New-look Chelsea out to continue WSL dominance as post-Emma Hayes era begins

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Evening Standard

·20. September 2024

New-look Chelsea out to continue WSL dominance as post-Emma Hayes era begins

Blues begin their bid for a sixth straight title but face a renewed challenge from Arsenal and Manchester City

The Emma Hayes era may be over, but new Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor is convinced their dominance is not.

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Bompastor was hired in the summer to replace Hayes and has been tasked with guiding Chelsea to their sixth straight Women’s Super League (WSL) title.

The 44-year-old is unfazed by that challenge, and has insisted her aim is to also end the Blues’ long wait to win the Champions League.

Bompastor arrives with a growing pedigree. This is only her fourth season in management, but in her three years at Lyon she won the French title every season and lifted the Champions League in her first year.

Chelsea have looked formidable in pre-season, rounding off their friendlies with a 9-0 win over Feyenoord.

Bompastor looks set to bring an attacking style of football, with her Lyon team scoring 230 goals in her 66 league games in charge.

As well as Hayes departing, there has been a high turnover of players at Chelsea with Lionesses Fran Kirby and Jess Carter among those to leave.

But the Blues have recruited well. England right-back Lucy Bronze is the pick of their signings, joining for free from Barcelona, and will add to the winning mentality in the squad.

Chelsea will take some stopping, but both Arsenal and Manchester City believe they can beat them to the title.

Chelsea have added England right-back Lucy Bronze on a free transfer from Barcelona

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

City finished second on goal difference last season and have bolstered their ranks by signing all-time leading WSL goalscorer Vivianne Miedema.

The striker has a point to prove after Arsenal elected not to renew her contract and could form a lethal partnership with Khadija Shaw, who was the top scorer in the WSL last season.

Miedema returns to Arsenal on Sunday, with the Gunners hosting City at the Emirates Stadium in the pick of the games on the opening weekend. This is a big season for Arsenal, who have made the Emirates their main home.

Eight WSL matches will take place there, plus three group games in the Women’s Champions League if Arsenal reach that stage, and boss Jonas Eidevall is under pressure to succeed.

The Gunners have been shrewd with their recruitment, signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and Sweden playmaker Rosa Kafaji.

Mariona Caldentey has also arrived from Barcelona and it is hoped she will provide the creative spark the side lacked last season when trying to break down defences that sit deep.

Arsenal have signed Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona to boost their title bid

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Caldentey will service a formidable forward line that includes Lionesses Alessia Russo and Beth Mead.

Arsenal, Chelsea and City are expected to be the top three, but beyond that the WSL looks very competitive.

Tottenham are hoping to build on a sixth-place finish and reaching the FA Cup final last season, but they have been dealt a blow after Grace Clinton returned to Manchester United following her fine loan spell last season.

Crystal Palace have been promoted to the WSL for the first time and have recruited well, most notably signing American winger Katie Stengel.

The Eagles will hope to beat the drop and may fancy their chances of finishing above West Ham, who were 11th last season.