What’s Hurting Chelsea in the WSL?

Since taking charge of Chelsea in May 2024, Sonia Bompastor has only lost three competitive games, yet her team is struggling to maintain their dominant form in the Women's Super League (WSL). Despite setting a new record for the longest unbeaten run in WSL history with 34 games, Chelsea's recent performances have left them disappointed, particularly following a draw against bottom-placed Liverpool. This article explores the challenges facing Chelsea, the implications for their title defence, and the rising competition in the league.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of mid-October 2023, Chelsea finds itself in a precarious position within the WSL, sitting three points adrift of leaders Manchester City. Their recent draw against Liverpool marked a troubling pattern, as it was the second consecutive match in which they failed to secure victory. With their unbeaten streak now a mixed blessing, the team's morale appears shaken, and their attacking prowess has notably diminished compared to previous seasons.

Key takeaways

Chelsea remains unbeaten in 34 WSL matches, a record streak.
They are currently three points behind Manchester City in the league standings.
The team has dropped six points this season, matching their total from the entire previous season.
Defensively strong, Chelsea has only conceded five goals in nine games.
The team’s scoring rate has significantly decreased, netting just 16 goals compared to 30 at the same point last season.

Timeline: how we got here

Since Bompastor's appointment in May 2024, the following key dates have shaped Chelsea's current situation:

May 2024: Sonia Bompastor is appointed head coach.
January 2025: Chelsea establishes a record unbeaten streak of 34 games in the WSL.
October 2023: Chelsea draws with Liverpool, marking the first time since January 2022 they have failed to secure back-to-back wins.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent draw against Liverpool has raised concerns about Chelsea’s ability to maintain their form amid increasing competition in the WSL. Analysts are now questioning their title defence as rival teams gear up for a more competitive league.

What was already established

Historically, Chelsea has been dominant in the WSL, losing only three games throughout the previous season and finishing as champions in multiple competitions. Their strong defensive record has been a hallmark of their success, yet recent performances indicate a potential decline in their attacking capabilities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and households, Chelsea's performance has implications beyond the pitch. The team's stature in women's football impacts merchandise sales, ticket sales for games, and overall interest in women's sports within the UK. A decline in form could affect viewership and attendance, which is critical for the growth of women's football.

Businesses and jobs

The broader implications for businesses associated with Chelsea, including sponsorships and local enterprises benefiting from matchday traffic, could be significant if the team's performance continues to falter. Job security for those in marketing, match operations, and hospitality may also be impacted by fluctuating interest in the team.

Policy and regulation

Increased scrutiny on women's football governance and financial support may arise if teams like Chelsea cannot maintain their competitive edge. As the league grows, discussions around funding, support for clubs, and investment in women's sports may take centre stage.

Numbers that matter

34: The number of games Chelsea has gone unbeaten in the WSL.
6: Points dropped by Chelsea this season, equal to their total from last season.
5: Goals conceded by Chelsea, the lowest in the league.
16: Goals scored by Chelsea this season, significantly lower than last season's 30.
3: The number of competitive games lost by Bompastor since her appointment.

Definitions and jargon buster

WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Bompastor: Sonia Bompastor, head coach of Chelsea FC Women's team.
Unbeaten streak: A series of games where a team has not lost.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Chelsea needs to reassess their strategies on both defence and attack. With crucial fixtures ahead, maintaining morale and performance will be essential to stay competitive in the league.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If Chelsea continues this trend, they must examine their player rotation and injury management to ensure a consistent starting XI. The team may need to re-establish its attacking rhythm to avoid dropping more points.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixtures against top rivals that could determine their title chances.
Player fitness and selection consistency as the season progresses.
Performance trends in upcoming matches to gauge recovery and improvement.

Practical guidance

Do

Focus on building chemistry within the squad to enhance performance.
Utilise data analytics to understand opponent weaknesses and strengths.

Don’t

Avoid over-rotation of players that could disrupt team cohesion.
Neglect the importance of training intensity and match preparation.

Checklist

Assess player fitness and injury status regularly.
Monitor performance metrics of both defence and attack.
Encourage open communication among team members to address issues.
Implement drills that enhance attacking combinations and scoring chances.
Review video analysis of games to identify tactical improvements.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite Chelsea's established success, their recent form highlights the uncertainty in sports where team dynamics and external competition can shift rapidly. Injuries, player morale, and tactics are all potential factors that could influence the team's trajectory in the coming weeks. There is a risk that failure to adapt quickly could see other teams surpass them in both performance and league standings.

Bottom line

Chelsea's unbeaten record is a testament to their resilience, but the recent drop in form raises questions about their ability to retain the title this season. With other clubs keen to capitalise on any slip-ups, the pressure is on Bompastor and her players to find their rhythm and reclaim their status as the league's dominant force.

FAQs

How many games has Chelsea lost under Sonia Bompastor?

Chelsea has lost only three competitive games since Sonia Bompastor took charge in May 2024, showcasing her impact on the team.

What is Chelsea's current position in the WSL table?

As of now, Chelsea is in second place in the WSL table, three points behind leaders Manchester City.

Why has Chelsea's goal-scoring decreased this season?

This season, Chelsea has scored only 16 goals, a significant drop from 30 goals at the same point last season, reflecting challenges in their attacking performance.