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Chelsea Women 2023/24 mid-season review: Standout performer, best signing & more

Chelsea’s perfect start to the 2023/24 WSL campaign began to derail in December. With the winter break now over and early FA Cup commitments out of the way, the second half of the season is upon us and the Blues’ challenge for a fifth consecutive WSL trophy is under threat.

They say things comes in threes.

First, Emma Hayes announced her shock departure, set to take up post with the United States at the end of the season. Then long-time adversaries Arsenal thrashed Chelsea 4-1, handing the Blues their biggest WSL loss in five years. The third and most heartbreaking came during the winter break as Sam Kerr ruptured her ACL during a warm weather training camp in Morocco.

Entering into the second half of the season with so many unknowns and injuries, even Chelsea’s determination and resilience will come under pressure to deliver during Hayes’ swansong.

The true impact of Kerr’s absence remains uncertain. The prospect of Chelsea clinching another WSL title without their star striker still feels plausible given the solid foundations they’ve built thus far. However, the journey ahead for the defending champions won’t be a straightforward one.

For the last four seasons, Chelsea have enjoyed an exceptional run, clinching the WSL title each time and asserting their dominance throughout English women’s football.

In previous seasons, Hayes has attracted top tier international talent to the WSL, compelling rival teams to make substantial investments to match Chelsea’s supremacy. The inclusion of such high-calibre talent has naturally also positioned Chelsea as a formidable force across the continent.

Last season, Chelsea set a new WSL record points tally to claim the ttle ahead of Manchester United. Simultaneously, they embarked on a successful journey to clinch victory in the FA Cup final against the same opposition and also got as far as the Champions League semi-finals.

Chelsea missed out on a Champions League final spot last seasonChelsea missed out on a Champions League final spot last season

Chelsea missed out on a Champions League final spot last season / Eric Alonso/GettyImages

Despite maintaining a standard of excellence in women’s football, Chelsea faced a series of injuries that significantly impacted their 2022/23. Millie Bright and Fran Kirby were among the most prominent and noteworthy absences. Continuous short-term injuries to various members of their star-studded squad also posed a threat to their overall prosperity. Nevertheless, as with any challenge, Chelsea adeptly navigated these setbacks with resilience and composure.

Into this season, the narrative remains consistent. Chelsea have introduced a plethora of exciting talent to the WSL, fortifying their carefully curated squad, which has proven crucial in addressing ongoing injury challenges. Despite a minor setback in the London derby against Arsenal recently, Chelsea’s season has unfolded smoothly, overcoming the lows with overriding resilience.

Chelsea FC Women v BK Hcken FF: Group D - UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24Chelsea FC Women v BK Hcken FF: Group D - UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24

Chelsea have displayed consistent dominance so far this season / Gaspafotos/MB Media/GettyImages

The overarching highlight is Chelsea’s continued dominance in all aspects. With the team’s calibre, fans anticipate victory, and winning their first seven league games wasn’t unexpected. Simply put, Chelsea excel at what they do best: winning. Leading the table with the most goals and the best goal difference, the Blues remain with the title in their hands for now.

Chelsea’s momentum remains strong, with young players stepping up, key figures showcasing their best, and Hayes’ leadership undiminished. Every cog in the meticulously planned Blues machine operated almost flawlessly in the first ten WSL games. The unexpected loss to Arsenal briefly disrupted the rhythm but was swiftly corrected with a subsequent 3-0 victory over Bristol City.

Despite injuries to Guro Reiten and Millie Bright, Chelsea coped exceptionally well. With Kerr out for the season, fans hope the remainder will continue to unfold smoothly too.

Emma HayesEmma Hayes

Emma Hayes will become USWNT head coach in summer / Ryan Hiscott/GettyImages

Emma Hayes’ departure from Chelsea at the season’s end is a monumental loss to both the club and English women’s football. With nearly 12 years of service, she holds the record as the longest-serving manager in the WSL. Her successful career made her an attractive target for the United States.

Confirmation of her departure perhaps contributed to the erratic performance against Arsenal. In the weeks following the announcement, Chelsea maintained their brilliance until a significant setback against the Gunners – the 4-1 loss marked their biggest league defeat in five years.

It’s uncertain if the uncharacteristically poor performance was linked to Hayes’ imminent exit, but her loss will be significant. The aftershock will likely also persist well afterwards and the appointment of a new boss is going to be an important moment in Chelsea’s wider history.

Chelsea FC Women v Paris FC: Group D - UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24Chelsea FC Women v Paris FC: Group D - UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24

Charles’ excellence in the WSL earned her consistent starts for England / Gaspafotos/MB Media/GettyImages

Earning a start for your country after standout league performances is perhaps the highest honour a player can receive. This is precisely the narrative that the versatile Niamh Charles has crafted for herself, showcasing an exceptional start to the season.

Charles led in assists and chances created for the majority of the season so far, narrowly missing the top spot heading into the winter break. Regardless, her stellar contributions have positioned her as one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets.

Navigating various positions on the pitch throughout her career, the 24-year-old demonstrated patience and has now solidified herself as a seasoned and exceptional left-back.

Sjoeke NuskenSjoeke Nusken

Sjoeke Nusken has become a regular starter despite only six months with Chelsea / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

Fans were uncertain about how much they might see newcomer Sjoeke Nusken in action this season following her transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. Consistent with Hayes’ approach, young signings typically undergo a first season for learning, development, and adjustment to the new league. Naturally, that usually means minimal minutes for the new additions.

It is a rarity for such a young talent to adapt to WSL life within a matter of weeks and almost as uncommon for new signings to register significant game time at Chelsea. But the Germany international has buckjed the trend, becoming a consistent starter.

Having scored a four goals – including a hat-trick against Brighton – and an assist, Nusken is the preferred midfield option ahead of veteran Sophie Ingle, demonstrating just how exciting this 22-year-old talent really is.

Erin Cuthbert stands out as one of Chelsea’s most underrated players, often flying under the radar. While her goalscoring may not be prolific, each goal she nets is usually a masterpiece of high-quality and clinical finishing. Cuthbert’s impact also goes way beyond the scoresheet, contributing to the team’s success in ways that might not always be immediately apparent.

Concluding 2023 on a positive note following a disappointing loss to Arsenal, Cuthbert demonstrated her expertise by skillfully slotting home Chelsea’s second goal in the 3-0 victory over Bristol City.

As Charles whipped in a wandering cross, the headed defensive clearance fell to Cuthbert, who unleashed a volley of remarkable quality that soared with accuracy into the back of the net. The goal not only highlighted Charles’ adept delivery but also underscored Cuthbert’s ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities with finesse, leaving an indelible mark on the season.

In the current climate, envisioning any other team lifting the WSL trophy is a challenge, given that Chelsea has claimed the title for the past four years. As they aim for a fifth, it consistently feels like the league is theirs to lose. Maintaining a three-point lead over both Arsenal and Manchester City, Chelsea’s path to securing the title appears promising. With only four dropped points so far, if they can continue to avoid setbacks, the title could even be sealed with games to spare.

This season carries an added sense of determination for Chelsea. With Hayes set to depart, it represents the team’s final opportunity to secure the title under her leadership, and the players are eager to bid farewell to their formidable leader in the best possible way.

However, recent news of Kerr’s ACL injury poses a major obstacle in the quest for a seventh WSL title overall. The star striker won’t play under Hayes at Chelsea again. The absence of the clinical and talismanic Austrailan puts added pressure on the only remaining striker, Mia Fishel. Worryingly, the 22-year-old has been managing a groin issue since joining the club in summer.

In her pursuit of the elusive Champions League trophy – the one accolade that has evaded her during her tenure at Chelsea – Hayes might also be willing to compromise on securing the WSL in favour of European glory. In a tightly contested title race, such a strategic decision could potentially be the margin that tips the silverware scales towards City or Arsenal instead.

Prediction: 2nd

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