WSL 2022/23 Preview 4: Chelsea
WSL 2021/22 final position: 1st
Fresh from last-gasp WSL title success, Emma Hayes has bolstered at the back as Chelsea aim to finally conquer Europe.
How we fared last season
10 October 2021: Chelsea 2 Leicester City 0
No WSL team had kept a clean sheet against Chelsea for three years but Leicester goalkeeper Kirstie Levell tried her best to put an end to that impressive run with a series of great saves as the newly-promoted side dug in.
The resistance was broken with just seven minutes remaining, Danish star Pernille Harder stabbing in a low cross to palpable relief around Kingsmeadow. England attacker Fran Kirby added a second deep into injury time to add to Leicester’s frustration. Levell’s performance is a reminder of what Leicester will be getting back for the season ahead, the ‘keeper having missed the majority of the previous campaign to a knee injury.
27 March 2022: Leicester City 0 Chelsea 9
An away team winning 9-0. You don’t get that in men’s foot… oh, wait. This was in fact the first time a team had ever scored three goals in the first ten minutes of a WSL match and it was an obvious case of damage limitation from then on for a Leicester team that was focused on getting the necessary points to stay up from elsewhere.
This defeat came a month after Chelsea inflicted a 7-0 defeat in the Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round. It’s safe to say this fixture may not be the most eagerly-awaited game on Filbert Way - except for those wanting to see an array of international talent.
When we face them this season
Home: 3/4 December 2022
Away: 22/23 April 2023
What the papers say
‘[Emma Hayes’s] Chelsea team have won four FA Cups, three League Cups, reached one Champions League final and are five-time league champions – including the last three consecutive seasons. She now has a budget that stretches to spending hundreds of thousands on just one player – including record-breaking star signings like Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder.’
Molly McElwee, Telegraph - read Molly’s interview with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.
A new signing speaks
‘I am coming to Chelsea with the same ambition I always had - win trophies and become the best in the world. The club has everything in order for us to compete in every competition and it’s time to bring a Champions League trophy to London.
‘I'm hoping to bring my experience to the team and continue on the successful pathway that the club has been on for the past seasons. I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and the coaching staff on this journey.’
Kadeisha Buchanan (Canadian international defender, signed from Olympique Lyonnais)
View from the stands: Megan Aherne
How confident were you all along last season that Chelsea would win the WSL?
Losing against Arsenal in the first game of the season did come as quite a shock but I had faith the team would do their best at fighting for the title again. The closer we got to the end of the season, our performances showed the character of league winners.
Some Arsenal results did go our way thankfully, especially when Birmingham beat them 2-0, but once we got to the top of the table, I knew Emma Hayes wouldn’t let the team slip.
What are your expectations for this season and are you happy with your transfer business so far?
My expectation this season is to go for every trophy on offer because we have the team to do so. The UWCL is one I think we need to be the most serious about - getting to the final once is a taste and last season’s campaign was not good.
New signings wise, I am very happy. We’ve brought in some world class players with tons of experience and have boosted our squad depth massively.
The signing of Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan from Lyon is the one I’ve been most excited about. I really can’t wait to see her play!
Alongside stars like Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder and the Lionesses, which Chelsea player should we look out for most?
One person that always comes to mind with a question like this is Erin Cuthbert. I find her to be a very overlooked player who has been a massive part of our squad for a long time now. She’s scored some outstanding goals for the club, especially in last season’s FA Cup Final. She is very dangerous on the pitch and makes it very hard for all defenders. Her work rate on the pitch is outstanding too.
Did any Leicester players stand out in our games against you last season?
Goalkeeper Kirstie Levell was excellent in our 2-0 win against Leicester at Kingsmeadow. She made some absolutely outstanding saves that stopped us scoring on many occasions. She is a very good goalkeeper that deserves a lot of praise because being in goal during a difficult season is not easy.
Shannon O’Brien is also someone who performed excellently in our games. She is a real talent at only 20 years old. With more good performances, I can’t see why she shouldn’t be called up to the Lionesses first team. Definitely one you need to keep hold of!
What do you think Leicester have to do to be competitive in the WSL this season?
I think you’ve brought in some exciting signings and you’ve got a year’s experience in the WSL. I think using both of these as positives will definitely help you. I also think that Lydia Bedford is perfect to keep you up again and make you a real force in the league.
Lastly, how was Euro 2022 for you?
Euro 2022 was incredible. Every match was brilliant to watch and the talent was at such a high level.
I feel very grateful to have got to go to some matches, including the final. The Lionesses have inspired so many people, it’s wonderful to see and hopefully women’s football will continue to rise with bigger crowds in the WSL.
Follow Meg on Twitter at @meggaherne and check out @TheCFCWSocial