Emma Hayes believes their Women’s Super League (WSL) title race is ‘over’ after a 4-3 loss to Liverpool, admitting it destroyed the west London side’s chances of retaining the title.
The spectacle of seven goals now puts Chelsea in a position where winning the WSL is next to impossible. They are six points behind leaders Manchester City and at risk of ending the season without a draw.
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“I think the title is over,” Hayes said after the match. “Of course not mathematically, but I think the title is there.
“Our job from now until the end of the season is to push through, but I think it’s going to be very difficult.
“We will never give up, but the title is far away from us. It is not in our hands. I think City deserved it. Their consistency has put them in that position. Of course, we will be there until the end. We’ll go, but I don’t think the title will come to us this year.”
Gemma Bonner will leave the club at the end of this season to become the new manager of the US women’s soccer team, after scoring twice against her former club to seriously damage Hayes’ chances of winning a fifth successive WSL title. He recorded his 150th appearance in . national team.
Hayes’ side took an early lead through Aggie Beever-Jones but were undone by two stunning set-piece routines from the hosts that gave them the lead. In the final minutes of regular time, Beever-Jones pulled Chelsea back level, but less than a minute after the restart substitute Leanne Kiernan gave Liverpool the lead once again.
Bonner’s header, his third goal of the evening, was the decisive goal for the hosts after Teagan Mika’s own goal gave Chelsea the chance to share the spoils nine minutes earlier.
“I don’t know if we’ve ever given up four goals in a first half before. To give up three goals from set pieces is unforgivable,” Hayes told the BBC.
“I’ll give Liverpool credit. They wanted it. They executed the game plan. They delivered and they scored from a set piece.
“We looked exhausted, but that’s no excuse.
“I want to remind our fans how much success we have had over the last few years and although it may not be this year, I am confident Chelsea will continue to lead the way and it is important that we do our best.”
Chelsea suffered a painful defeat by Barcelona 2-0 (2-1 on aggregate) in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals last Saturday, despite drawing 1-0.
After a tough few weeks, Hayes wanted to soften the blow for his players, with the entire team visibly emotional as the final whistle blew.
“I’m not going to be hard on the players. Over the years, they’ve achieved a lot of success for this football club and for me. I know they want to win, but for me, I can do that.” Expect to win the football game without conceding three goals from set pieces and four goals in the first half. So today we are losing. But I will be kind to the players for everything they have done. , I don’t want to be too harsh on them. said Hayes.
“I have amazing memories at this football club. We have won a lot and I would like to bring the title back to Chelsea but I don’t think that will happen this year. Now all I have to do is get ready. In the last few games the team has continued to do so. “I was able to compete and have fun.”
Hayes’ side are currently six points behind Manchester City but there is still a game to play. City will need to take at least four points from their last two games to become champions for the first time since 2016.
Chelsea have little chance of winning the league and will need to hope Gareth Taylor’s side drop points in their last two games against Arsenal and Aston Villa to avoid bidding farewell to their trophyless manager.
