Chelsea secured their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) crown with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village, as Lucy Bronze headed home the decisive goal in the second half.

The England full-back broke the deadlock in a fiercely contested encounter, nodding in a corner past the outstanding Phallon Tullis-Joyce with just 16 minutes remaining.

Arsenal’s earlier 5–2 defeat to Aston Villa had paved the way for Chelsea to seal yet another league triumph – their eighth in the past 10 seasons – and their first under new manager Sonia Bompastor.

With Manchester United, sitting third, desperate for points to maintain hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification, the match posed a stern challenge for both sides, especially after United’s recent European mauling at the hands of Barcelona.

“It almost feels surreal, as we weren’t expecting Arsenal to drop points tonight,” Bompastor told Sky Sports. “But to bounce back after Sunday’s result and beat a strong side like United is an incredible feeling.

“This league is incredibly competitive, so to remain unbeaten at this stage is a significant achievement. It’s never easy adjusting to a new country and a new league as a manager, so I’m proud of what we’ve done.”

Still without the services of their prolific striker Sam Kerr – who has netted 99 goals in 128 appearances since her debut in January 2020 – Chelsea knew a draw would have sufficed but showed no intention of settling for one.

After a sluggish start, the Blues began to threaten, with Mayra Ramirez, Erin Cuthbert, Niamh Charles and Millie Bright all going close.

At the other end, Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton was called into action to deny Melvine Malard, with Grace Clinton’s follow-up also thwarted. United were left frustrated after penalty appeals were waved away when Bright tangled with Clinton in the area.

The hosts maintained their pressure after the break, with Malard and Celin Bizet again testing Hampton, but it was Bronze – a league winner with Manchester City and Liverpool in previous seasons – who proved decisive.

Her 74th-minute header handed Chelsea an unassailable nine-point lead with two matches remaining.

“We knew a draw would have been enough,” Bronze told Sky Sports. “But it’s always sweeter to win and lift the trophy after a victory.

“We’ve got two games left and want to win both to complete an unbeaten season.”

Chelsea, who already hold the Women’s League Cup, will now target a domestic treble when they face United again in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 18 May.