In Emma Hayes’ last game as manager of Chelsea, the Blues put six past Manchester United at Old Trafford to secure their fifth consecutive WSL title.
The ‘Theatre of Dreams’ became a theatre of nightmares for Marc Skinner’s side as Chelsea went ahead inside the opening two minutes of the game and only went on to score more.
Goals from Mayra Ramirez, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sjoeke Nusken, Melanie Leupolz and Fran Kirby meant that Hayes would not depart empty handed and denied rivals Manchester City of beating them to the silverware.
Hayes now signs off her tenure at Chelsea with seven league titles in 12 years – a remarkable feat.
She told Sky Sports: ”I can’t say it’s my most enjoyable but it’s definitely been the toughest, without doubt, and for that reason probably the sweetest.
”I’m just so relived it’s over.
”The hardest thing to do is five in a row because people take their eye off the ball. My legacy is winning while building a team for the future.”
Chelsea made the perfect start to the game, kicking off their Manchester party in style as Ramirez fired the Blues ahead after just two minutes.
Guro Reiten beautifully whipped it into the box ready for the Colombian to header in at the back post, opening the flood gates.
Just six minutes later it was then Kaneryd who doubled Chelsea’s lead, set up by Ramirez to chip it over the goalkeeper.
Ramirez also provided the assist for Nusken as she made it 3-0, slotting it into an open goal in the 43rd minute.
United’s misery only deepened before the second half, as minutes before the break, an on-fire Ramirez netted her second of the afternoon, firing it past Mary Earps into to the top right corner.
Chelsea continued their dominance into the second half. Leupolz and Kirby both added their names on the scoresheet rounding off an emphatic win for the Blues.
As the final whistle blew, the Chelsea players celebrated their title triumph while the United team was left to reflect on a humbling defeat.
Emma Hayes, who is set to become the head coach of the United States women’s national team, was serenaded with chants of “Chelsea, champions” from the fans—a fitting tribute to a manager who has transformed the club into a powerhouse of women’s football.
This victory not only cemented Chelsea’s dominance in the WSL but also marked the end of an era.
Hayes’ departure will leave big shoes to fill, but her legacy of success and her commitment to developing the next generation of players will be remembered for years to come.
Featured image courtesy of Marni Dagtoglou.