Emma Hayes and Chelsea FC exchanged the perfect parting gifts to close out the Barclay’s women’s Super League season. The league title was the only thing to win after early exits in the Conti Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA’s Women’s Champions League and they entered the final match day level on points with Manchester City. Chelsea were hanging onto first place by just their fingertips, thanks to a goal differential lead of only two heading into their final match. But, by the end of it, Chelsea were league champions once more.
A narrow win on the road against Manchester United might not have been enough, so Chelsea made quick work of the Red Devils at Old Trafford, opening a four-goal lead by halftime. An early breakthrough by Mayra Ramirez in the opening two minutes was followed by more goals from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Sjoeke Nüsken put Chelsea in cruise control, and second-half goals by Melanie Leupolz and Fran Kirby sealed the title.
It’s the seventh league title for Hayes, her fifth consecutive, and final, trophy lift with Chelsea. Now she looks ahead to her new role as head coach of the U.S. women’s national team.
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