The key moments in Chelsea Women's record breaking WSL unbeaten run

Chelsea made history on Wednesday evening as they extended their unbeaten run in the WSL to 32 matches, breaking the league's previous record of 31 games set by Manchester City between 2015 and 2017.

Emma Hayes' side last tasted defeat in the league on 27 January 2019 when they suffered a 3-2 loss to Birmingham at Kingsmeadow. The have since gone two years without losing in the WSL.

Let's take a look at the key moments in their remarkable run.


1. Manchester City 2-2 Chelsea, February 2019

Ji netted twice for Chelsea as their unbeaten run commenced | Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Having surrendered a two goal advantage in the same fixture the previous season, this time it was Chelsea's turn to fight back from 2-0 down and rescue a point against Manchester City.

Tessa Wullaert and Georgia Stanway had given City a 2-0 half time lead, but Ji So-yun grabbed a brace - including an 89th minute equaliser - to earn Chelsea a point and kickstart their unbeaten record.

2. Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham, September 2019

Chelsea began the 2019/20 campaign with a on the big stage, as they played at Stamford Bridge for the first time against newly promoted Tottenham.

Beth England (you might hear more from her throughout) won the game with a goal worthy of the occasion, sending a stunning long range drive soaring into the top corner from 25 yards out.

3. Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City, December 2019

Mjelde and England combined with two goals in the last 11 minutes | Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Getty Images

The Blues sparked a late comeback to get one over their title rivals at Kingsmeadow.

Hayes' side fell behind on the hour mark to a Caroline Weir volley, but scored twice in the space of three second half minutes through England and Maren Mjelde to take the upper hand in the title race.

4. Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea, January 2020

Chelsea recorded a huge statement win with a 4-1 thumping of rivals Arsenal in January, as they tore the Gunners to shreds in an electric first half performance and made an absolute mockery of the reigning WSL champions.

Sam Kerr netted her maiden WSL goal, but the game is best remembered for Sophie Ingle's sweetly struck half volley to give her side a 3-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

5. Manchester City 3-3 Chelsea, February 2020

Berger produced a crucial save during Chelsea' draw with City | Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

They didn't know it at the time, but Chelsea's pulsating 3-3 draw with Manchester City would ultimately seal the 2019/20 WSL title for the Blues.

In a breathless contest, Chelsea twice came from behind and led 3-2 for a full two minutes thanks to a fabulous long range drive from England, only for Lauren Hemp to equalise for City. Georgia Stanway also saw a penalty saved by Ann-Katrin Berger.

Chelsea would snatch the WSL title from City via points-per-game after the season was curtailed due to Covid-19, England's stunner and Berger's penalty save proving crucial.

6. Chelsea's 2020 transfer business

Leupolz and Bright both penned long term deals with Chelsea in 2020 | James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Key to Chelsea's enduring success has been their recruitment and the shrewd manner in which Hayes has assembled her squad.

The Blues' business during the 2020 window was particularly impressive - they signed Melanie Leupolz from Bayern Munich - who has been consistently excellent this season - and broke the transfer world record to prise the world class Pernille Harder away from Wolfsburg.

Chelsea also continued to build for the future, not only with the signings of youngsters Niamh Charles and Jessie Fleming, but by tying England, Millie Bright and Guro Reiten down to bumper, long-term deals - the length of which is rarely seen in the women's game. They do things differently at Chelsea, and it's serving them pretty well at the moment.

7. Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea, November 2020

Chelsea snatched a late point against Arsenal | Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

An 86th minute Beth Mead goal put Chelsea's long unbeaten run severely under threat during November's clash with rivals Arsenal.

But they preserved their record when Harder's cross deflected in off Lotte Wubben-Moy to rescue a point. It was the closest the Blues would come to losing in the WSL during their unbeaten run.

8. Aston Villa 0-4 Chelsea, January 2021

Chelsea became history makers with a convincing 4-0 win over struggling Aston Villa. A thumping Kerr volley, an England header and a low drive from Harder gave the Blues a 3-0 lead after 68 minutes.

Fittingly, it was captain Magdalena Eriksson who poked home the fourth - the Swedish international has been an ever present throughout Chelsea's unbeaten run, and also signed a new, long-term contract with the club in November as Chelsea's dynasty shows no signs of wavering.



Source : 90min