Doubt lingered after Chelsea lost the WSL crown, yet early signs this season show the Blues reignited.
A vital 1-0 win over Arsenal stretched their unbeaten streak to 12 games and leaves them just two points behind leaders Manchester City.
They displayed grit, digging deep, dictating play without possession and defending with poise while Arsenal pressed forward.
That missing ingredient may be the catalyst for a revitalised Chelsea side.
Could they lift the WSL trophy this year? It would be reckless to count them out.
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Sonia Bompastor guided Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble in her debut season, but 2025-26 saw their six‑year WSL dominance crumble.
City surged ahead, and many expected Arsenal to emerge as the chief challengers after an aggressive summer recruitment drive.
Written off by some, Chelsea opened the campaign quietly, drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge despite dominating play.
Their usual sharpness was missing; a lack of clinical finishing and a defensive lapse gifted Villa a chance.
Since then, they have turned dominance into results, winning three straight, capped by a balanced display against Arsenal, who sit seventh, seven points off City.
Bompastor said her squad was ready to “mentally fight” and could “adjust” to Arsenal’s pressure in ways they struggled with last term.
It was a defensive masterclass, executing Bompastor’s plan flawlessly and earning a third consecutive clean sheet – 315 minutes without conceding.
“In this league you face many different opponents, so you must adapt and do something different,” the Blues boss explained.
“I’ve talked a lot about strength and unity; I always want a group that sticks together in highs and lows.”
“We entered this match well prepared, aware we’d face periods without control, and we trained for those moments.”
“We knew exactly where to direct the ball and where to leave space; mentally and physically we were solid.”
What changes have worked?
That result could be the catalyst Chelsea need to pressure Manchester City, who host Arsenal next (Sunday, 16:30 BST).
Alyssa Thompson called the victory over the Gunners “amazing for team morale.”
Even Bompastor admitted Chelsea are “a different team from last season,” pointing to clear improvements.
England midfielder Keira Walsh shone against Arsenal, her strike deflected to set up Thompson’s lone goal.
Her new partnership with 20‑year‑old Lexi Potter is flourishing, giving Walsh freedom to push higher up the pitch.
Bompastor praised the 29‑year‑old, calling her “a boss on the pitch,” and said it builds “better foundations.”
Thompson has been a reliable scorer, while summer signing Melvine Malard from Manchester United adds another attacking outlet.
The French striker missed the first two games with a minor injury but scored on debut versus Birmingham City and troubled Arsenal.
“She’s massive for us. She works off the ball and triggers the press,” teammate Walsh noted.
“Her awareness and ability… she’s an incredible striker and will be very good for us.”
That press, driven by Malard, now sits higher, stifling opponents, while full‑back Ellie Carpenter continues her dangerous overlaps.
Katie McCabe, a summer arrival from Arsenal, brings leadership and bite – an aggression missing last season.
For my money, the Blues look like champions in the making and are ready to earn it.
Arsenal’s contrast was stark, with just one win in four WSL games and only two goals scored.
“We’ve got both sides of our game and showed that tonight in spells. Everyone fought for each other. Every first and second ball was ours,” Walsh added.