Following Chelsea’s unexpected 1-1 draw against Leicester, manager Sonia Bompastor expressed her frustration, stating, “When we talk about ambitions, we need to turn words into actions. I need my players to be ready from the beginning of every game.” This disappointment marks Chelsea’s first points dropped this season as they continue to lead the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Under Bompastor’s leadership, Chelsea has maintained an impressive record, establishing a six-point advantage at the top of the WSL and advancing to the Champions League knockout stages with a flawless performance. With an average of 2.8 goals per 90 minutes across all competitions, the team has displayed remarkable offensive capabilities.
However, the match at King Power Stadium served as a crucial reminder that the WSL is fiercely competitive, and no team can be deemed invincible. Despite dominating possession with 28 shots on goal and 82 touches inside the Leicester box, Chelsea struggled with intensity and efficiency, leading to their disappointing result.
As the season approaches its midpoint, Chelsea’s record of 15 wins and one draw from 16 matches is commendable, showcasing their relentless ambition within the league. Bompastor’s approach has been to refine Chelsea’s identity, shifting towards a more possession-oriented style infused with flair and creativity.
The challenge lies in molding this talented squad to achieve a higher passing accuracy and possession rate, areas where Chelsea currently lags behind rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal. Bompastor aims for a team that embodies not just effectiveness but also an exciting brand of football.
With key players like Sam Kerr and Lauren James sidelined due to injury, Bompastor has effectively rallied her squad, emphasizing a collaborative effort that has resulted in 31 goals scored by 14 different players this season. Players like Guro Reiten and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd are thriving and stepping up to fill the void left by more established stars.
As Bompastor strives to balance consistency with innovation, her quest to instill a possession-based game could elevate Chelsea to new heights this season. If successful, her relentless pursuit of excellence may lead the team closer to another successful campaign filled with silverware.
