As the Women’s Super League (WSL) gears up for another exciting season, Chelsea struggles to assert their dominance in the league. Despite their impressive opening win against Tottenham, the Blues’ performance against Crystal Palace revealed a team still finding its footing under new manager Sonia Bompastor. With the Frenchwoman at the helm, Chelsea is slowly beginning to show signs of the ruthless efficiency that defined their title-winning campaigns under Emma Hayes. However, with only two games into the season, Bompastor is still working to stamp her mark on the squad.
Chelsea’s recent 7-0 thrashing of Palace may have seemed like a statement win, but Bompastor was quick to temper expectations. “It’s always good to get three points and a good performance, but we know we’re not quite there yet,” she said post-match. “We’re still a work in progress, and we have room for improvement, especially in possession and out of possession. We’re only at the beginning of the season, and it’s only our second game, so we’re not getting carried away.”
Chelsea’s Evolution Under Bompastor
Bompastor’s Chelsea has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly down the right flank, where Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Lucy Bronze have formed a potent partnership. The duo has combined for several goals already this season, including a Bronze strike against Palace that marked her first WSL goal in over three years. Bompastor is encouraged by the pair’s chemistry, saying, “It’s great to see them understanding each other and playing off each other’s strengths. We have different options, but this one is a good one for us.”
Bompastor’s impact on the team is not limited to individual player partnerships. Her emphasis on possession football and high-intensity pressing has raised the bar for the entire squad. Guro Reiten, who netted two goals against Palace, praised Bompastor’s approach, saying, “I love it. It’s a new start for everyone, new players in, new staff – it’s been good so far, and we can only continue building on what we started.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promising signs, Chelsea still faces significant challenges as they strive for multiple trophy wins under Bompastor. The Frenchwoman is well aware of the team’s weaknesses, particularly in possession and out of possession. “It’s not about just getting results,” she said. “It’s about getting the right chemistry and understanding between players. We’re still working on that, and it will take time.”
Room for Improvement
Chelsea’s 7-0 win over Palace may have seemed like a blowout, but it was not without its challenges. The Blues struggled to break down Palace’s defense in the first half, and it wasn’t until the second half that they began to take control. Bompastor acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “We know we’re not quite there yet. We’re still a work in progress, and we have room for improvement, especially in possession and out of possession.”
The Crystal Palace Conundrum
While Chelsea may be a work in progress, Crystal Palace finds itself in a precarious position after two defeats to start the season. Despite showing promise in the first half against both Tottenham and Chelsea, Palace has struggled to maintain its intensity, conceding 11 goals in the process. Manager Laura Kaminski is under no illusions about the challenges her team faces, saying, “These nights are tough. We’ve had back-to-back games against world-class opposition, and it’s as tough as it gets for a club who have just come up.”
Promising Signs Amidst Defeat
Despite the heavy defeats, Kaminski remains optimistic about her team’s prospects. Palace created several good chances against Chelsea, particularly in the first half, and Kaminski praised her team’s resilience. “We caused them some trouble, and to do that against a world-class side shows a lot of promise and potential,” she said. “We’re still finding our way and these first two games don’t define our season. We need to use these defeats as opportunities to improve.”
The Road Ahead
As the WSL season progresses, Chelsea will continue to face stiff competition from its title rivals. With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham all vying for the top spot, Chelsea will need to maintain its intensity and consistency to stay ahead. Bompastor is well aware of the challenges ahead, saying, “We know it’s not just about getting results. It’s about getting the right chemistry and understanding between players. We’re still working on that, and it will take time.”
Chelsea’s struggles may be real, but the signs are promising. With Bompastor at the helm, the Blues are slowly beginning to find their footing, and the results are starting to show. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to watch Chelsea’s evolution under the Frenchwoman’s guidance.
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Sources:
• BBC Sport: Ruthless Chelsea dominate WSL newcomers Crystal Palace
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