The Blues travelled to Manchester looking to make it back-to-back victories at the start of the Women's Super League season. Unfortunately, the worst possible start to the contest was made.

England international Chloe Kelly was given time to unleash a shot on the edge of the penalty area and her powerful effort clipped the foot of Jess Carter and flew beyond goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.

Chelsea were unable to mount an immediate response. However, shortly before half time, City defender Alex Greenwood was shown a controversial second yellow card for time wasting. It was a turning point.

The Blues had more than 45 minutes to take advantage, but too often promising attacking moves broke down. Lauren James did hit the crossbar with a shot from distance before she was then hauled down by England colleague Lauren Hemp on the edge of the box.

It proved another key moment as Hemp, already on a booking for dissent, was shown a second yellow card and then a red. Chelsea had ten minutes plus stoppage time to haul themselves level.

Captain Millie Bright came close with a header that struck the woodwork but Hayes' side appeared to have run out of ideas. That was until the 96th minute as a corner fell at the right foot of Reiten and she was able to bundle the ball home.

It was a moment of relief and jubilation. Another almost followed as, in the dying seconds, Sam Kerr won a header in the box and the ball looped into the air and rebounded off the post. It was almost the perfect end to what had been a frustrating afternoon.

'City did everything we prepared for but we didn’t execute,' explained Hayes after the 1-1 draw. 'It took us too long to warm to the game, however, I thought we grew into it in the first half.

'Then the sending off alters the game and you have numerical superiority. It’s my job to create the structures and it is the players’ jobs to carry out the decision-making and execution. I don’t think our execution was our best, particularly int he final third.

Hayes continued: 'Then it is eleven vs nine, and more situation coaching. Was the execution at the level we expect from ourselves? No.

'We hit the bar twice, and hit the post. I'm grateful for the equaliser after more laboured attacking play, but it’s a reminder that just because you have a numerical advantage doesn’t mean you’re going to win the game.

'You have to work for that, you work the spaces, and I am disappointed by us on that front. But in the grand scheme of things a point away from home, in the second game of the season, is a point gained and a missed opportunity all at once.’