In a season-defining clash, Chelsea’s women’s team proved why they are the team to beat in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL), dispatching title rivals Manchester City 2-0 to surge to the top of the table. The Blues’ mentality and depth were on full display as they overcame a cagey affair to extend their perfect start under new manager Sonia Bompastor.
Bompastor’s Blues March On
Chelsea’s victory over City marked an historic achievement for Bompastor, becoming the first manager to win their opening seven WSL matches. The French tactician has seamlessly picked up where Emma Hayes left off, molding the team in her image while maintaining their winning pedigree.
The Blues now boast a two-point cushion atop the WSL standings, with a game in hand over their nearest pursuers. Their goal difference of +22 is more than double that of Arsenal and City combined, underlining their dominance.
Overcoming Adversity
Chelsea’s triumph is all the more impressive considering the injury crisis that has beset the squad. With key figures like Mia Fishel, Sam Kerr, and Sophie Ingle sidelined long-term, Bompastor has had to shuffle her pack and adapt her tactics.
Yet the Blues’ mentality and belief never wavered. As midfielder Erin Cuthbert explained pre-match:
The manager demands high standards in training. That’s how we overcome the big tests.
– Erin Cuthbert, Chelsea midfielder
Hemp’s Absence Hampers City
For City, the absence of star winger Lauren Hemp due to a minor knee injury proved pivotal. Without Hemp’s creativity and dynamism, City struggled to generate clear-cut chances for striker Khadija Shaw.
Manager Gareth Taylor will be desperate for Hemp to return as the title race heats up. The sooner City can call upon their talismanic winger, the better their chances of keeping pace with the Chelsea machine.
Patience Pays Off
For over an hour, it appeared Chelsea’s perfect start might come unstuck. The Blues dominated possession but lacked their usual cutting edge in the final third, a credit to City’s organized defending.
But Chelsea’s patience and belief never faltered. In the 75th minute, a moment of magic from Maika Hamano unlocked the stubborn City rearguard, picking out Mayra Ramírez’s clever run. The Spanish striker did the rest, rifling past the helpless keeper.
Four minutes later, the points were secure. Guro Reiten, a constant menace down the left, got the goal her performance deserved, ensuring the Blues juggernaut rolled on.
Title Marker
With this pivotal victory, Chelsea have laid down a marker in the title race. To come through such a stern examination, in the face of injuries to key personnel, speaks volumes of the winning culture Bompastor has inherited and enhanced.
City, so impressive in the season’s early throes, know they have an almighty task on their hands to dethrone the reigning champions. Hemp’s return cannot come soon enough for Taylor’s side.
As for Chelsea, their sights are firmly fixed on a staggering sixth straight WSL crown. On the evidence of this display, and their flawless start, only a brave soul would bet against the Blues making it a reality.
