Chelsea

Todd Boehly is set to become Chelsea FC's new part-owner after his consortium won its bid to buy the club for £4.25 billion. Chelsea published a statement ...

Abramovich also vowed to pass on "all net proceeds" from the sale to a new charitable foundation to help "all victims of the war in Ukraine". More details will be provided at that time." The statement added: "Of the total investment being made, £2.5bn will be applied to purchase the shares in the Club and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100% to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich. UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account.

LIVE: Follow all the action right here as Chelsea hosts Wolves in a crucial game for top-four at the business end of the season.

Antonio Rudiger stands in the way on this occasision. Physios on the pitch now. Great shot from distance from Trincao. Kovacic and Rudiger bump into each other when trying to close the attacker, The Blues will be without midfield duo N'Golo Kante and Jorginho due to injury joining Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell on the injury list. We’ll be building up to kick-off with all the latest news before providing match updates and reactions from both managers. They need a crucial win to pile the pressure on London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham this weekend.

Follow live updates as the Stamford Bridge club changes hands and Thomas Tuchel's side prepare to face Wolves in the Premier League.

70 mins: Utter confusion on the Wolves bench due to the absence of Bruno Lage this afternoon. 80 mins: Chelsea are taking the sting out of this game now. He slides it to Lukaku but the weight of the pass is poor. Follow all the news and reaction to the Chelsea sale, plus team news and live action from Chelsea vs Wolves below: Jimenez flicks the ball into Trincao with a wonderfully deft touch. Since Roman Abramovich put the Blues on the market in March there have been dozens of reports, interested parties and bids, with the Boehly bid - which also includes Hansjorg Wyss and Clearlake Capital - ultimately set to complete a deal worth £4.25bn in total.

Thomas Tuchel has made three changes following our defeat at Everton last weekend and a full week to prepare for today's game.

Christian Pulisic replaces Mason Mount in the attack where he is joined by Timo Werner. The referee is Peter Bankes. The defence is unchanged.

Todd Boehly is in attendance today, hours after official confirmation from Chelsea that his consortium have agreed a £4.25billion deal to purchase the club from ...

takes a deflection and just wide of the post. Poor ball into the box though. Trincao has been superb since coming on - so composed in the box, looks set to get his second.... 70 mins: Sa makes a bit of a mess of a ball over the top, Werner can get on the end of it. Timo Werner did have the ball in the net for the Blues after a smart finish, only for the referee’s whistle to go for the slightest of shoves on Saiss from the German. Romain Saiss should have put Wolves ahead when unmarked in the box from a free-kick, but sent his header into the ground and over the bar.

The Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and his partners saw off a host of rivals to broker the takeover for the highest price ever paid for a sports club.

More details will be provided at that time." The Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and his partners saw off a host of rivals to broker the takeover for the highest price ever paid for a sports club. The Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and his partners saw off a host of rivals to broker the takeover for the highest price ever paid for a sports club.

Roman Abramovich's 19-year ownership of the Premier League side is drawing to a close.

Britain’s richest man tabled a last-ditch offer for the Blues last week, but did so outside of the official sale process. Abramovich wants to write off his £1.5bn loan to Chelsea, but the sanctions currently block such a move. Former British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca had joined Boehly in the final three bidding to buy the Blues. Boehly and his partners brokered a deal with New York merchant bank the Raine Group, handling the sale on Chelsea’s behalf. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Chelsea and the Government expect to find a resolution, with the Boehly sale agreement paving the way for the deal to be completed. Boehly and his consortium partners have battled past a host of suitors to strike a deal to buy Chelsea for the highest price ever paid for a sports club.

The consortium is led by Boehly but also includes a Swiss billionaire, the man who will be the main voice of the Clearlake Capital group and another ...

Swiss billionaire Wyss founded medical device manufacturer Synthes Holding AG. The Wyss Foundation has more than 2 billion US dollars in assets. The US tycoon is chief executive officer of Guggenheim Partners, which now holds more than 310 billion US dollars under management. Walter's personal net worth is rated at 3.3 billion US dollars by Forbes. Boehly made a bid to buy Chelsea in 2019, carrying out significant due diligence on the Stamford Bridge club. Founded in 2006, Clearlake now boasts more than 72 billion US dollars of assets under management. Todd Boehly, centre, is the leading figure in the consortium which is taking over Chelsea

Chelsea face Wolves this afternoon as they bid to arrest a poor run of form and make sure of a top-four spot in the Premier League.

Chelsea vs Wolves prediction Where to watch Chelsea vs Wolves CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CHELSEA VS WOLVES LIVE!

Thomas Tuchel hopes the sale of Chelsea will be swiftly concluded following confirmation that a deal has been struck with US business tycoon Todd Boehly.

Boehly and his partners brokered a deal with New York merchant bank the Raine Group, handling the sale on Chelsea’s behalf. MORE : Thomas Tuchel warns Chelsea squad that no one is guaranteed to play in FA Cup final MORE : Thomas Tuchel warns Chelsea squad that no one is guaranteed to play in FA Cup final

Two goals early in the second half from the returning Romelu Lukaku looked to have tightened Chelsea's grip on a Champions League qualification slot but to ...

The same player then went for goal again and this time, a deflection favoured Chelsea as the ball rolled just wide of Mendy’s net. The ref, on VAR’s recommendation, went and watched it again and decided a leg had been lifted to impede our centre-forward. It was a good start to the second period. After Kovacic had been dispossessed deep in our opponents’ half, the break ended when substitute Trincao fired in an unstoppable effort. Pulisic quickly found Romelu who wasted no time in hitting the target with a sumptuous low finish. With 33 minutes played, Werner had the ball in the net but the whistle had just blown. Another decision went against the Blues soon after, this time via VAR. After the ball had pinged around following a Chelsea corner and Loftus-Cheek found the net from only inches out, there were two offside checks made. Chelsea were looking by far the more likely side to make a breakthrough with a quarter of the game played. Despite those Chelsea attacks, our opponents could well have gone ahead just before half-time when suddenly we were twice caught lacking numbers at the back as they counter-attacked. Those fears were realised when with 96 minutes on the clock, Conor Coady headed in from close range to turn three precious points for Chelsea into one. The Wolves defender looked to be going down anyway. Having been fouled, Lukaku converted a penalty and then scored in open play two minutes later from a Christian Pulisic pass for his first league goals since December.

Wolves battled back to claim an improbable 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, with Conor Coady scoring the equaliser seven minutes into injury time as the home ...

The fitness coach Tony Roberts was frustrated by the “mad five minutes” in which Chelsea scored, but spoke of Wolves’ “strength and spirit as a group” and said he was “disappointed we haven’t won it.” Their dream of Europe nevertheless remains alive. Champions League qualification would make everything more straightforward for Boehly, both in terms of budgets and the club’s capacity to attract players. Given the patchy nature of much of the football before half-time, a lack of confidence in both sides manifesting in a curious game that at times managed to be simultaneously half-paced and frantic, he quickly became the centre of attention. He was studiedly casual on Saturday, wearing sunglasses and a long-sleeved T-shirt with sleeves pushed up to the elbows, one trainer-clad foot propped on the back of the seat in front of him. But as Conor Coady headed an equaliser deep in injury time, the reality dawned: Chelsea, out of form and out of sorts, still face a major fight to secure their place in the top four. Boehly was at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, sitting in a largely empty corporate box, although the chairman Bruce Buck joined him at half-time.

The new owners will pay £4.25bn for the football club, including £2.5bn to be given to charity.

According to a source, there will also be a limit on the level of debt that the club can take on. Premier League approval is not expected to be an issue, and the government is keen to get the sale completed. A spokesperson said Abramovich "remains committed" to making sure the proceeds from the sale "go to good causes". In the statement, Chelsea said the sale was expected to complete in late May. The takeover will require approval from the English football authorities and the UK government. The consortium said it will provide £1.75bn to invest in the Premier League club, including "investments in Stamford Bridge, the academy, the women's team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation". Chelsea have agreed terms on the £4.25bn ($5.2bn) sale of the club to a consortium led by Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.

Todd Boehly was in attendance watching Chelsea in their Premier League clash with Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for a new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjoerg Wyss, to acquire the Club," the statement read. After Chelsea released a statement in the early hours of Saturday morning confirming Todd Boehly's consortium have agreed on a deal to become the new ownership group of the club. Boehly could be seen reacting to Ruben Loftus-Cheek's disallowed goal towards the end of the first half.

Wolves produced a stunning comeback at Stamford Bridge as Conor Coady snatched a first Premier League point in four matches in the last seconds of the game, ...

Jimenez and Trincao both had chances that flashed wide of the post, before the visitors got their equalising goal in the last second of the match. Initially not given by referee Peter Bankes, the official was directed by VAR to take a second look at the video screen, and after a review, it was given. But it was another substitute, Trincao, who would make the decisive touch. It took just three minutes for the hosts to extend their lead. Wolves were given another let-off just before the break as VAR intervened as Chelsea believed they had taken the lead. Moments later, Romelu Lukaku was unable to squeeze the ball beyond Sa from a tight angle.

Conor Coady scored deep into injury time as Wolves fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Chelsea.

Sloppy from Wolves as Coady's pass hits Moutinho and falls to Kovacic who slides the ball into Lukaku's feet. Big goal for Chelsea and his confidence. It's rare a man of the match award goes to someone who has only played 20 minutes but the 22-year-old was simply brilliant when he came on. They had created a plethora of chances on the day, probably more and higher quality opportunities than Chelsea. A bit of magic from Trincao gave them hope then Chiquinho, who was a bundle of energy down the right swung in a perfect cross for the winner. The Belgian stepped up and scored to put the hosts ahead with his first league goal since December. They didn't know when they were beaten and now find themselves just two points behind West Ham in seventh as both battle for a Europa Conference League place.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice, but it wasn't enough to earn Chelsea the points against Wolves, who came back to draw 2-2.

Was denied by a fantastic save early in the second period but struggled with his end product after that. FW Romelu Lukaku, 9 -- In the first half, he saw his first shot blocked, missed Kovacic's pass after making a good run, then kept Saiss off before hitting a decent shot that was saved. Capitalised on Wolves' mistake and slipped Lukaku through for the second goal. GK Edouard Mendy, 6 -- Had nothing to do until he made a good save to deny Pedro Neto shortly before half-time, though he could have been punished for pushing the ball back into a dangerous area. MF Reece James, 6 -- Often defended well, making a key header to deny Neto at the back post. His late changes weren't enough to hold on to the three points.

Roman Abramovich announced Chelsea was up for sale on March 2; LA Dodgers part-owner beat competition from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who bid £4.25bn, and two other ...

"I heard the news today in the morning when I was in the middle of preparing for the match. "Secondly, Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him - such suggestions are entirely false - as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the Club last minute. Despite the changing circumstances since his initial announcement - he remains committed to finding a good custodian for Chelsea FC and making sure the proceeds go to good causes." "That means that the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities. Speaking after the match, head coach Thomas Tuchel said: "I don't think the ownership is a reason for a lack of focus. "Since the initial announcement, Mr Abramovich's team has identified senior representatives from UN bodies and large global charitable organizations who have been tasked with forming a Foundation and setting out a plan for its activities. I don't think there is a lack of focus. This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the Academy, the Women's team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation." Chelsea had until May 31 to find a new bidder as the UK Government's licence for the club to operate ran out on that date. However, the Broughton consortium - led by former Liverpool and British Airways chairman Sir Martin, and including the billionaire Crystal Palace shareholders Dave Blitzer and Josh Harris - was still in the race. Tennis legend Serena Williams was also among the backers of the Broughton consortium. Chelsea say a deal is "expected to complete in late May".

Thomas Tuchel has admitted concern over Chelsea being caught in third place in the table after the Blues threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Wolves on ...

We were unlucky not to score, unsure if it was a foul in the first half. We knew about the risks and we need to be disciplined. We showed discipline over most moments of the first half.

Chelsea were left stunned as Conor Coady's last-gasp equaliser earned Wolves a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Won and converted the penalty to open the scoring and then fired a second. Got in good positions to hurt Wolves and seemed to benefit from Lukaku’s presence. What a way to make an impression on the new boss. Injected pace in the team with some of his bursts. Kept powering down the wing. Seriously stretched as Wolves mounted a late fightback.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly was animated in the executive box at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after witnessing Romelu Lukaku end his goal drought.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly was animated in the executive box at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after witnessing Romelu Lukaku end his goal drought. The excitement on the pitch was matched in the stands, where Boehly was seen clapping and whistling in delight. Watch New Chelsea Owner Todd Boehly Celebrate After Romelu Lukaku Ends Goals Drought

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered his honest verdict on American businessman Todd Boehly closing in on his consortium's takeover of the Blues.

We were 2-0 up and against we took too much risk. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered his honest verdict on American businessman Todd Boehly closing in on his consortium's takeover of the Blues. Thomas Tuchel Delivers Verdict on Todd Boehly Closing In on Chelsea Takeover

ROB DRAPER: Boehly and his partners agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the club from Roman Abramovich in the small hours of Saturday morning.

Chelsea also have the issue of Romelu Lukaku to solve. 'We still hope for a positive outcome and for the situation to be solved. I'm no more excited to come to the stadium. Tuchel said: 'I heard today in the morning and I'm in the middle of preparing my session. 'We hope for the best and situation [being sanctioned] is so long now that we need it to be solved. Boehly and his partners agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the club from Roman Abramovich in the small hours of Saturday morning.

Report and free match highlights as Wolves fight back from two goals down to secure dramatic point at Stamford Bridge; Conor Coady scores 97th-minute ...

It doesn't affect me, but the news is positive and we need it to be resolved." On Lukaku, Tuchel said: "It was a good performance but for sure this is not the time to praise individual players. I don't know if that was the right decision from me but it was a lack of discipline and execution of the match plan. "I don't think the ownership is a reason for a lack of focus. "I reminded the team to execute the match plan with more precision and we did this to go 2-0 up but then we took more risks. "It is not about dropping too low but about the ball structure and losing it in key positions. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: "Of course [it feels like a defeat]. We started both halves very well and controlled the match with a very offensive approach to this game today with a 5-3-2 formation. But it was in between those two chances that Chelsea thought they had found the breakthrough - and Lukaku really ought to have made no mistake. The German was frank, telling his players to "be more exhausted after games" having seen a drop-off in physical input during recent defeats to Arsenal and Everton. In came Romelu Lukaku and Chrsitian Pulisic to the three-pronged attack. Chiquinho just runs at people and causes problems and we know about the quality of Trincao's finishing.The subs were massive for us in getting the point." We've been to Man Utd and Tottenham and won but we feel we should have had all three here but for a mad five minutes.

Wolves assistant coach Tony Roberts branded Romelu Lukaku 'a big lump' affter the Chelsea striker won a controversial penalty during Saturday's 2-2 draw at ...

‘Incredible feeling to do it in front of our away fans and I thought we deserved more,’ said the Wolves skipper after his late intervention. It was important we looked at ourselves. We love playing for our football club every single day so it was more about performance – we’ve spoken about that.

Over the past 19 years Chelsea has borrowed $1.9 billion of interest free debt from Roman Abramovich. The club has operated at a loss for 14 of Abramovich's 19 ...

It saved the club from potential bankruptcy in 2003 and undoubtedly played a huge role in the Blues’ success on the pitch. Certain terms have reportedly been included to protect the club from a financial standpoint: As iconic as the stadium at Stamford Bridge may be, it is one of the smaller venues for a big-six EPL team. He was able to loan Chelsea the requisite funds to backstop the loans. Abramovich was willing to spend on the club since the beginning. At the time, Chelsea was struggling to make payments on a $92.5 million Eurobond. Chelsea had essentially mortgaged the future against TV revenues to pay for stadium upgrades. At the time of purchase, Chelsea was operating at a $33 million loss. Nineteen years later, the club has operated at a loss in 14 seasons (74%) of Abramovich’s total tenure. In 2019, his $3 billion bid for the club was rejected by Abramovich, who was uninterested in selling at the time. At the time of writing, Chelsea’s aggregate debt burden is approximately $1.89 billion. The ramifications for almost two decades of potential financial mismanagement will be borne by Boehly’s ownership group. This isn’t the first time Bohely has tossed his hat in the ring for Chelsea, either.

football.london analyses Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday afternoon after the Blues threw away a two-goal lead at Stamford Bridge.

"He had a little dip in form some weeks ago, but for many weeks, he is back in full shape in training. Tuchel was asked about Chalobah and his situation before the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal last month. We signed a big player, and he is still a big player." Tuchel insisted that the striker remains a part of his plans going forward and also described him as a "big player". "It's about the structure, where you lose the ball, individual positions, then opponent takes a crazy approach because they have nothing to lose," Tuchel said about Chelsea's performance in the last 15 minutes. That was the blunt two-word answer Thomas Tuchel gave after being asked whether or not the 2-2 draw with Wolves felt like a defeat.

MARCOS ALONSO could leave Chelsea this summer as Thomas Tuchel overhauls his squad.

That is because the left-back has been 'handpicked' by head coach Xavi to be part of his new-look Barca squad. With Alonso having another year to run on his contract, Barca will need to reach an agreement over the fee Chelsea receive. But with Barca interested, Alonso has now informed the Blues of his 'desire to leave' paving the way for the Catalan side to firm up their interest.

Thomas Tuchel has dismissed speculation about a fallout with Christian Pulisic, while prospective new owner Todd Boehly was pictured in the stands at ...

"I am not concerned if a father does not say that the player does not love me!" Let us know in the comments section below! But now, even with an FA Cup final against Liverpool on the horizon, it's feeling more and more like one fans want to end.

The 31-year-old left-back is on a shortlist of targets drawn up by the Spanish side who are waiting to see if Chelsea's new owners, will be willing to ...

Paris Saint-Germain also like the 25-year-old. Barcelona have already agreed to sign Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen on a free and have made an offer to Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is hopeful of a summer move to Barcelona.

Thomas Tuchel's reluctance to praise Romelu Lukaku has stolen the headlines as Chelsea waltzed past Southampton 6-0.

Boehly had an eventful introduction to life as a Premier League team owner in the first half after getting his first taste of VAR." "I heard the news this morning, and I was in my match routine, so there was no reaction from me. The German boss added by refusing to shower Lukaku with praise, despite turning a corner in his career at Stamford Bridge.

Todd Boehly was present for Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Wolves, and judging from that performance, his wishlist should be drafted as soon as possible.

Judging the Wolves match, it would be nice to get a suitable replacement for Timo Werner. He has had ample opportunities to cement his place in the Chelsea starting XI, which he has now done. There are other problems to fix in the Chelsea squad, but Rome was not built in a day. The lack of control in midfield against Wolves is something for Boehly to think about and mark as a necessity for Chelsea to return to winning ways. Although he did not have a terrible game, he was sloppy in possession and slow to recover. A point each was all the teams could salvage, but I guess Boehly can begin to think about where he needs to spend this summer. It felt like a heavy load had been lifted following Chelsea's official announcement of an agreement with Todd Boehly that came in the early hours of the day.

Prospective new Chelsea owner Boehly was on hand at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the Blues slipped to a frustrating 2-2 Premier League draw with Wolves.

And we got the result.” “We showed when the situation began that we can still focus. Chelsea will host Watford to close their Premier League campaign on May 22, and there is now a chance that US tycoon Boehly could be rubber-stamped as the Blues’ new owner in time for the final match of the season. The Premier League will carry out the owners’ and directors’ tests on Boehly’s consortium, in the wake of Chelsea’s statement confirming the Eldridge Industries chief executive’s purchase agreement to buy the club. Chelsea must complete the sale by May 31 when the Blues’ temporary Government licence expires, but Todd Boehly’s consortium is understood to be primed to wrap up the £4.25billion purchase within that time frame. The Chelsea sale could be completed before the end of the season, the PA news agency understands.

Prospective Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly wants to make signing Reece James and Mason Mount on long-term deals his top priority once he assumes ...

The billionaire Boehly is set to assume control of the London club after his consortium agreed a takeover bid of around £4.25 billion. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are already set to leave on free transfers at the end of the season. Spanish defender Marcos Alonso has also told the club he wants to join Barcelona while long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to follow suit. “Of the total investment being made, £2.5bn will be applied to purchase the shares in the Club and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100% to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich. UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account. The sale is expected to go through by the end of the month but requires Government and Premier League approval. Boehly is said to be concerned with some of the Chelsea player’s contract situations with a number of key stars having only a few years left.

Levi Colwill has attracted the interest of former Chelsea midfielder and reigning Bournemouth boss Scott Parker ahead of the summer transfer window.

With a big summer on the cards, Colwill has insisted that he's ready for a challenge in the Premier League this season. With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen already set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer once their contracts expire, losing the youngster could serve the Blues a damning blow. Colwill has predominantly operated on the left of a back-three at the John Smith's Stadium, enjoying much of his success threading passes through into his midfielders, winning aerial duels and defending with wisdom beyond his years.

Billionaire co-founders grew close to Todd Boehly during their unsuccessful bidding battle for debt manager CBAM.

Chelsea beat Arsenal to the WSL title on the final day with a 4-2 victory over Manchester United at Kingsmeadow.

- Brighton P22 W8 D2 L12 PTS26 For context, the Blues had only conceded two goals at home all season in their other 10 matches. Over in Chigwell, the Gunners were doing their part by overcoming West Ham 2-0.

Chelsea 4-2 Manchester United: An outrageous goal from Sam Kerr wrapped up a third consecutive title after the Blues had trailed at half-time.

It was her 20th league goal of the season, 30th overall, and it left Chelsea once again standing above the rest. It would be sealed by Kerr, in what was a special moment from the WSL’s player of the season. Ji’s pass through to Pernille Harder split the United defence and when the ball was laid back to Reiten the Norway international produced another vital goal in what has been a run of pivotal contributions. They had held third place in the table for much of the season but had been caught by a surging Manchester City in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot. The score from Reading may have filtered through to Kingsmeadow, too, as quickfire goals from Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw saw City take a decisive step towards Champions League qualification. The opener from Thomas, a looping header from a curling Zelem free kick, felt deserved and although it was quickly cancelled out by Erin Cuthbert, Toone’s deflected volley at the back post restored their shock advantage.

Sam Kerr scored two outrageous volleys as Chelsea recovered from 2-1 down at half-time to beat Man Utd and win their third consecutive title.

83 min: Chelsea 4-2 Manchester United It’s been a noble effort from United, but they look tired now. Kerr chested it up in the air, swivelled and swished a dipping volley into the net! She knew that Earps was still slightly out of position, having moved across to play that pass, and deliberately belted the volley into the other side of the goal. 71 min: Chelsea 4-2 Manchester United Ji, playing her final league game for Chelsea, shoots not far wide. 90 min: Chelsea 4-2 Manchester United I was wrong. The Chelsea squad and backroom staff are all in a huddle, singing ‘Championes’. Fran Kirby is there too, which is lovely to see. Drew’s a Chelsea legend and Jonna plays like a queen on the field. She brought order and composure to a Chelsea midfield that was frantic and nervous in the first half. The golden age of Chelsea FCW continues. “Ji is class on the field and a character off the field too, who we’ll really miss. The Chelsea players are coming out, one by one, for the trophy presentation. Then it’s the turn of Ji and Drew Spence, two Chelsea icons who are leaving the club this summer.

Two stunning volleys from Sam Kerr helped Chelsea to a third consecutive WSL title as the Blues twice came from behind to earn a thrilling 4-2 win over ...

With the stadium rocking and the momentum having swung Chelsea’s way, an audacious goal from Kerr would extend their lead and strengthen their grip on the title. If there was further evidence needed of Hayes’s ability to turn a game, it came in the second half. Marc Skinner’s team needed a win against the holders and for Reading to take points from Manchester City. No season can top the 2014 finale, but this went close. A long throw was lashed low past Mary Earps into the corner by Cuthbert. The United forward Martha Thomas gave her team the lead that would send the away fans 25 miles to the north-east, where West Ham faced second-placed Arsenal, wild with hope.

The Blues have won the Women's Super League title for the third straight season, as two spectacular Sam Kerr strikes sealed a thrilling second-half comeback ...

We continued to push for a fifth and Ji almost signed off in style at Kingsmeadow when she cut inside and shot, but it was just the wrong side of the near post. Ji was desperate for one last WSL goal, but every time she shot there seemed to be a United defender in the way. Earps didn’t cover herself in glory with a rushed clearance that Reiten headed towards the edge of the box, but when Kerr took an awkward ball on her chest no one could have predicted what she’d do next, as she majestically lofted a volley over the backpedalling keeper and into the back of the net. Across the other side of London, meanwhile, Arsenal took the lead at West Ham around the same time as a long stoppage of play in our game for a nasty looking injury to Galton after a collision with Bright near her own corner flag. Our pressing in the final third was better and it almost led to Kerr going through on goal, only for Harder to put a little too much on her through ball. England and Ji both came on, replacing Ingle and Andersson in a clear sign of attacking intent ahead of the biggest 45 minutes of the season. One of the goals of the season, when we needed it most – that’s why she’s FWA Player of the Year! Only 48 seconds had elapsed and whatever Hayes said at half-time had clearly had an impact. When the half-time whistle came, it offered a chance to regroup and Hayes knew she had a big team talk ahead of her as she walked across the pitch towards the dressing room. Galton’s cross to the back stick picked out Toone, whose volley clipped off the heels of Andersson to wrongfoot Berger and find the back of the net. Although Earps’ sloppy clearance was straight onto the head of Reiten, there was still so much for Kerr to do as she took an awkward ball on her chest with 25 yards between her and the goal. Hayes has stated numerous times this season how important the crowd at Kingsmeadow has been, and there was a full house for this one. But still Hayes and her players will want more, and with an FA Cup final to come next week, the celebrations of today will quickly give way to preparation for that one.