Chelsea: Resilience is Back, Can They Regain the WSL Title?
BBC Sport - Chelsea are back on track, with a 1-0 victory over rivals Arsenal extending their Women's Super League (WSL) unbeaten run to 12 games. Sitting just two points off leaders Manchester City, can they challenge for the title this season?
By Emma Sanders, BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Stamford Bridge
Published 5 minutes ago
Last season, doubt crept in at Chelsea when they lost their WSL crown, but early signs this campaign suggest they've regained their spark. The crucial 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday highlights a shift in mentality and tactical prowess.
A New Mindset
After a less than ideal start to the season, Chelsea have transformed into a dominant force, winning three matches in a row. Their defensive masterclass against Arsenal, marked by a third successive clean sheet, was a testament to their new-found resilience and tactical flexibility.
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea's manager, attributes this change to a positive mindset switch and the team's ability to "mentally fight" and "adjust" to different opponents.
Revitalized and Refreshed
Sonia Bompastor led Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble in her first season, but 2025-26 presented challenges as Manchester City took over the top spot. While some believed Arsenal would be main challengers this year, Chelsea seemed written off.
However, they've turned dominant performances into results, showcasing a ruthlessness in front of goal that was lacking before. Their recent victories and defensive solidity suggest a return to their dominant form of previous seasons.
Blueprint for Success
The 1-0 win over Arsenal was characterized by a well-executed gameplan, with Chelsea controlling the game without the ball and demonstrating composure in defense. This tactical approach could be the key to their success this year.
Alyssa Thompson, Chelsea's match-winner, echoed the team's optimism, calling the victory "amazing for team morale."
Even Bompastor acknowledges the transformation: "Chelsea are a different team from last season," she said, highlighting tangible improvements in their play.