Emma Hayes says she enjoys “putting pressure on others” after Chelsea closed the gap on WSL leaders Manchester United to one point on Wednesday night.
Champions Chelsea beat Leicester 6-0 in a ruthless display at Kingsmeadow to reduce the deficit between them and Man Utd ahead of Sunday’s sold-out FA Cup final at Wembley between the two title rivals.
Wednesday May 17 8:00 p.m.
Kick off 8:15 p.m.
Chelsea have a game in hand against United which means the title is in their hands, but Hayes is taking advantage of the new break-in momentum of this season.
“I like this position, I like putting pressure on other people. I don’t mind being there (on top), but it’s fun for me,” Hayes said.
“We’ve always been running all year, always a game or two behind. It’s good to finally close the gap and now it’s about putting Man United under pressure because we’re not in charge. , we are still second .
“We had to find ways to win without flickering, but I think our confidence is really high right now. We’re probably in the best place we’ve been all season.
“I know what I want to do for Sunday. I know exactly how we want to play, I’m happy with the whole team, the team is playing well.”
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Highlights from the WSL clash between Chelsea and Leicester.
Hayes was pleased with Chelsea’s efficiency in Wednesday night’s Leicester defeat as it took the Blues level with United on goal difference (+42), a factor which could play a vital role in the race for the title. title.
“I told the team that [being clinical] is something that was missing from our game in the first part of the season. We just haven’t converted or created the way I know this team, but we’re doing it now and we’re doing it at the right time of the season. Hopefully that continues for the rest.”
On goal difference with Man Utd, Hayes added: “I’ll let the analysts and the boffins worry about that and whether it will make a difference. We won’t know until the end.
“I like this stage of the season and I think we are on a good pace. We certainly go into the cup final on Sunday full of confidence.”
‘We made smart decisions’ – Eidevall on selection issues
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Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall says he was forced to make smart decisions with the squad’s rotation against Brighton
Arsenal boosted their Champions League qualification hopes by climbing to third place after Stina Blackstenius’ first brace helped them to a 4-0 success against Brighton.
Manager Jonas Eidevall, reluctant to make excuses, was delighted with his side’s relentless first-half performance despite facing even more selection problems as Lia Walti fell ill at the warm-up and substitute Gio Queiroz was sent off with a hamstring problem.
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Highlights from the Women’s Super League clash between Brighton and Arsenal.
“We had to make smart decisions,” he said, referring to the Gunners’ limited options, with five teenagers named to their matchday squad. “The first half was a great performance.
“We kept the ball so well and gave ourselves some margin before the second half.
“It’s difficult, but that’s what we’re here for. We have to deliver the best possible result. I’m not one to look for excuses, we have to find solutions.
“It is no coincidence that we are improving our attacking performance now [former striker] Kelly Smith is part of our coaching staff, she made the difference with small details.”
