Chelsea manager Emma Hayes conceded that the Women’s Super League (WSL) title race is effectively over for her side following a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.
Despite holding a 1-0 lead at half-time, Chelsea faltered in the second half, succumbing to a damaging loss, their second in four days after being eliminated from the Champions League by Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Hayes expressed her resignation about Chelsea’s title chances, stating, “I think the title is done.” Despite being mathematically possible, Hayes believes it will be very difficult for Chelsea to catch up with leaders Manchester City, who are six points ahead with a game in hand.
Aggie Beever-Jones’ early goal initially put Chelsea ahead, but Liverpool turned the game around, securing a surprising victory with Gemma Bonner’s injury-time header.
Reflecting on the match, Hayes credited Liverpool for executing their game plan and delivering on set-pieces, highlighting Chelsea’s defensive lapses as unforgivable.
Chelsea’s recent string of disappointments, including exits from the FA Cup and the Champions League, has dampened hopes of a historic quadruple. Despite this, Hayes emphasized the club’s past successes and expressed confidence in Chelsea’s continued prominence in women’s football.
Emma Hayes, who announced her departure from Chelsea to take charge of the United States women’s national team, acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance of finishing the season strongly.
Despite the setbacks, Beever-Jones emphasized Chelsea’s determination to fight until the end of the season, highlighting the club’s ambition to compete in multiple competitions.