In Focus: Reiten reaching new heights for Chelsea
Guro Reiten was Chelsea's saviour last weekend.
The winger netted a 96th-minute equaliser at title challengers Manchester City, firing home from close range after a scramble in the box.
It could prove to be a vital goal for the Blues this season as they aim to win a fifth successive Women's Super League title.
Ahead of their London derby with West Ham today, we take a look at Reiten's role in Emma Hayes' team.
Creative and consistent
As well as bagging such a crucial goal, Reiten has shown off her abilities as a creator this term.
The Norway international ranks first in the WSL for key passes (11), touches in the opposition box (14), crosses (20) and shot-creating actions (15).
Reiten's creativity will be key for Chelsea as they look to break down compact defences throughout the campaign — and her form is a continuation of last season's performances.
The 29-year-old provided a league-high 11 assists in 2022-23 and also scored nine goals, her best return since joining Chelsea in 2019.
Only Manchester City's Khadija Shaw (27) and Aston Villa star Rachel Daly (28) boasted a better goal contribution tally than Reiten (20), further highlighting her status as one of the WSL's most influential players.
Dream to work with
Reiten has earned well-deserved praise for her performances this year, particularly from Chelsea boss Hayes.
She said back in March: "Reiten is just a wonderful player. So intelligent, takes up great positions, in possession she's so versatile.
"She's an absolute dream to work with. You can tell Guro anything and she can implement it."
"In the biggest games, in the biggest moments, I think she carried the team for large parts of this year."
Service provider
Plenty of onlookers have been impressed by Reiten too.
Former Chelsea forward Lianne Sanderson singled her out as a key player towards the end of last season.
The 35-year-old said: "She [Reiten] is so good at providing the service to the forward line and she's been brilliant for Chelsea.
"When she came into the squad nobody knew the impact she would have — they thought she'd be a squad player, but she's been brilliant."
Modest Guro
Since joining Chelsea from Norwegian side LSK Kvinner, Reiten has won four WSL titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups.
Her performances resulted in a 2023 Ballon d'Or nomination after making it into the PFA Team of the Year for 2022-23.
But Reiten is a team player — endearingly modest and unconcerned by individual accolades.
She said: "I just try to be the best version of myself.
"Yes, I have a lot of assists, but to me that doesn't really matter because I just want to win.
"As long as I get a medal around my neck I'm happy."