Round 1, The Undisputed Champions Reign!

The Queens of the Bridge yet again reign victorious over main challengers to their throne in Manchester City. Chelsea Women, ran out 2-1 victors in the WSL opener and once again stamped a reminder to the those hoping to dethrone the undisputed champion, that the blues remain with their foot on the gas, as they go full throttle in attempts to achieve a historic 7th league title win in a row.

The game began with the sky-blue title challengers coming out fighting, looking to put on the pressure, they stepped into the ring and immediately looked to close the distance and get into the face of the belt holder. And with such a strong start it looked like the the contenders could snatch an early lead. However, the experienced and ever calm champion remained composed, jabbed their way through the opening moments, and weathered the early storm. There was one who shined brightest In the Royal Blue, and surprisingly it was one, who was not yet familiar to the Chelsea faithful. Ellie Carpenter, take a bow! First start, but the Aussie fullback demonstrated the defensive prowess combined with the attacking girth, of a primed and experienced WSL legend. A performance, reminiscent of the brilliance we had become accustomed to over the past decade, from part-time Sky Sports commentator and Chelsea fullback Lucy Bronze. She had the freedom of the right-hand side of the bridge, and she made the most of it. Bombing up and down the wing, locking up the quick, young, and exciting Lily Murphy, while also putting in deliveries that Deliveroo would be proud of. Minute 33', Carpenter is released down the right wing and continues to cause the problems she had done all game, puts into the box an absolute peach of a cross, to the late arriving Aggie Beaver-Jones. 1-0 Chelsea.

Same old, inevitable Chelsea, right? not beginning the game as defensively assured as they would like, conceding chances, the constant threat of the dominating Bunny Shaw, continues to loom large. Yet they continue to find a way. The neigh Sayers continue, to shout that Chelsea continues to ride their luck, but Champions create their luck, and there are currently no team more used to being champions than the Blues. Though there are clear areas of improvement needed for Sonia Bompastor's brilliant blues, with Chelsea's defensive issues from last season remaining prevalent. Manchester city attempted 17 shots with 5 hitting the target, a number that Chelsea must address if they look to finally achieve the crown jewels, that has so long eluded them, the UWCL. However, with performance shown by the midfield duo of Erin Cuthbert and Keira Walsh, the blues can look forward to increased midfield control, that will be much needed in the championship rounds, and the latter stages of the Champions League.

Minute 64' Maika Hamano makes it 2-0 to the Chels, Game over! Despite a late goal from City due to a Chelsea own goal, the blue ran out somewhat comfortable winners in the first Goliath vs Goliath showdown of the WSL season. Chelsea Have started the season, in the perfect way, and with the plethora of talent still to return from injury and the new addition of what can only be described as a monumental signing in the wonder-kid from the NWSL, Alyssa Thompson, the blues are deemed one of the main favourites to once again retain their WSL title. However, make no mistake, despite their loss to the champions, Manchester City will be a force to reckon with, and their frightening attack is likely to cause problems for defences all over the country. They will remain one of the closest challengers to the Kingsmeadow Queens, alongside Arsenal, as they look to become the sole rulers of the land.

Chelsea continues to exert their dominance on English football and hope to extend their tenure at the helm of the WSL and reach further in winning their first Champions League. However, the challenge has decreased in difficulty, with their noisy North London neighbours on the rise and Barcelona an ever-present force in Europe, the Blues will not have an easy route. But if there is any team who can achieve the impossible, look no further than Sonia's Invincible Blues. Round 1, Chelsea!