Chelsea secure sixth successive WSL title at Man Utd

Chelsea secured a sixth successive Women's Super League title as Lucy Bronze's goal wrapped up victory over Manchester United.

An eruption of celebration broke out in the away end as the England international flicked a header past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, all but confirming Chelsea's task was complete late in the second half.

When the final whistle eventually went, manager Sonia Bompastor put aside the frustrations she had carried for much of the 90 minutes and fist-pumped towards her staff, letting out a roar of relief.

Players grabbed flags and banners afterwards, sprinting to celebrate with their supporters in the far corner of the stadium, familiar chants of "champions" ringing in their ears.

Their task had been clear even before kick-off as news of Arsenal's shock 5-2 defeat at Aston Villa had trickled through the stands earlier on Wednesday evening.

Chelsea knew a point was all they needed to wrap up the title but it was a nervy and uncertain evening in Manchester.

United did everything they could to disrupt and delay Chelsea's celebrations, motivated by still needing three points to secure their place in next season's Champions League competition.

Bompastor's side, who remain unbeaten in the WSL this season, started off on the front foot, dictating play and testing United's defence.

Mayra Ramirez tested Tullis-Joyce early on, while Aggie Beever-Jones' curling strike was pushed away in the second half.

But United had the better chances in between.

Grace Clinton forced a superb block from Chelsea's world-record signing Naomi Girma and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton pulled off saves to deny Melvine Malard and Elisabeth Terland.

Substitute Terland squeezed a powerful shot inches over the bar later on as pressure increased on Chelsea but the champions found a way to win.

Bronze, signed from Barcelona in the summer, rose highest at a corner to deliver the winning moment and ensured Chelsea's dominance on English football rolls on.

It has been a brilliant start to Bompastor's tenure - the Frenchwoman carrying the baton on with ease and building on former manager Emma Hayes' legacy.

Chelsea can still win the Treble this season with an FA Cup final against Manchester United to come in May and the Women's League Cup trophy already in the bag.

Lucy Bronze joined Chelsea from Barcelona last summer

Chelsea's party still as United show threat

Just days after a humbling defeat in the Women's Champions League semi-finals at the hands of Barcelona, Chelsea were back in familiar territory.

On top, unbeaten and seemingly invincible.

They were not the best team on the day – far from it - and that has been the case often this season. But it did not matter when they knew their fate was in their own hands.

Aston Villa had done them a favour with victory over Arsenal but Chelsea's job was far from done as an in-form Manchester United side stood in their way.

The home fans roared every time a United player was fouled, they sang in retaliation to Chelsea supporters' chants about being champions and got to their feet when Hampton was forced into action.

However it did little to break into the minds of Chelsea's defence as centre-back Girma threw her body in front of Clinton's strike, captain Millie Bright shouted and marshalled her backline and full-back Bronze delivered the winning moment.

It ends a WSL title race that has felt more like a stroll to the finish line, with Chelsea wrapping up the trophy with two games to spare.

Meanwhile, United's season is far from over. They will challenge Chelsea in May's final in an attempt to defend their FA Cup crown and still need three points to mathematically secure their place in next season's Champions League.

They showed on Wednesday night they are more than capable of competing with the best but their lack of ruthlessness cannot be ignored.

United manager Marc Skinner will have plenty to think about as they prepare for a crucial summer of recruitment - but this party was Chelsea's to enjoy still.

'Don't think it is easy'

Bompastor revealed after the game that there had been no talk of a potential title win in the Chelsea dressing room prior to kick-off.

Players surely knew the result of the Arsenal game but that information did not come from Bompastor, who chose not to follow the game and only knew the result herself after being informed by staff members.

Her challenge to the players was to focus on showing a response to their Champions League defeat.

And her immediate thoughts after the match were about the Treble, a potentially unbeaten season domestically and striving towards perfection.

United boss Skinner described Chelsea's players as "physical monsters" who are "serial winners".

"You have to try to topple that dynasty," was his final reflection on them.

Chelsea's stranglehold on the WSL has left everyone asking how they can catch them but their success has not been as easy as it has looked.

"I heard some noise about the fact it is too easy for Chelsea but it is not. When you are able to be unbeaten, to beat Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United twice, I don't know how people can think that… It is unbelievable," said Bompastor.

"Don't think it's easy. It's never easy. It's a great achievement and a lot of work every day. I don't let my players breathe.

"I am always pushing for them to do more. It's never enough. That is the mentality you have to have if you want to be one of the best teams."

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