Chelsea's Goal Drought: Can They Reclaim Their Edge?

Chelsea's impressive unbeaten streak is being tested by a noticeable decline in their offensive output, raising questions about their ability to maintain elite standards. The team has scored only 16 goals in nine Women's Super League games, a stark contrast to their previous season's performance. This slump is exacerbated by the unavailability of key players like Mayra Ramirez, Lauren James, and Guro Reiten, compounded by Sam Kerr's gradual return from a lengthy injury.

While the volume of shots and chances has decreased, the quality of opportunities Chelsea is generating has not diminished. The team's non-penalty expected goals per game have even seen a slight increase, suggesting that recent draws, including a disappointing 1-1 against Liverpool, might be attributed to poor finishing rather than a lack of creativity. Several players have underperformed their expected goals, hinting at a potential turnaround.

Looking ahead, Chelsea faces a formidable challenge against Barcelona, a team they have struggled against previously. While Barcelona has shown vulnerabilities, Chelsea's current form and injury concerns present a significant hurdle. Manager Sonia Bompastor acknowledges the need for rapid improvement, emphasizing the club's history of resilience as they aim to overcome this difficult period and challenge Europe's best.