Chelsea Women’s team have secured yet another Women’s Super League (WSL) title, marking their sixth consecutive championship. The Blues clinched the 2023-24 title with two games to spare, after a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, making this the first time in five years that the title race was not decided on the final day.

So, how dominant have Chelsea truly been in the WSL? And how does this latest triumph compare to their previous successes? Let’s break it down.

Chelsea’s Continued Dominance

Under the management of Emma Hayes, Chelsea built their reputation as England’s most dominant force in women’s football, a legacy continued by Sonia Bompastor. In her debut season with Chelsea, Bompastor led the team to an unbeaten run in 20 league games, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in a single WSL season.

Bompastor’s success also includes the distinction of becoming the first manager to win the title in her first season in the competition (excluding the inaugural WSL season in 2011). This marks Chelsea’s sixth consecutive WSL title and their ninth overall, with no other team having more than three titles.

Potential for Invincibility

While Chelsea’s offensive output this season has been modest by their usual standards, the team is on the verge of another significant record. If they remain unbeaten in their final two games against Tottenham and Liverpool, they will achieve an invincible season for the second time in their history.

The last time Chelsea went unbeaten was in the 2019-20 season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That season, they played just 15 games before being awarded the title based on a points-per-game ratio.

Chelsea’s 2017-18 campaign was their first undefeated season in a full-length WSL, where they went 18 games unbeaten. In comparison, Manchester City (2016) and Arsenal (2012) both went unbeaten in shorter seasons (16 games and 14 games, respectively).

If Chelsea manage two more wins, they will finish the season with 60 points, surpassing the 58 points they recorded in 2022-23, thus setting a new WSL points record.

Narrow Wins and Comebacks

Although 54 goals in 20 games is still an impressive tally, Chelsea have not been as clinical in front of goal as in previous seasons. With just 6 wins by 3+ goals, this season marks a noticeable shift compared to the 13 three-goal victories last season.

This season has been characterized by narrow victories. Chelsea have won 8 games by just one goal, compared to only 2 such wins last season under Hayes. Moreover, the team has shown resilience by consistently coming from behind to secure points. They have earned 8 points from losing positions, second only to Manchester City’s 10.

A key feature of Chelsea’s attacking play this season has been their late goals. Nearly a third of their goals have come in the final 15 minutes of matches, a stark contrast to just 9% of goals in the opening 15 minutes. This late-game flair has been crucial in helping Chelsea maintain their title charge.

In Conclusion

Chelsea’s dominance in the WSL is clear, but this season has been a more challenging and gritty campaign than their usual high-scoring, runaway victories. However, Sonia Bompastor’s first season at the helm has shown that Chelsea can win in various ways—whether through late comebacks, tight wins, or clinical performances in crucial moments. If Chelsea can secure the maximum points in their remaining games, they’ll further solidify their status as the WSL’s most dominant club.