Serial winners Chelsea block out noise to triumph again

No matter what form Chelsea are in, winning trophies feels inevitable.

They have made it look like a habit, even if manager Sonia Bompastor insists otherwise.

The Blues came into Sunday’s Women’s League Cup final under pressure having dropped off in the Women’s Super League title race and with off-field changes causing controversy.

Criticism had grown, Bompastor’s decisions were being scrutinised and questions have been asked.

Would the serial winners be toppled in a final at last?

The answer was a resounding no.

Bompastor has led her side in three domestic cup finals and won them all, including two victories over Manchester United.

The 2-0 win over United at Ashton Gate this time around could not have been a more timely reminder that Chelsea still mean business and remain the team to beat.

“The emotions are really high. There is a lot of happiness because it’s always difficult to play in a final and win,” said Bompastor.

“Sometimes, people just think because we are Chelsea, it’s just a habit. But it takes a lot for my players to perform and grab a trophy.

Chelsea came into the game with a formidable record over United, winning 100% of their cup final meetings and only dropping points in two of their past 12 league games.

But injuries in the squad and absences because of the Asian Cup meant this was a depleted Chelsea, albeit United were also without key midfielders Hinata Miyazawa and Ella Toone.

There was a feeling this was United’s best chance to overcome Chelsea, when their opponents were vulnerable and the ‘mentality monsters’ mask appeared to have slipped ever so slightly.

However, Chelsea’s biggest superpower has been their ability to block out the noise, to bounce back when they have been written off, and ultimately, to win prizes.

After 90 minutes, it was the familiar sight of Chelsea lifting the cup, Blues fans celebrating in the stands and Lucy Bronze playing with gold confetti.

Bronze, who won her 24th club trophy, helped Bompastor walk her children on to the pitch on Mother’s Day to celebrate, and the full-back tapped the tip of the trophy when she received her medal, itching to get her hands on it properly.

Chelsea players stood in a team huddle, with Bompastor in the centre delivering a message, while United captain Maya Le Tissier and manager Marc Skinner were in frustrated conversation in the centre circle for some time.

United had come unstuck once again – but this was business as usual for Chelsea.

“There’s been a lot of noise and that’s because of what Chelsea have done, winning 18 trophies over a period of time,” former England midfielder Fara Williams said on BBC One.

“Everybody expects, and is so used to, Chelsea winning. When they have a blip, eyebrows are raised and questions are asked.

“I really think they proved themselves today.”

Only three teams have lifted the Women’s League Cup trophy since its introduction in 2011 – Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Chelsea swept every domestic trophy in 2024-25, going unbeaten in the process, during Bompastor’s first season in charge.

It is unlikely they will win this trophy again soon with changes coming into place next season, meaning teams competing in the Women’s Champions League – which Chelsea hope to be doing – not involved in this competition.

It was important therefore to win, not only to defend their title, not only to block out the noise, but to enjoy it one more time.

“I told the players before the game that when you have the opportunity to play a final, it’s always a special occasion,” said Bompastor.

“For us to achieve that one more time is great. It’s a special day also in my private life with it being Mother’s Day and having my kids around me.

After League Cup glory, can Chelsea now go on and win more silverware?

They face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals and have Tottenham in the last eight of the FA Cup.

There is, of course, ground to make up in the WSL as they trail Manchester City by 10 points, albeit with a game in hand.

But former England striker Ellen White told BBC One Chelsea’s victory over United can be a “catalyst” – and goalscorer Lauren James agrees.

“It’s in our DNA – we always find a way to win, whether we play well or not. We always make sure we put up a fight and we make ourselves hard to beat,” said James.

“We need to use it as momentum and hopefully another step forward to working hard to achieve our dreams.”

Bompastor will welcome back Australia duo Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr from the Asia Cup by the end of March, while defender Kadeisha Buchanan made her return from injury against United.

There was a blow for Nathalie Bjorn, who returned after three months, only to be substituted within five minutes with a calf injury.

But Chelsea’s trophy success has given them the perfect platform to build on as a crucial few weeks approaches.

“Starting this block we knew it would be a really important part of the season and it would be the business end of the season,” said Bompastor.

“We know what we need to do and the mentality we need to put into it. Starting with this trophy is the best way.

“I’m hoping with the confidence being high now, we can achieve a lot. We have a lot of quality and talent in the squad. I’m very confident. We will see what we can achieve.”

All in all, Chelsea have sent their rivals a clear message.