Chelsea Women’s football is no longer the team that stumbled in 2025-26. After losing their six-year WSL title reign, their Champions League exit, and a domestic treble that had seemed untouchable under Sonia Bompastor’s first season, the Blues are now writing a different story. Unbeaten in all competitions, they sit atop the Women’s Super League after seven games, have won two of their first three Champions League matches, and are playing with a ruthless edge that recalls their golden era.
The foundation of this turnaround is tactical. Bompastor’s system has adapted with fluidity, allowing Chelsea to operate seamlessly in both a back three and a back four—something that was a weakness in the previous campaign. Full-back Ellie Carpenter, who has scored four goals in all competitions, is now a constant threat in transition, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s distribution has unlocked direct play, bypassing midfield pressure. The defensive shape is sharper, the transitions quicker, and the team’s ability to switch play has left opponents struggling to find rhythm.
At the heart of this resurgence is the midfield. The partnership between 29-year-old Keira Walsh and 20-year-old Lexi Potter has become the engine of Chelsea’s attack. Potter, described by Bompastor as ‘a boss on the pitch’ when she operates higher up the field, has provided the creative spark that Walsh—now freed to roam—needs to dictate tempo. Their chemistry has allowed Walsh to operate with greater freedom, while Potter’s progression has given Chelsea better foundations in build-up play. The arrival of summer signing Melvine Malard from Manchester United has also added a new dimension up front, with her movement and finishing proving a constant threat.
Defensively, the team’s aggression has returned. Katie McCabe, who joined from Arsenal in the summer, has brought leadership and a physicality that was missing last season. Her presence has tightened the midfield, while the collective defensive work has reduced Chelsea’s vulnerabilities in transition. The result? A team that no longer looks hesitant but instead plays with the confidence of a side that believes it belongs at the top. Even Bompastor, who acknowledged last season’s struggles, has spoken of a renewed optimism—one that extends beyond results to the quality of performances.
The path forward is clear. Chelsea are not just chasing the WSL title—they are playing as if they already have it. Their Champions League campaign, with wins over Roma and draws against Bayern Munich’s Real Madrid, shows they are ready for Europe’s toughest stage. The question now is whether this momentum can sustain them through the season’s final stretch. One thing is certain: after a season of doubt, Chelsea Women are back—and they are playing like champions.
