Greenwood urges City to defend from the front to down Blues

Alex Greenwood insists Manchester City's talented forwards will need to muck in defensively when quadruple-chasing Chelsea visit the Joie Stadium this evening.

With a Conti Cup final showdown against Arsenal awaiting the winners, City are in confident mood after beating the Blues 1-0 in the Women's Super League last month.

That result saw Gareth Taylor's side record a fifth successive clean sheet in all competitions — a proud run that came to an end in last Saturday's 2-1 win over Everton.

But Greenwood is quick to point out that City's impressive streak of 12 consecutive victories, which has seen them keep seven shutouts, is down to the hard work of the entire team.

The England centre-back, 30, told LiveScore: "We want to give the attackers the best chance to go and win the game for us.

"But the midfielders and the two girls out wide [Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp] do so much defensive work in front of us as well.

"Bunny [Shaw] also doesn't get enough credit for what she does off the ball. She's massive for us defensively because the press starts with her.

"Me and the defenders massively emphasise clean sheets.

"It's something that forms part of our training plan, individually and collectively.

"We've set ourselves targets for the season and clean sheets for us are as important to the team as the other girls scoring the goals."

Safe hands

Another key reason behind City's resolute defence is the form of goalkeeper Khiara Keating.

She has enjoyed a breakthrough season at City, keeping seven clean sheets in 15 WSL appearances and conceding just nine goals.

Greenwood, who won Euro 2022 with Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses, added: "The big thing with Khiara is she never changes.

"In the home league game against Arsenal she made an error. Then we go to Arsenal away, she gets a bit of stick from the fans but pulls off an incredible performance for a 19-year-old.

"It speaks volumes about her as a player — and what she could potentially be as a footballer.

"She's kept on her toes by everyone here. She doesn't get carried away.

"However, I still want her to enjoy these big moments, such as winning the Player of the Month award and keeping clean sheets.

"But then it's quickly back to work and we're always giving each other advice.

"We speak about moments where we could have done a little better. She has high standards of me and likewise."

Staying grounded

While Greenwood knows City will take inspiration from their victory at Chelsea, the centre-back admits they cannot get carried away.

She said: "The last meeting gave us confidence.

"Obviously, it's now done and put to bed. But we can look back and take so much pride from our defensive performance.

"This is a different competition and we're at home, we love playing at the Joie Stadium.

"So I think this game will look a bit different. It's a one-game opportunity, so either side might have to gamble a bit more.

"This is what footballers live for. I can't wait for a tough match against a Chelsea side who have been so dominant.

"Much of that is down to Emma [Hayes] but we're in a good moment and very confident."