Key games that lifted the Blues to glory again

Chelsea have secured a fourth successive Women's Super League title and sixth under Emma Hayes' management.

Here, we look at some of the key games in the Blues' latest successful league campaign, which also saw them win the FA Cup and finish runners-up in the Conti Cup.

Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City (September 25, 2022)

Having suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Liverpool in the opening match of their title defence, Hayes' side bounced back in fine style in the following game.

They got off the mark by defeating Gareth Taylor's City at Kingsmeadow courtesy of Fran Kirby's 42nd-minute goal and a Maren Mjelde penalty with 12 minutes to go.

Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea (November 6, 2022)

Manchester United made a perfect start to their campaign, winning each of their first five games, before coming up against Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village.

Goals in quick succession after the break from Sam Kerr and Lauren James put the visitors in control. 

And after Alessia Russo pulled one back for United, substitute Erin Cuthbert wrapped things up in stoppage time.

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United 0 (March 12, 2023)

Chelsea completed a league double over Marc Skinner's team four months later.

Kerr's delightful effort in the 23rd minute proved the difference and moved the Blues two points clear at the top with a game in hand.

Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool (May 3, 2023)

It looked as if another surprise result against Liverpool, managed by ex-Chelsea boss Matt Beard, could be on the cards when Emma Koivisto put the Reds ahead in the second minute.

But after Niamh Charles had levelled matters just prior to the interval, Kerr struck late on to keep the hosts on track.

At this point, the champions were four points behind United but had two games in hand.

Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal (May 21, 2023)

Chelsea closed in on the title as they saw off Jonas Eidevall's Arsenal at home in their penultimate match, with Guro Reiten and skipper Magda Eriksson on target in the first half before Gunners ace Katie McCabe missed a second-half penalty.

That temporarily put the Blues five points clear at the top. 

But United beat City later that day to take the title down to the final week.