Lucy Bronze’s late header helped clinch a sixth successive WSL title for Chelsea Women, beating Man Utd Women 1-0 at Leigh Sports Village.
The Blues were gifted the opportunity to wrap up the league after Arsenal were beaten 5-2 by Aston Villa earlier on Wednesday, knowing a point would be enough.
Marc Skinner’s side pushed Chelsea all the way in an energetic, intense game, but Bronze finally made the breakthrough as she glanced home Sandy Baltimore’s corner to seal the title for her team with two games to play.
It is just the tenth WSL goal Phallon Tullis-Joyce and the Man Utd defence have conceded this season, and it could have been more had it not been for their in-form goalkeeper.
Her best moment came early in the second half, denying Erin Cuthbert, Aggie Beever-Jones and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd in quick succession.
The defeat is a blow for Man Utd’s hopes of Women’s Champions League football next season, who still remain two points behind Arsenal with the Gunners and local rivals Manchester City still to play.
They arguably should have come away with at least a point too. Melvine Malard went close late in the first half, latching onto a poor Chelsea back pass but was denied by Naomi Girma and Hannah Hampton. Grace Clinton then sent the follow-up over the bar.
Malard also drew a fine save from Hampton minutes after the break, but Man Utd were unable to find a way past the eventual WSL champions.
Chelsea have now won the title for a sixth season in a row and it marks Sonia Bompastor’s first WSL win in her first season in charge. She remains on course for a domestic treble, having already won the League Cup earlier this year.
The Blues will face Man Utd again in the Women’s FA Cup final on May 18 at Wembley as they look to wrap up another trophy against the current holders.
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