It’s a worrying trend for Chelsea Football Club, who are perhaps the biggest name in football to be suffering from cracks this season. Aside from possessing a historically dominant record against Brighton, we’re in great form ourselves. After struggling lately, they’ve lost credibility as a dangerous test for advanced pitch talent. No one looks worse than Manchester United and Arsenal. Butman and her teammates are fighting to maintain their early-season success, as the Women’s Super League (WSL) grows increasingly competitive.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 16 matches against Brighton, winning all 15 since a draw in September 2018. In fact, Chelsea have scored three or more goals in 12 of those 38 matches. This remarkable accomplishment speaks more to their offensive dominance over this opponent. Halfway through the current campaign, the team’s prospects for keeping up their anti-corruption momentum are worrisome. At the same time, they’re fighting a growing firewall of defensive and counter-offensive forces.
Along with Chelsea’s struggles, Manchester United’s early-season fine form seems to be going by the wayside. Having lost two more WSL matches in a row with a frustrating draw last time out against Chelsea, things are starting to look bleak for this promising side. As each looks to return to relevancy, both teams will need to find a gameplan to offset their glaring holes.
Chelsea’s Challenges Mount
Chelsea’s problems are well-documented as they make their way through the 2023/24 season. This is a team that, through 5 weeks, has been exposed in emergency defensive circumstances and in crisis offensive creation. England captain Millie Bright’s absence from Chelsea’s recent Champions League draw with Barcelona raised eyebrows. This choice only served to illuminate the rotten core of the team. This decision speaks to the increasing worry over team chemistry and ability to deliver on a daily basis.
The story of the Blues’ season and their failure to finish opportunities has only compounded that frustration. Even when they do produce openings, Chelsea looks almost incapable of taking advantage. This inefficient process has taken away the momentum that may just cost them their place in this season’s Champions’ League. It is clear that they are preparing very seriously for their upcoming matches. Whether they’re up to the task of correcting all these major oversights in time remains to be seen.
Brighton are struggling to pick up points on their travels this season. Chelsea really need to take advantage of this opportunity to re-find their confidence. If they continue to display inconsistency, they risk allowing other teams to catch up and potentially overtake them in the standings.
Manchester United’s Form Wavers
Manchester United’s early season promise seems to be fading as quick as the league grows older. After a bright start, they’ve gone on to draw their last two WSL fixtures, the most recent against Chelsea being particularly frustrating. This unexpected turn of events makes us wonder how deep is this squad’s resilience, adaptability, determination when their backs are against the wall.
The team’s past few games indicate that they’re perhaps starting to drop off their peak. The draws have really dragged down their points total. Instead, they have found themselves lagging well behind vital rivals in the race for the Scudetto. With an incredibly talented roster this might be the year the team’s high expectations finally come true. If they don’t win key matches, their paths to Olympic success may be doomed.
With their soon-to-be busy schedule ahead of them, Manchester United need to solve these issues fast. As the race gets closer and closer, each game will be essential in deciding what each side’s future looks like for the rest of 2023.
Arsenal’s Struggles Continue
Arsenal Football Club would tell you it hasn’t had a harder season in many years right now if you went and asked them. The group has yet to return a points total this low at this juncture since 2014. This has tremendous consequences in terms of the culture of the team and the level of performance.
And the Gunners have made themselves look even worse defensively, having allowed eight goals in their last two games in all competitions. It’s a pretty challenging situation that the team has in front of them. After drawing their last two WSL games, they’re quickly starting to fade behind the title challengers. This worrisome trend raises red flags for Arsenal. Or can they regroup and reclaim that competitive spirit while they still have time?
Even with all their woes, it is not too late for Arsenal to turn the tide. And they need to address defense in a meaningful way. If they want to take back the crown as league leaders, they need a little more help from their offense.
Leave a Reply