Red Devils End Blues’ Perfect Start With Brave Performance As WSL Heats Up
In what was billed as the first real test of the Women’s Super League title race, Manchester United delivered a “statement” performance, ending Chelsea’s 100% record and reminding everyone that the title race is far from a one-horse race.
The match ended 1-1 at the Progress With Unity Stadium, but the result could have—and perhaps should have—been more in United’s favour. As Marc Skinner’s side pushed the reigning champions to the brink, fans, pundits, and even Chelsea themselves saw a different United: bold, brave, and finally believing.
Before this game, United had lost 10 of their 11 previous league meetings with Chelsea. So on paper, a draw could be seen as progress.
But Skinner wasn’t satisfied.
“We are disappointed to not win the game. The chances we created— not many teams do that against Chelsea,” he said post-match.
He had a point. Ella Toone had two clear-cut chances either side of half-time. Jess Park had a golden opportunity with a chip and later came close with a dipping volley. With better finishing, this could’ve been a signature victory.
Still, the goal United did score was worthy of the occasion. Anna Sandberg’s stunning volley cancelled out Wieke Kaptein’s opener—both goals showcasing elite-level technique on a big stage.
If the attackers missed their chances, United’s defence made sure Chelsea didn’t cash in. Keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a match-saving stop to deny Keira Walsh, while Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg put in heroic blocks late on.
BBC pundit Rachel Brown-Finnis praised the resilience:
“They’re the first team to take points off Chelsea this season. If they need to reaffirm what Manchester United’s ambition is, they’ve earned every bit of that.”
United have now gone five games unbeaten and sit just two points behind Chelsea at the top of the table. Jess Park described the performance as another sign that:
“It’s really coming together this season.”
And it’s hard to argue. Since their WSL debut in 2019, United have been building toward this. In 2022-23, they finished just two points behind Chelsea. Last season, they lifted the FA Cup, their first major women’s trophy. Now, they look like serious contenders.
Former Lioness Ellen White said the performance proved one thing:
“It shows it’s working, and they’re improving.”
Questions have swirled in recent years about whether Marc Skinner is the right man to lead United to glory. But results like this silence critics.
“What he’s done with these players—the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are. He hasn’t spent what Chelsea, Arsenal, or City have,” said White.
It’s a testament to coaching, culture, and character.
Despite the draw, Chelsea remain league leaders with 13 points. But the aura of invincibility is fading.
It’s now been over 500 days since they last lost a league game (4-3 to Liverpool, May 2024), and this draw ends their six-game winning streak to open the new season.
Even Blues boss Sonia Bompastor admitted:
“I’m not happy with our performance. A draw at Manchester United isn’t a bad result, but we can do better.”
She added that United are absolutely in the title conversation—alongside a growing group of challengers.
Manchester City could move to within a point of Chelsea if they beat Arsenal this weekend.
Arsenal, still finding their rhythm, will see their 8 November clash with Chelsea as a chance to claw back into contention.
United, meanwhile, look increasingly confident—and increasingly dangerous.
As Skinner said:
“It shows to Chelsea they’re not just going to walk the league. The league is getting better, and we’re progressing too.”
This wasn’t just a draw. It was a shift in narrative. Manchester United didn’t play like underdogs. They created more, ran harder, and defended as if everything was on the line.
They may have only taken one point—but they made a statement worth three.
As the WSL title race tightens, one thing is clear: Chelsea won’t have it easy this time.
Stay tuned with Sports Market International for more exclusive insights, analysis, and coverage from the heart of women’s football. The WSL is heating up—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
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