Chelsea coach Sonia Bombastor says: “The title race may be over”

In past seasons, Chelsea have been on top, winning games relentlessly – but this time City are playing that role.

Chelsea are scoring less regularly, with 24 goals in 13 games so far compared to 38 goals at this stage last season.

They have conceded eight goals – two more than at this stage last year. While this is still the best defensive record currently in the WSL, they are keeping fewer clean sheets – six in 13 matches this season compared to nine last year.

The performances on the pitch back up the numbers.

When Chelsea began their title defense with a 2-1 win over Manchester City on the opening night in September, it suggested they would be the team to beat again in the 2025-26 season.

That evening, Bombastor showed every ounce of their tough, winning nature. The problem is that it hasn’t been consistently clear since then.

In the autumn, nervy wins over Aston Villa, Leicester and Tottenham enabled them to maintain top spot, but a run of three draws in four slowed the momentum.

At that stage, after nine games, Manchester City’s lead at the top was just three points, but what was worrying for Chelsea was the 1-0 loss at home to struggling Everton.

It was Sonia Bombastor’s first loss since succeeding Emma Hayes in the summer of 2024, and ended her side’s 34-game unbeaten run in the league.

This gave City a six-point advantage, which they held until the winter break.

Although Chelsea started 2026 with a 5-0 win over West Ham, City are yet to look back. Instead, Chelsea were the team to falter once again, this time losing to London rivals Arsenal at home.

Former Blues midfielder Fara Williams summed it up best on BBC One: “Chelsea didn’t show up.”