Chelsea secured the Women’s Super League title by defeating Manchester City, providing Emma Hayes with a fairytale ending. This victory crowns Chelsea’s remarkable season and marks a fitting conclusion to Hayes’ illustrious tenure with the club.
Chelsea edged out Manchester City to claim the Women’s Super League title in Emma Hayes’ final game as manager. Both teams entered the final day level on points, with Chelsea ahead on goal difference: +47 to +45. Each needed a decisive victory to secure the title, with Chelsea facing Manchester United and City playing Aston Villa.
Chelsea started strong, with Mayra Ramirez scoring within two minutes at Old Trafford. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd doubled the lead by the eighth minute, beating England’s top goalkeeper, Mary Earps. City responded with Mary Fowler’s goal after 21 minutes, but they still needed four more goals to surpass Chelsea.
Chelsea extended their lead further just before halftime, with substitute Sjoeke Nusken and Ramirez scoring in quick succession to make it 4-0. Melanie Leupolz added a fifth goal right after the restart. Though City regained a brief lead through Lauren Hemp after Rachel Daly’s equalizer for Villa, it was insufficient to threaten Chelsea’s dominance.
Chelsea’s final goal in their 6-0 triumph came from Fran Kirby, who is also departing the club. This emphatic victory gave a fitting send-off to Hayes, who is set to manage the USA national team after 12 years with Chelsea.
Captain Millie Bright reflected on the triumph: “It was pretty special. But when half the country writes you off and we know that we’ve got the monster mentality, we’ve done it season after season. We’ve always believed in ourselves and we were given a second chance, they don’t come often, but we have to take it.”