The Chelsea Women's football team has plummeted from winning everything domestically without losing a game to falling 12 points adrift of the league leaders within just nine months. The dominant force in England for almost a decade, they are now battling to retain their qualification spot for next season's Champions League.
Their most recent 5-1 defeat by Manchester City was a humiliation, one that exposed serious issues with the team's depth and tactics. Manager Sonia Bompastor acknowledged the squad's lack of quality in key areas, citing the need to solve the problems that led to their downfall on Sunday.
Chelsea were attempting to clinch a seventh Women's Super League title but have been unable to maintain their previous level of consistency. They are underperforming compared to expectations, with Opta showing they are missing out on expected goals by more than any other team in the league.
Bompastor is also dealing with internal pressure, as fans and pundits increasingly question her tactics and ability to lead the team. She has hinted at being open to leaving if the club's hierarchy feels she has lost the plot, but insists that she will not give up without a fight.
With their WSL title defence all but over, attention is now focused on the knockout competitions. While it's still early days for next season's Champions League campaign, Chelsea are well aware of the need to address their shortcomings and return to form if they are to have any hope of success.
Their most recent 5-1 defeat by Manchester City was a humiliation, one that exposed serious issues with the team's depth and tactics. Manager Sonia Bompastor acknowledged the squad's lack of quality in key areas, citing the need to solve the problems that led to their downfall on Sunday.
Chelsea were attempting to clinch a seventh Women's Super League title but have been unable to maintain their previous level of consistency. They are underperforming compared to expectations, with Opta showing they are missing out on expected goals by more than any other team in the league.
Bompastor is also dealing with internal pressure, as fans and pundits increasingly question her tactics and ability to lead the team. She has hinted at being open to leaving if the club's hierarchy feels she has lost the plot, but insists that she will not give up without a fight.
With their WSL title defence all but over, attention is now focused on the knockout competitions. While it's still early days for next season's Champions League campaign, Chelsea are well aware of the need to address their shortcomings and return to form if they are to have any hope of success.