How unbeaten Chelsea are getting back to their best

What the report says

Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season was again in focus after a 2-0 win over Roma in the Women’s Champions League, a result BBC Sport said showed Sonia Bompastor’s team can now win in several different ways. The victory at Plough Lane kept Chelsea perfect defensively in the group phase so far, with two wins and one draw from their opening three European matches.

The BBC report says Chelsea have responded strongly after a disappointing previous campaign, when they lost the Women’s Super League and FA Cup titles and were knocked out of Europe by Arsenal. Bompastor, in her second season in charge, had already guided the club to an unbeaten domestic treble in her first year, but also inherited a team in transition after major changes to the squad and the end of Emma Hayes’ long reign.

Against Roma, Chelsea dominated the first half before substitute Ellie Carpenter broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, and defender Kadeisha Buchanan added a late second. The article highlighted improved defensive balance, more rotation, and greater tactical flexibility, with Chelsea able to switch between back threes and back fours and play more directly when needed.

The report also points to a stronger squad culture and clearer identity, with captain Erin Cuthbert saying the team has “gone up another level.” Chelsea are now top of the WSL with Manchester City after seven games, and Bompastor believes the club’s mentality and structure are as important as tactics in sustaining success.