The short version
- Chelsea are currently unbeaten in all competitions and share the top spot in the Women’s Super League with Manchester City after seven matches.
- The team has addressed defensive issues from the previous season, keeping clean sheets in their opening three Champions League phase games under manager Sonia Bompastor.
- Bompastor attributes the improved performance to cultural rebuilding and tactical adaptability, allowing the squad to manage a heavy fixture list without relying on a single formation.
Chelsea Women have emerged from a transitional period with renewed stability, sitting atop the Women’s Super League table alongside Manchester City after seven matches. The club remains unbeaten across all competitions this season, marking a significant shift from the previous campaign where they surrendered their domestic treble and exited Europe earlier than anticipated. This resurgence is particularly notable given the high expectations that followed their historic six consecutive WSL titles under former manager Emma Hayes.
The immediate catalyst for this optimism was a 2-0 victory over Roma in the Women’s Champions League. The match highlighted Chelsea’s ability to secure results through varied approaches rather than relying on a single dominant style. After squandering several opportunities in a controlled first half, substitute Ellie Carpenter opened the scoring in the 51st minute. Defender Kadeisha Buchanan sealed the win with a header late in the game, demonstrating the team’s capacity to grind out victories even when not at their most fluid.
Manager Sonia Bompastor has emphasized the importance of defensive solidity as a foundation for success. The team has not conceded a goal in their first three Champions League phase matches, a stark contrast to the defensive leaks that plagued them last season. Bompastor noted that this defensive base provides a crucial advantage, allowing the squad to take risks and create opportunities with greater confidence. She acknowledged that while the results are pleasing, the diversity of performances is equally significant for long-term sustainability.
Tactical flexibility has been a key component of Bompastor’s strategy. The team has shown an ability to adapt between back-three and back-four formations, depending on the opponent and match context. This unpredictability is supported by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s distribution, which facilitates direct play when necessary. Such versatility allows Chelsea to impose their style on different types of opponents, whether they are facing high-pressing teams or those looking to counter-attack.
Individual performances have also contributed to the team’s upward trajectory. Full-back Ellie Carpenter has scored four goals in all competitions, while England forward Lauren James is displaying exceptional form. In midfield, young talent Lexi Potter has developed a productive partnership with Keira Walsh, adding creativity and control to the center of the park. These contributions suggest that the squad depth is being utilized effectively, reducing reliance on any single player.
Bompastor has been candid about the challenges of managing a squad undergoing significant change. The departure of key players such as Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, and Guro Reiten last season required a period of adjustment. She noted that transitioning from a long-standing coaching philosophy to a new one takes time, even with high-quality personnel. The manager stressed that much of the work has been done behind the scenes to rebuild team culture and mental resilience.
Captain Erin Cuthbert echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in the squad’s underlying quality. She suggested that the team had always possessed the talent but lacked cohesion during the previous season. With a strong pre-season and improved momentum, Cuthbert believes the team has elevated its level of play. The positive atmosphere within the squad appears to be a driving force behind their current success.
Looking ahead, Chelsea faces the challenge of maintaining this form across multiple competitions. Bompastor has rotated her squad effectively to manage fatigue, ensuring that key players remain fresh for crucial matches. While she acknowledges that controlling every game remains a goal, the ability to find ways to win in difficult circumstances is a sign of growth. The team’s current trajectory suggests they are well-positioned to challenge for domestic and European honors this season.
The contrast with last season’s struggles is evident. After winning six successive WSL titles, a dip in performance was inevitable as the squad evolved. However, the quick return to form indicates that Bompastor’s methods are taking root. The combination of defensive stability, tactical variety, and improved team culture has created a robust platform for future success. As the season progresses, the ability to sustain this level of performance will be the true test of their rebuild.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗How unbeaten Chelsea are getting back to their best
