Chelsea Favored To Clinch WSL Title In Season's Final Showdown

Lianne Sanderson believes Chelsea will secure the Women's Super League (WSL) title this weekend. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes had previously declared the WSL title race over following her team's 4-3 defeat to Liverpool in early May. However, two subsequent wins and a loss for title rivals Manchester City against Arsenal have put Chelsea in a favourable position heading into the final game.

Chelsea's goal difference of +47 compared to City's +45 could be crucial as Hayes' side faces Manchester United this weekend, aiming to clinch the title. Meanwhile, Manchester City will travel to Aston Villa, hoping to overturn the goal difference deficit. Sanderson feels confident that Chelsea will accomplish their goal.

"Obviously it's great for the neutral. For the fans, it's fantastic," Sanderson told Stats Perform. "I think Emma Hayes somewhat accepted defeat a couple of weeks ago, which was surprising. Sometimes your emotions get the better of you. Emma Hayes is one of the best coaches in the world."

Manchester City has had an impressive year under Gareth Taylor, who took over from Nick Cushing. "It's going to go down to the wire. Personally, I still think Chelsea might do it," Sanderson added.

Just one more day of #BarclaysWSL action remains! pic.twitter.com/dvKAAIy27A

— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) May 16, 2024

Gareth Taylor's Tenure

Sanderson also commented on Gareth Taylor's position at Manchester City, suggesting that his job should have been under more scrutiny. "I've said many times that Gareth Taylor hasn't come under as much pressure as he probably should have," Sanderson said. "If he was in the men's game, it would have been interesting because they haven't qualified for the Champions League and have been knocked out of preliminary rounds."

Despite these challenges, Sanderson acknowledged Taylor's persistence during his tenure. "It's been interesting, but fair play to Gareth Taylor because he's persevered," she added. "They've had loads of players over the years like Carli Lloyd and Rose Lavelle, and it just hasn't really worked out—not due to those players but sometimes you must find the right balance. I think finally, they found the right balance."