Chelsea aren't going anywhere after League Cup triumph

“Winners win trophies.” Sonia Bompastor’s message before Sunday’s League Cup final was simple, and it landed: Chelsea beat Manchester United to lift the first silverware of the season and reminded England and Europe that, despite a disappointing campaign so far, they remain a major threat.

It was an impressive display of mentality from a side that have been below their best, sitting 10 points behind Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City and on the brink of relinquishing their status as English champions for the first time since 2019. That makeshift defence — Millie Bright absent, Naomi Girma carrying a knock, Kadeisha Buchanan starting her first match since November 2024 only able to play an hour, Nathalie Bjorn limping off, and 19‑year‑old Veerle Buurman the only defender to finish in her natural position — still kept United at bay, silencing Jess Park, nullifying Melvine Malard and limiting Elisabeth Terland.

England, Manchester

chelsea, league cup, manchester united, sonia bompastor, millie bright, naomi girma, kadeisha buchanan, veerle buurman, jess park, nathalie bjorn