds when they lock horns this afternoon.
She said: ‘I feel as a Chelsea team we have always got a target on our backs. Everyone wants to beat Chelsea and teams always step up against us.
‘We’re expecting a tough one against Liverpool and have prepared for that in the best way we possibly can. In the league we have been really clinical, but we definitely need to take our chances against Liverpool.‘They don’t tend to let up many opportunities so we have got to make sure we take everyone that comes.'Cooper suffered an ACL injury two years ago which kept her out of action for more than a season, but the 26-year-old says she is back to full fitness and is looking to make the most of every opportunity she gets to impress Blues boss Emma Hayes.
‘It’s been a long journey and it’s been tough at times,' Cooper said.
‘Obviously we’ve got a world-class squad full of internationals so breaking back is always going to be tough, but speaking to Emma [Hayes] and Paul [Green] there is a plan for me and it’s starting to pay off now.
‘The last few performances I’ve had, I’ve done really well so I’m really positive and happy going into the Christmas break and we’ll see what happens come January.’
Chelsea’s next game is in the New Year when we face Reading in the Barclays Women’s Super League at Kingsmeadow. Celebrate the New Year by supporting the Blues! tickets cost £9 for adults and £1 for juniors (under-16) and seniors (over 65).