Given the external noise surrounding the defending champions, this game carried added pressure for Chelsea. Dropping points in back-to-back games for the first time in 11 years meant this fixture carried greater significance than usual. It was also the first time Sonia Bompastor had lost consecutive matches in her managerial career, which spans more than 180 games across multiple competitions. Even with her contract extended through 2030, Chelsea needed a solid performance at Tottenham to convince supporters that she remains the right manager for the job.
That contract extension had already been agreed before the recent dip in performance, but the timing of the announcement felt deliberate and likely intended to quieten the growing noise. Chelsea does not shop and swap managers. Emma Hayes was in charge for 12 years, and the club clearly views Bompastor as a long-term investment. Still, this match felt like a moment where Chelsea had to respond on the pitch.
For the first time this season, Bompastor altered her tactical approach after coming under heavy scrutiny. In the defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City, she deployed a back three, allowing the likes of Sandy Baltimore and Ellie Carpenter to push higher up the pitch. While that system provided attacking width, it also left gaps in midfield and defence that opposing teams exploited. Against Tottenham, she opted for a back four, but the opening stages suggested it was too strong to call a solution.
Chelsea struggled in the first half. Their passing in midfield was sloppy, and they gave the ball away too easily, allowing Spurs to win loose balls and break through a slow Chelsea defence. Tottenham produced chance after chance and were unable to silence the home side, while Chelsea failed to gain control of the game. It was a performance that would have concerned supporters, given how easily Spurs created opportunities.
Everything changed when Keira Walsh struck just before the break. Against the run of play, Walsh produced another world-class moment from the edge of the box following a corner, reinforcing a pattern seen throughout the season as teams continue to leave her unmarked. The goal gave Chelsea a cushion they had lacked in recent weeks and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. Bompastor, typically understated and calm in the dugout, showed a different side of herself as she was lifted and spun around by a member of her staff in celebration, while her players embraced the goalscorer.
That moment put Chelsea in control and gave them a sense of security they have not had since their 5 0 win against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. The second half saw a different Chelsea emerge. They came out with greater intensity, played with more purpose and controlled large spells of possession. Chelsea had more of the ball and forced the Tottenham goalkeeper into several crucial saves from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sandy Baltimore and Naomi Girma.
Sjoeke Nusken, who has hit headlines in recent weeks amid reports of frustration over her lack of minutes, was given the start she wanted and deserved. She responded with a strong performance and was named WSL Player of the Match. Chelsea’s attacking threat grew in the second half, and while the performance felt closer to the Chelsea side that won the domestic treble last season, it did little to fully ease concerns that they are falling behind their rivals in the league.
Bompastor has stressed that a key part of Chelsea’s regression has been a lack of squad depth caused by injuries, and that was evident again at Tottenham. Teenagers Lexi Potter and Chloe Sarwie were introduced from the bench, while captain Millie Bright was forced off late on with a foot issue. Despite the win, Chelsea remain short of options and will need players back to full fitness quickly if they are to maintain their position.
After the match, Bompastor acknowledged the difficult period her side has been through. “Even if we all know we can’t control anything of that, we probably felt it was unfair to receive that amount of criticism,” she said. “I know who I am. I don’t need people outside my environment to tell me who I am. I know I have the competence, I know I have the knowledge, and I know the women’s game.”
She also pointed to the importance of balance in performance. “When you want to perform at your best, you need the tactical, mental, physical and technical aspects to align at the highest level. We were a different team in the second half. That’s who we want to be.”
The players also echoed the sense of relief. Midfielder Erin Cuthbert admitted the past fortnight had been unfamiliar territory for the serial winners. “It’s been a tough couple of weeks, an experience that some of us haven’t been used to,” she said. “It was a difficult first 20 minutes. We got quite lucky to be honest, but you’re going to need a bit of luck to get out of a hole.”
In normal circumstances, a win away at Tottenham would be seen as routine for Chelsea. In this context, however, these three points represented a significant boost. As Bompastor put it, “It’s been tough, so we need to celebrate with players and staff. We still have a lot to play for. We know what we can improve.”
Chelsea may have bounced back with a win, but the performance underlined that there is still work to do. With Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal leaving no room for error, Chelsea will need consistency, depth and clarity quickly if they are to secure a top-three finish and remain competitive in Europe.
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