Guro Reiten’s first-half penalty helped Chelsea maintain their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s Super League.

The Blues were awarded the penalty after Mayra Ramirez was fouled by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

The visitors improved after half-time as they looked to equalise, but it was not enough as Chelsea recorded their eighth consecutive league win of the season.

Ramirez saw his threatening pullback turned for a corner as Chelsea controlled possession early on.

Erin Cuthbert put Maika Hamano through on goal soon after, but her effort was straight at Tullis-Joyce in the United goal.

Sjoeke Nusken fired wide of the right post from close range after a corner landed at his feet in the 12th minute.

Chelsea’s sustained pressure paid off four minutes later when Ramirez was fouled in the penalty area by Tullis-Joyce.

Reiten made no mistake, placing the spot-kick past the United keeper to give the hosts the lead.

The opening goal seemed to disrupt the flow of the match as both teams struggled to create a clear-cut chance before half-time.

Geyse had United’s first shot on target in the 50th minute and it almost put his side back on level terms. The Brazilian’s long-range effort was deflected and forced an excellent save from Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Maya Le Tissier denied Johanna Rytting Kaneryd with a crucial block as the half wore on.

Ramirez could have doubled his team’s lead after finding space in the box in the 74th minute, but his attempt did not trouble Tullis-Joyce.

Another excellent Chelsea pullback found Ramirez unmarked in the box in the 86th minute, but again the shot was easily saved.

Melvine Malard showed off her exceptional footwork to create space in the penalty area in the 90th minute, and she almost made Chelsea pay for missing so many chances.

She was inches away from equalizing, but the ball bounced off the crossbar and Chelsea held on to claim another victory.