A period of more than 500 days since Chelsea last lost a Women’s Super League match. That statement by itself underscores the remarkable quality, and no matter how you present the statistics, they appear formidable. Consider such facts: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL game in 15 months in charge,” “She has won 23 of her 26 WSL games undefeated” or “She is unbeaten in 34 league matches since moving to England.” All are accurate, each seems commanding, and—after four wins from four this season—they are showing no signs of slowing down.
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, possibly not even during this campaign. Maybe it won’t even be during this parliament, but eventually it is inevitable, and reason suggests that the matches where their streak is most likely of ending are in one of their travel fixtures against their main title rivals, Arsenal, Manchester City, or Manchester United. On Friday, United among them get their chance, and form-wise they have rarely been in a stronger position to try it.
Emma Hayes once remarked: ‘I don’t think coaches are thought about as human beings.’
Leading sides in the early-season standings face off in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, even though the WSL campaign is only four rounds into the schedule, Manchester United go into Friday’s fixture with the strongest defensive record in the competition. History supports the visitors however, because the most damning stat of all is the following: United have never beaten Chelsea in the WSL.
Actually, they have secured just a single tie from their eleven past WSL encounters. Even so, United’s manager, Marc Skinner, urges his squad to believe. “It’s by far the most difficult challenge in the WSL at present, of course it is,” Skinner said. “Our aim is to break that run when we play but it’s difficult.
“They’re such a highly efficient machine. Possessing exceptional quality, depth and quality, developed through the years. Anticipate the toughest of tests on Friday and we’ve got prepare fully.
“In my view, you can damage them in possession, but you’ve got to show courage to attempt it, because it carries more risk since they excel in duels. It is essential to believe that you can defeat them, you have to demonstrate Chelsea you are capable.”
Bompastor’s View on the Streak
For Bompastor, who oversaw a domestic treble last term in her first season in English football, the numbers mean very little. “This story regarding the unbeaten run is mostly of interest to the media,” she stated. “Our season began this season with a clean slate, we won four matches all played, and our goal is to go into every game with the desire to win. It is early in the season, we have not accomplished much so far.”
The former Lyon coach recalls positively of visiting Leigh, as that was the place her team secured last season’s title on 30 April, with a 1-0 victory thanks to a Bronze header. This time they face a Manchester United team who have conceded only one goal in four league games and Bompastor said: “They appear solid and they have made a positive beginning to the season.
“In these games, it is typically challenging. Maybe you create limited opportunities compared to some of the fixtures and it is crucial to ensure your side is clinical and effective. In my opinion that is makes the difference in top-tier contests.”
Star Scorers to Watch
The joint-leading scorers in the WSL this term are set to feature on either side: United’s Malard has netted four times from four WSL games, just like the Blues' Beever-Jones, scoring in every game.
Bompastor remarked, of the the English forward's excellent performance: “Since I arrived at the club, it was clear that she was a really good player boasting great talent, and also a really complete performer.
“Defensively she is great; as the initial player among forwards to apply the pressure. In possession, we have been working hard with her, aiming so she can become as successful possible in many aspects of her play. Currently, she is really confident [and] that’s great the squad.”
Why the First Goal
It is a cliche in football is that “early goal is crucial” but it seems particularly relevant in this match; United are unbeaten in each of the last twenty-five WSL games in which they scored the first goal. Should they at last stop the drought for a first win over Chelsea, it could represent the first major turn in the WSL championship battle.
