Chelsea were crowned Women's Super League champions for a fifth successive season with Emma Hayes' impressive 6-0 victory over Manchester United in the title decider on Saturday.
Hayes' team entered the final day of the season ahead of second-placed Manchester City on goal difference, completing a thrilling battle for the title.
Chelsea took a four-goal lead by half-time at Old Trafford and City were unable to match that momentum with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa, with silverware heading back to Stamford Bridge. Ta.
The Blues finished level on points with City at the top of the table with a goal difference of +53 and City's +46.
“What a performance. The hardest part is doing it five times in a row because people take their eyes off the ball,” Hayes said. “I can't say this was the most fun title for me. It was definitely the toughest, but because of that it was probably the sweetest.”
It was a fitting finale for Hayes as he bids farewell to the club he brought so much success to during his 12 years at the helm.
Hayes will step down to become manager of the USWNT after winning seven Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups.
“Great memories, the voices of the fans, the connection with the players. I have nothing more to give, I know that,” Hayes said.
The 47-year-old's legacy is not only the silverware in Chelsea's trophy cabinet, but also her key role in helping to massively grow the popularity of women's football in the UK.
“Everyone said girls can't play, they can't fill stadiums, they can't get paid, they can't make history,” Hayes said. “Not only are we not going to back out, we're going to bury them every week. Women's soccer is serious business now and that's what it is to me.”
No mercy. City were hoping to spoil Hayes' retirement party by winning their first title since 2016.
However, Chelsea were in the lead for 153 days, while City spent 64, completing their seventh title in eight seasons in style.
Chelsea got off to a dream start against Women's FA Cup winners United, with Guro Leiten's cross deflecting past Mayra Ramirez in the second minute and she headed home with the highest point.
Six minutes later, Hayes let out a howl of joy as Joanna Canellid curled a calm finish past United keeper Mary Earps.
At Villa Park, Mary Fowler gave City hope with a powerful strike in the 21st minute.
But Ramires assured Chelsea they don't have to worry about being caught by City.
They ran up the right side and in the 43rd minute, Ramirez's pinpoint cross was pushed in by Sheke Nusken.
Ramirez then waltzed past a hapless United defense and smashed a powerful drive into the roof of the goal in first-half stoppage time.
Hayes' team showed no mercy, scoring their fifth goal in the 47th minute with Melanie Leupolz firing from close range.
City's title hopes ended as they conceded an equalizer to Rachel Daley in the 67th minute, but Lauren Hemp ensured that the visitors at least got the win.
Fran Kirby, making his final Chelsea appearance for the first time in nine years, sealed the farewell with his sixth goal in the 85th minute as the title celebrations began in earnest.
SMG/MW
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