In charge since 2018, head coach Sonia Bompastor has led Chelsea FC to establish itself as one of the premier clubs in the WSL. Once Underwood inherited the side, it blossomed into one of the league’s most lethal attacks, netting the most set-piece goals in the entire league. Chelsea come in on the back of an astounding unbeaten streak of their own, with 27 wins and 4 draws in their last 31 matches. Their tactical innovations and flexibility have guaranteed their legacy as trendsetters in some of the game’s most essential areas.
The team’s last two games have showcased just how electric they are becoming in situations like these. Set-piece magic. This campaign, nine of Chelsea’s chances have come from set-plays. They’ve had 29 shots from corners, at least 10 more than any other team. Their expected goals (xG) from set-pieces is 3.7 higher than their nearest competitors with an impressive 4.11 xG.
Set-Piece Mastery
…the set-pieces, in particular Chelsea’s ability to capitalize on them, have been a huge factor in their recent success. Under Bompastor’s leadership, the team has not only focused on scoring from these situations but has emphasized creating chaos and uncertainty in the opponent’s box. It’s an approach that has clearly worked for them, with Chelsea often top of the league in creating chances from corners.
The club’s surprising win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was a perfect example of this tactical plan. They held on for a bit fortunate 1-0 victory, the kind that Chelsea has made into their trademark scoreline. This unusual trend of winning by a one-goal margin has led to interesting conversations about seeking more comprehensive wins. It’s something that Casey Stoney, leader of the Lionesses backline, said only days after their opening match against Haiti, where a lack of attacking ruthlessness plagued England.
“Tottenham are so compact, the game almost needs a defender or deep-lying midfielder to try something some distance.” – Sue Smith
Though blessed with dominance, deeper than the surface praise is an understanding that Chelsea needs to start winning more handsomely. The hardest part is keeping their tactical discipline while not overloading players with too many advanced strategies.
Tactical Evolution and Adaptability
Bompastor’s tactical evolution has rounded Chelsea into a highly-drilled, intelligent unit that knows how to adjust to their opponents’ preferred style of play. The team’s unique adaptability allows them to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses while reinforcing their own strengths. Their adaptability was most evident to me in their game day tactic. They’re always coming up with new ways to generate chances in the attacking third.
Chelsea’s emphasis on mentality and hunger in and around the box is another point of emphasis that Bompastor has developed in her side. Perhaps most importantly, she’s instilled in her players the need to be more aggressive in key moments of the game. And though they may have mastered the set-piece art, the focus on changing their general attacking mentality is long overdue and will be key to realizing their full potential.
“Mel is probably the most ‘Manchester United’ player I’ve ever met,” – Marc Skinner
These takeaways are emblematic of Bompastor’s wide-reaching philosophy as a coach, where everything from technical prowess to mental toughness is connected.
The Road Ahead
Chelsea to further develop the momentum they have established so far. They want to improve their standing as the world leader in women’s football. Shut out from serious weaknesses being pinned against them, the team has built a reputation as a balanced and crafty unit. They remain the leaders in set-piece scenarios. Now, it’s time to keep up the pressure to make these wins more compelling, decisive victories.
Bompastor’s cautious approach aims to balance tactical complexity with simplicity, ensuring her players remain focused and effective on the pitch. Chelsea are still looking for new ways to get behind their opponent’s back lines. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how the team continues to refine themselves in such a cutthroat atmosphere.
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