Seven iconic Chelsea memories from dominant six-year run as Women’s Super League champions

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·2 June 2026

Seven iconic Chelsea memories from dominant six-year run as Women’s Super League champions

2,162 — that is the number of days Chelsea were champions of England — now, an indomitable Women’s Super League era has come to an end.

Manchester City have overthrown the long-standing champions with their first Women’s Super League title win in a decade, ending an era of almost ultimate dominance from Chelsea. Between 2018 and 2025, the Blues’ reign was interrupted only once by Arsenal.

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Chelsea’s six-peat era delivered some of the greatest moments in WSL history. Two unbeaten league campaigns, two domestic trebles, a 34-game unbeaten run, a record-breaking 60-point season, and countless unforgettable performances.

There were dramatic title races, sold-out derbies, last-day chaos, and of course, spectacular Sam Kerr volleys. Below, we have highlighted some of the biggest highlights from Chelsea’s dominant WSL era.

Sam Kerr’s title-winning volleys against Man United

The date was May 8, 2022 — the final day of the WSL season.

Chelsea held a slender one-point lead over Arsenal in the table and needed a win against Manchester United, who were chasing a Champions League place.

United stunned Chelsea early when Martha Thomas opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Although Erin Cuthbert equalised five minutes later, Ella Toone restored United’s lead before half-time.

At that moment, Arsenal were on course to win the league. Then Sam Kerr happened.

The Australian forward scored two outrageous volleys in the 46th and 66th minute before a flowing move involving Pernille Harder and Guro Reiten sealed a dramatic 4–2 comeback victory and Chelsea’s third consecutive WSL title.

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Chelsea’s 9-0 win with nine different goal-scorers

In the opening season of Chelsea’s six-year title streak, the Blues demolished Bristol City 9-0 at Stamford Bridge. What made the scoreline even more remarkable was that all nine goals were scored by different players.

Fran Kirby, Maren Mjelde, Melanie Leupolz, Erin Cuthbert, and Millie Bright all scored in the first half before Niamh Charles, Bethany England, Sam Kerr, and Pernille Harder completed the rout after the break.

It remains one of the most ruthless performances of the Emma Hayes era.

Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal and the ‘Sock Gate’ drama

A packed Stamford Bridge witnessed one of the strangest moments in WSL history before a ball had even been kicked.

Arsenal reportedly arrived with the wrong colour socks and were forced to buy Chelsea socks from the club store before kickoff — creating what fans later dubbed ‘Sock Gate’.

Once the game began, Chelsea showed no mercy. Lauren James tormented Arsenal’s defence throughout the first half, opening the scoring before Sjoeke Nüsken added a quick-fire brace.

Chelsea blew Arsenal away within 34 minutes and effectively ended their rivals’ title hopes in the 2023/24 season.

Guro Reiten’s goals galore against Bristol City

After a shock defeat to Liverpool threatened Chelsea’s title ambitions, the Blues needed a response. Fortunately for them, Manchester City slipped up just hours earlier, giving Chelsea the opportunity to close the goal-difference gap in the title race.

And Guro Reiten delivered.

The Norwegian forward opened the scoring with a confidently taken penalty before adding three more goals in a devastating attacking display against Bristol City.

Chelsea’s huge victory completely erased Manchester City’s goal-difference advantage and reignited the title race.

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Mayra Ramirez’s unforgettable first half against Man United

After thrashing Bristol City the previous week, Chelsea entered the final day level on points with Manchester City.

City fans hoped their rivals Manchester United W.F.C. could stop Chelsea but Emma Hayes’ side had other ideas.

Mayra Ramírez headed Chelsea into the lead after just two minutes from a pinpoint cross by Guro Reiten before turning provider for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd shortly after. Two goals in less than ten minutes and the game was slipping away.

United briefly grew back into the contest, but Ramirez produced another moment of brilliance, dribbling past multiple defenders before setting up Sjoeke Nüsken for an easy finish in the 41st minute.

The Colombian striker capped off a sensational first-half performance with a powerful finish past Mary Earps, ending the half with two goals and two assists in one of the most dominant 45-minute displays of Chelsea’s title-winning era.

Lauren James and her Stamford Bridge hat-tricks

Lauren James quickly became one of the faces of Chelsea’s new generation.

After opening her 2023/24 season with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur, James scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Liverpool before producing another devastating display against Man United just months later.

Her second Stamford Bridge hat-trick cemented her reputation as one of the most entertaining players in the WSL and earned her the nickname ‘Queen of Stamford Bridge’ among fans.

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Chelsea becoming invincible — twice

After completing an unbeaten league season in 2017/18, Chelsea became the first club to go invincible in the modern 22-game WSL era last season.

The Blues won 19 matches and drew three while becoming the first team to reach the 60-point mark in a single WSL campaign. Chelsea also extended their unbeaten run to 34 league matches, breaking the previous WSL record.

There were countless other unforgettable moments from Chelsea’s era of dominance — the ‘Kerrby’ partnership between Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, goal-filled performances against Leicester City, Guro Reiten’s creative masterclasses, and dramatic comeback victories that defined this impeccable team.

From iconic goals to historic title races, Chelsea’s six-peat era will go down as one of the greatest dynasties in women’s football history.