Serial winners Chelsea block out noise to triumph again

Chelsea claimed the Women's League Cup with a 2-0 win over Manchester United at Ashton Gate, proving they remain the team to beat even as they navigated injuries and Asian Cup absences that left them depleted.

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

BBC

Under manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea have now won three domestic cup finals, including two against United, and the victory offered a timely reminder of their trophy-winning culture.

BBC

Lucy Bronze celebrated by lifting the trophy as she marked her 24th club trophy, and she helped Bompastor walk her children onto the pitch for Mother's Day before tapping the tip of the trophy during medal ceremonies.

Chelsea's response to the surrounding noise was as instructive as the result, with Bompastor praising how her players fought with the right mentality and defended as a unit.

The victory drew praise from pundits, including former England midfielder Fara Williams, who told BBC One that Chelsea had 'proved themselves today' after years of winning.

BBC

The BBC's coverage also captured United captain Maya Le Tissier and manager Marc Skinner in a frustrated exchange in the centre circle after the final.

Next up for Chelsea are the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal and an FA Cup last-eight clash with Tottenham, while they still trail Manchester City by 10 points in the Women's Super League with a game in hand.

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

BBC

Bompastor said the win would help the team build momentum as the business end of the season approaches, and she noted that Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr will return from the Asia Cup by the end of March.

Defender Kadeisha Buchanan had returned from injury against United, while Nathalie Bjorn was substituted after five minutes with a calf injury after a brief comeback.

Historically, Chelsea's trophy haul continues to set them apart in English women's football: they swept all domestic trophies in 2024-25, going unbeaten in the process in Bompastor's first season.

Since the League Cup's introduction in 2011, only Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have lifted the trophy.

BBC

Sunday's win sends a message to rivals that Chelsea remain champions, even as changes loom next season that may affect their trophy pursuit.