On Sunday, Chelsea Women played West Ham Women in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The close contest ended as a gritty 2-2 tie. Despite the draw, Chelsea are still six points clear at the top of the WSL table. Head coach Sonia Bompastor was still disappointed with the result, but is very positive about where they stand in the league.
Highlights from the match, in which Chelsea scored early, then cruised to victory behind a dominant first 20 minutes display. Back West Ham’s Shekiera Martinez scored twice to equal it, robbing Chelsea of the win. This was Chelsea’s first point dropped against West Ham in the WSL, after a series of intense matches against Manchester City across three competitions.
A Disappointing Draw
Chelsea Women head coach, Sonia Bompastor, labelled the result vs West Ham as “disappointing.” Chelsea stormed out to a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes of the game. They were unable to sustain that dominance at that point on. The Blues’ performance in the second half did not meet expectations, allowing West Ham’s Shekiera Martinez to score twice and secure the draw.
“It’s a disappointing result but we are in a really good position still going into the next block… we need to stay together and be positive.” – Sonia Bompastor
Bompastor said he was aware that the outcome was not an ideal one. Yet still Chelsea Women sit second in a very tight WSL table.
Challenges and Achievements
That fixture against West Ham was the last of an incredibly rough stretch for Chelsea Women. It’s not been made any easier by the team’s punishing schedule, including a fierce four-match clash with Manchester City spread over three competitions. Even with these odds stacked against them, Chelsea remained six points clear at the top of the WSL table.
“This block [of games] has been crazy. We’ve played so many games – eight games in 28 days, we’ve travelled a lot, played intense games – and it’s always difficult with this quick turnaround to have all the energy.” – Sonia Bompastor
Bompastor highlighted the depth and quality on the team. He doesn’t doubt that they can achieve improved outcomes, despite an equally full agenda and often grueling travel schedule.
“It’s not an excuse. We have the depth and the quality in the squad enough to finish this block with a better result. But sometimes it happens when you’re not clinical enough.” – Sonia Bompastor
The Road Ahead
Although there are still four games left to play in the season, Chelsea Women sound confident that it’s all but done. And perhaps that fear isn’t unfounded, given how narrow their league-leading cushion on the WSL has been cut by the draw against West Ham. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City all earned victories on Sunday.
West Ham’s attack was greatly helped by the addition of Martinez, as she quickly developed an excellent attacking trident with Viviane Asseyi and Riko Ueki.
“Bringing Martinez into the side has given West Ham a lot of belief in that area… They’re forming a nice trio up front with Asseyi and Ueki.” – Izzy Christensen
Chelsea Women are keen to run the rule over their coming fixtures. Their objective has to be to build on their advantageous position and protect their first place status in the table. The team on the ground is filled with enthusiasm as they head back to their complex. They’re looking ahead towards a dramatic finish to the WSL season!
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