Chelsea boss Emma Hayes revelling in Man Utd chase in WSL title race
Emma Hayes says she likes “putting pressure on others” after Chelsea closed the gap on WSL leaders Manchester United to a point on Wednesday night.
Champions Chelsea thrashed Leicester 6-0 in a ruthless showing at Kingsmeadow to reduce the deficit between themselves and Man Utd ahead of Sunday’s sold-out FA Cup final at Wembley between the two title rivals.
West Ham United Women
Chelsea Women
Wednesday 17th May 8:00pm Kick off 8:15pm
Chelsea have a game in hand on United which means the title is in their hands, but Hayes is enjoying the new dynamic of this season’s run-in.
- Report: Chelsea 6-0 Leicester
- How the teams lined up | Match stats
- Women’s Super League table | Fixtures | How to follow WSL on Sky Sports
- Get Sky Sports | Get NOW to stream biggest moments
“I like this position, I like putting pressure on others. I don’t mind being there (top) but this is fun for me,” Hayes said.
“We have always been chasing this whole year, always been a game or two behind. It’s nice to finally close the gap and now it’s about putting Man United under pressure because we’re not in the driving seat, we’re still in second.
Trending
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Real exploring move for Mbappe alongside Bellingham
- Papers: Arsenal fear being priced out of £100m Rice deal
- Man Utd transfer rumours: ‘Glazers name Ratcliffe preferred bidder’
- Hits and misses: Did VAR take pity on AC Milan?
- Why have England only ever had one Black senior ‘keeper?
- Moyes: ECL final with West Ham could be my best career achievement
- Ricciardo aims to remind Red Bull ‘I can still do it’ in July RB19 drive
- Liverpool transfers: Reds make move on Mac Allister
- Ismael appointed Watford head coach | 19th manager of Pozzo reign
- Hayes revelling in Man Utd chase: ‘I like putting pressure on others’
- Video
- Latest News
“We have had to find ways to win without being scintillating, but I think our confidence is really high right now. We’re in the best place we’ve probably been in all season.
“I know what I want to do for Sunday. I know exactly how we want to play, I’m happy with the whole team, the team are playing well.”
Also See:
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the WSL clash between Chelsea and Leicester.
Hayes was pleased with Chelsea’s efficiency in Wednesday night’s mauling of Leicester as it brought the Blues level with United on goal difference (+42), a factor which could play a vital role in the title race.
“I told the team that [being clinical] is something that’s been lacking from our play in the first part of the season. We just haven’t converted or created in the same way I know this team to do, but we are doing it now and we are doing it at the right time of the season. Hopefully that continues for the remainder.”
On going level on goal difference with Man Utd, Hayes added: “I’ll let the analysts and the boffins worry about that and whether that will make a difference. We won’t know until the end.
“I like this stage of the season and I think we’re in a great rhythm. We certainly go into the cup final on Sunday full of confidence.”
‘We made smart decisions’ – Eidevall on selection issues
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall says he was forced to take some smart decisions with squad rotation against Brighton
Arsenal boosted their hopes of Champions League qualification by climbing to third after Stina Blackstenius’ early brace helped them secure a 4-0 success over Brighton.
Manager Jonas Eidevall, reluctant to make excuses, was pleased his side’s relentless first-half display despite having to contend with yet more selection woe as Lia Walti went down with illness in the warm up and substitute Gio Queiroz was forced off with a hamstring problem.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Women’s Super League clash between Brighton and Arsenal.
“We had to take smart decisions,” he said, referring to the Gunners’ restricted options, with five teenagers named in their matchday squad. “The first half was a strong performance.
“We kept hold of the ball so well and gave ourselves a margin going into the second half.
“It’s challenging but that’s what we’re here for. We have to deliver the best possible result. I’m not one for excuses, we have to find solutions.
“It’s no coincidence we’re improving in our attacking output now [former striker] Kelly Smith is a part of our coaching staff, she has made the difference with small details.”
Win £250,000 with Super 6!
Another Saturday, another chance to win £250,000 with Super 6. Play for free, entries by 3pm.
Sourse: skysports.com
The post Chelsea boss Emma Hayes revelling in Man Utd chase in WSL title race first appeared on 1 News Day, breaking news, sport, business, politics, Science & Health.