It has been more than 500 days and counting since the London club suffered a defeat in a Women’s Super League match. This fact by itself underscores the remarkable performance, and no matter how you present the statistics, they appear formidable. Take such examples: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL game in 15 months as coach,” “She claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL games undefeated” or “She remains undefeated in 34 domestic matches since moving to England.” Each is true, each seems impressive, and—following four victories out of four this season—they are showing no signs of easing up.
Who Can Stop This Run?
Sooner or later, Chelsea are bound to drop points in a WSL match. It might not be this week, it might not be in the coming year, possibly not even during this campaign. Perhaps it won’t even be during this parliament, but one day it will happen, and logic suggests that the fixtures where the unbeaten run is most likely of concluding is in one of their travel fixtures against key title rivals, the Gunners, Manchester City, or United. On Friday, United among them get their chance, and based on current form they have rarely been in a stronger position to attempt it.
The former Chelsea manager stated: ‘It’s rare that managers are always thought about as people.’
The top two sides in the early-season table face off in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, even though the WSL season is just four games old, the Red Devils enter Friday’s fixture with the strongest defense in the league. History supports the visitors though, since perhaps the starkest statistic of all could be this: United have never beaten Chelsea in the WSL.
Actually, they have managed only one draw from their 11 previous WSL encounters. Even so, United’s manager, Skinner, urges his team to believe. “Without a doubt the most difficult test in the WSL right now, of course it is,” Skinner said. “We want is to end their streak when we play but it’s difficult.
“They’re such a highly efficient machine. They have exceptional quality, squad depth and quality, that they’ve built through the years. Anticipate the toughest of tests on Friday and we must prepare fully.
“In my view, it is possible to damage them with the ball, but you need to be brave in doing that, as it’s higher risk since they’re really good in duels. You have to believe that you can defeat them, you have to demonstrate the opposition you are capable.”
The Manager’s View on the Streak
For Bompastor, who oversaw a domestic treble last term in her debut campaign in English football, the statistics are not significant. “This story regarding the unbeaten run is more for the journalists,” she stated. “Our season began anew from zero, we won four games all played, and our goal is to approach every game with the desire for victory. We are only the beginning, we did not achieve much yet.”
The former Lyon coach recalls positively of visiting Leigh, because that was the place her team secured last season’s championship on 30 April, with a one-nil win thanks to a Lucy Bronze goal. This time they face a Manchester United team that has let in just one in four matches and Bompastor said: “They look strong and they’ve had a good start this term.
“On such occasions, it’s always tough. Perhaps you create [fewer] chances than in other games and you need to make sure your side is precise and effective. In my opinion that is determines the outcome in top-tier games.”
Key Attackers to Watch
The joint-leading goalscorers in the WSL this term are set to feature for both teams: Manchester United’s Malard has four goals in four WSL games, just like the Blues' Beever-Jones, scoring in each match.
The manager said, regarding England’s striker's flourishing form: “Since I joined Chelsea, I could recognise that she was a really good footballer with a lot of ability, and additionally a well-rounded player.
“Out of possession she has been great; she is the first one among forwards to apply the press. In possession, we have been working hard with her, aiming so she can become as successful as she can be in various areas of her play. Currently, she is really confident [and] which benefits for the team.”
The Importance of the Opening Score
A common saying in football that the “first goal will be crucial” but it seems particularly relevant here; Manchester United have not lost in all of the past 25 WSL games in which they scored the first goal. Should they at last end the drought for a maiden victory over Chelsea, it would be the first major twist in the WSL title race.
