The Colombian forward forced the Villa defence into an own goal to secure the three points for Sonia Bompastor's unbeaten leaders
Mayra Ramirez came off the bench to provide the spark Chelsea needed as they scraped a 1-0 win against Aston Villa in the Women's Super League on Sunday. The Colombian forward changed the game with her pace and tenacity, and managed to force the decisive own goal late in the game.
Chelsea had more possession and a few chances, but they struggled to break through Villa's strong defence for the most part. By the 56th minute, Sonia Bompastor had made three changes in an attempt to spark her side into life, but their sluggish attacks were still too easy to cut out. Instead, it was Villa who had the first big chance when Kirsty Hanson was sent charging down the left wing and unleashed a shot that was tipped onto the bar by Hannah Hampton.
Chelsea were lucky to finally get the ball in the net after 82 minutes, but it came from fine work from substitute Ramirez, whose low cross caught out centre-back Sarah Mayling and she tucked it into her own net.
The London side will be delighted to leave with their lead at the top of the WSL in tact, but Bompastor will be demanding a more convincing display when they take on West Ham in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Villa Park…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (6/10):
A safe pair of hands and some good distribution.
Ashley Lawrence (4/10):
A bit too slow and clumsy.
Nathalie Bjorn (6/10):
Missed the target with a header and was stable in defence.
Millie Bright (5/10):
Had a few shaky moments as Villa managed to create chances.
Niamh Charles (7/10):
Miscued a header at Villa's back post and did a great job up and down the left.
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Guro Reiten (5/10):
Showed promise of breaking through but was caught offside. Went off at half-time.
Erin Cuthbert (7/10):
Fought for every ball and got all over the midfield.
Wieke Kaptein (6/10):
Made a couple of good tackles but was substituted before the hour mark.
Attack
Catarina Macario (6/10):
Dangerous deliveries from corners, but made too many wayward passes before being replaced.
Agnes Beever-Jones (5/10):
Made some good runs but Villa's defence were able to keep her out before she was taken off early in the second half.
Lauren James (6/10):
Had a few shots from distance and made some good runs before she was replaced by Walsh.
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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (6/10):
Made one or two good moves and put Villa under pressure.
Mayra Ramirez (7/10):
Replaced Beever-Jones and had a similarly tough time against Lucy Parker and Anna Patten, but she eventually won the battle by forcing the own goal.
Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):
Did well to win the ball but gave it away a few too many times.
Maika Hamano (6/10):
Was in a good position to tap in the winner, but Mayling beat her to it.
Keira Walsh (N/A):
A late debut appearance.
Sonia Bompastor (6/10):
Didn't hesitate to freshen up the attack after a slow first half, but her side were still too slow and sloppy despite getting the job done.
