timeSometimes you’ve written the same scene so many times that you start to think that eventually you’ll run out of words to write. Chelsea’s stunning fifth successive league title – achieved in some fashion, humiliating Manchester United 6-0 at Old Trafford to ensure they were level with Manchester City but with a greater goal difference – was bizarre The thing is, this is not such a time.
Yes, this is Chelsea’s eighth title in the past 10 seasons (if you include the 2017 spring mini-series) and the fourth consecutive year the title has been decided on the last day, but there’s still a lot to be said for it.
Chelsea won the title under Emma Hayes and goals from Fran Kirby, but it was the first time a team lifting the trophy had lost more than two games and the first time the title had not been Come up with your best performance and score in the match between the top three.
Everything is the same but everything is different and it would be foolish to think that Chelsea’s dominance is simple or easy.
In fact, Manchester City should have won the league. It was all over after Chelsea lost 4-3 to Liverpool in a thrilling match. Hayes conceded the title after that defeat. Manchester City still have two games to play, against Arsenal and Aston Villa. “I think the title is done,” Hayes said. “Of course, mathematically that’s not the case, but I think the title is done.”
Is this an honest feeling or a mind game? Either way, she was wrong. Because Manchester City is not Chelsea, a team that ruthlessly tears apart any chance they get.
On Saturday, when it was all said and done and Hayes could enjoy the glory of another league title in her final game before taking over as coach of the U.S. women’s national team, she said: “I’ve always been in Manchester City’s shoes, please. Forgive me. So, forgive me for thinking Manchester City should win the title.
She was wearing a “championship” hat, a “back-to-back-to-back” T-shirt, a championship medal around her neck, and a beer in her hand. She added: “Man City have had a fantastic season. They really have. They pushed us all the way. But if you open that door for a team like Chelsea, I think the moment that door opens, every Personally we know we’ll be wearing it.
The answer to why City didn’t do it, and why Arsenal didn’t do it – Jonas Edouard’s side have the best head-to-head record in the top three – is equally how Chelsea did it The answer to this point. A turning point came when Manchester City lost 2-1 to Arsenal on May 5, which kept the Gunners out of the title race.
Arsenal have lost four times and drawn two in the league and haven’t beaten Manchester City away from home in seven years. To make matters worse, Manchester City took a 1-0 lead in the 88th minute. Two goals in three minutes by Stina Blackstenius ended their title chances and halted a record-breaking 15th straight win. Chelsea still need to win their remaining three games and overturn a six-goal difference deficit, but that’s exactly what they need.
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“I said to them in a common saying: ‘It’s like going in with a gun in your mouth. How do you want to respond to that?’ This came after Chelsea beat Bristol City 8-0, inspired by Manchester City’s loss to Arsenal. , completely reversing the opponent’s goal difference advantage. “What I like about this team is that we can stay calm,” Hayes said. “No matter the pressure, we find a way to keep performing. That’s what I’ll remember the most. It’s not the victory, it’s the human ability to keep finding a way out. People turn their backs on you and you wonder if you There is more to give; we are still finding ways.
Gareth Taylor and City are likely to point to the loss of summer signing Gilrud to an ACL injury in January and, more importantly, the loss of WSL Golden Boot winner and player of the season Khadija Shaw on April 21 A foot injury was the decisive factor in their failure to cross the line.
However, Chelsea have also encountered injury problems, with forwards Sam Cole and Mia Fisher suffering ACL injuries and captain Millie Bright missing most of the season with a knee injury. Catarina Macario returns after 20 months out with an ACL injury and club-record signing Mayra Ramírez has been brought in, but they are finding their feet He was often absent during the process.
“I almost can’t believe we won the championship; I can’t believe it,” Hayes said. “With two games left in the championship, we have a 20-year-old player on the right wing, Maika Hamano and Aggie. [Beever-Jones] Also 20. This is not Sam Kerr. I respect Manchester City for losing Bonnie Shaw. Look at what we’ve lost this year and look at what Millie Bright did today. She’s had to play the last three games and we all know she’s not 100 percent yet, but what a leader she is – what a leader – and we’ve missed Millie for most of the season.
What allows Chelsea to fight to the end, not bow down, weather adversity over and over again, and maintain a certain stability even in times of transition? This is culture, environment, mentality. Hayes is a manager who has spent 12 years building these things, both physically and in the people around her.
