A period of over 500 days and counting from Chelsea last lost a WSL match. This fact alone highlights their exceptional quality, and no matter how you view the numbers, they appear formidable. Consider these examples: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL game after 15 months as coach,” “She claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL matches without defeat” or “She is unbeaten in 34 league games since moving to England.” Each is accurate, all sound impressive, and—after four wins from four this term—they are showing little indication of easing up.
Who Can Stop The Streak?
Eventually, Chelsea are bound to drop points in a WSL game. Perhaps not this week, it might not be in 2025, it might not even be during this campaign. Perhaps it will not occur during this parliament, but eventually it will happen, and reason suggests that the fixtures where their streak is most likely of ending is in their travel fixtures against their main competitors, Arsenal, Manchester City, or United. This Friday, United among them get their chance, and form-wise they are seldom better placed to attempt it.
Emma Hayes once remarked: ‘I don’t think coaches are always considered as people.’
Leading sides in the early-season table face off in Leigh Sports Village under the lights and, even though the WSL campaign is just four games old, the Red Devils enter Friday’s fixture with the strongest defense in the league. Past encounters favours the visitors though, because perhaps the starkest statistic among them could be this: United have not defeated Chelsea in the WSL.
Actually, they have secured only one draw from their 11 previous WSL encounters. Even so, the home team’s manager, Skinner, urges his squad to have faith. “Without a doubt the toughest test in the WSL at present, naturally,” Skinner said. “We want is to end their streak on Friday but it’s difficult.
“They’re such a well-oiled machine. They have incredible quality, squad depth and talent, developed through the years. Anticipate the most demanding of tests on Friday and we must prepare fully.
“I really think, you can damage them with the ball, but you’ve got to be brave to attempt it, because it carries more risk because they’re really good in one-on-ones. It is essential to be confident that you can defeat them, you have to show Chelsea that you can.”
The Manager’s View on the Streak
For Bompastor, who oversaw a domestic treble last season in her first season in the WSL, the numbers mean very little. “This story about the undefeated streak is mostly of interest to the journalists,” she said. “Our season began this season with a clean slate, with four games all played, and we want to go into each fixture with the desire to win. It is early in the season, we have not accomplished anything so far.”
Bompastor recalls positively of playing at Leigh, because that was the place her team clinched last season’s title in late April, with a one-nil victory thanks to a Bronze header. This time they face a Manchester United side that has let in just one in four matches and the coach noted: “They look strong and they’ve had a good start to the season.
“In these games, it is typically tough. Maybe teams generate [fewer] chances than in other fixtures and you need to make sure your side is precise and efficient. I think that is makes the difference in top-tier games.”
Key Scorers to Look Out For
The top goalscorers in the WSL this term are set to feature on either side: Manchester United’s Malard has four times from four WSL games, just like the Blues' Aggie Beever-Jones, scoring in every game.
Bompastor said, of the England’s striker's flourishing form: “From the beginning arrived at Chelsea, it was clear that she was a highly skilled footballer boasting great talent, and also a well-rounded player.
“Out of possession she is outstanding; as the first one in the frontline applying the press. In possession, we have been working hard with her, aiming so she can become as effective possible in various areas of her play. Currently, she appears very self-assured [and] that’s great the squad.”
The Importance of the First Goal
A common saying in football that the “early goal is crucial” but this appears particularly relevant in this match; United are unbeaten in each of the past 25 WSL games in which they have taken the first goal. Should they finally end their wait for a first win against their rivals, it could represent the initial significant twist in the WSL championship battle.
