The WSL’s problem is not dominant Chelsea’s fault

The title came early, the celebrations a little subdued at first. But the result remained the same.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

For the sixth year in a row, Chelsea were crowned champions of the Women’s Super League. In her debut season in England, Sonia Bompastor has carried on where Emma Hayes left off and continued their dominance, but she could go further still. Chelsea could become the first team to go unbeaten in a 22-game season. Two wins in their final two games would break the WSL’s points record.

Domestically, Chelsea’s season has been a triumph for Bompastor and her squad. Another victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley in two weeks’ time would complete the Treble. Yet Chelsea’s title was sealed just three days after they fell short of their most important objective, having been thrashed by Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals. Perhaps that explained why Chelsea’s celebrations were a little low-key.

Or perhaps it was down to the lack of jeopardy. Chelsea did not expect to win the title on Wednesday night, but found themselves with the chance to do so after Arsenal’s stunning 5-2 defeat at Aston Villa. In the previous four years, Chelsea had won the title on the final weekend of the season, requiring one last win to get over the line – last May, they beat Manchester City to the title on goal difference – but this year they had it wrapped up with two games to spare, their earliest title yet.