Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has admitted her side's busy fixture list played a part in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Women's Super League.
The Blues were 13 league games unbeaten going into Sunday's clash at the Academy Stadium, but they fell behind in the 21st minute courtesy of a delightful dinked finish from Fillipa Angeldahl. Lauren Hemp doubled City's advantage less than 10 minutes later with a superb volley into the top corner, while some astute goalkeeping from Ellie Roebuck denied the visitors a route back into the game after the break.
The victory saw City leapfrog Chelsea to move up to second in the WSL table, though the Blues do have a game in hand over Gareth Taylor's side. And Hayes believes Chelsea's midweek trip to Lyon in the Champions League contributed to their lacklustre display in Manchester.
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"I thought we were so sluggish in the first half," she said in her post-match press conference. "This was our third away game in the week and it looked like it.
"I thought that was the difference between the two teams, but well done to City. We didn’t have the legs. Your mind can want to do a million things, but if your legs can’t, that’s a real challenge.
"I don’t think people realise how tough it is for our third away game in seven days, particularly after travelling to Lyon. It is really, really tough.
"The important thing is we move on as quickly as possible and be ready for the week. We’ve got a game still in hand and need to maximise that."
Reflecting on how Sunday's result has impacted the title race, Hayes added: "It’s the same as it’s been all along. Which is we’ve still got a game in hand, we need to maximise that, and I think it’s fantastic for the league that it’s like this."
Chelsea now have just a few days to recover before returning to Champions League action on Thursday. Guro Reiten's sublime strike saw the Blues triumph over Lyon in the first leg, and Hayes will be hoping her side can send the reigning European champions out of the competition at Stamford Bridge.
"The team will be ready for the week. We have to move on as quickly as possible," the Chelsea boss said.
"My job now is to get the team recovered as quickly as possible. I know it’s challenging.
"I want the players to do what they do so well in the way they look after each other and recognise what it takes to go again. I know exactly how this team will respond to what they will all describe as disappointing.
"For that reason, no matter the result, they’re champions in my heart."
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