Chelsea Ladies win Women's Super League title

Chelsea clinched the FA Women’s Super League title for the first time after using the heartache of last season to ensure they did not make the same mistake this time.

The team missed out on the title on the final day 12 months ago, losing 2-1 at Manchester City.

Yesterday, with their fate again in their own hands, they thrashed Sunderland 4‑0 at Staines to seal the Double, having won the FA Women’s Cup in August.

Captain Katie Chapman lifted the trophy as manager Emma Hayes reflected on the team’s triumph.

“Right now, I honestly can’t remember the feeling of 12 months ago,” she said. “It’s been a long year waiting for this day to come but we vowed never to go through that experience again.

“I’ve always said to the players that if you do it once then it’s a mistake, but if you do it twice then it’s a choice, and that’s the motto we’ve lived by throughout the season.”

England striker Fran Kirby scored twice in the convincing win, with Ji So-yun and Gemma Davison also on target, “It was a performance of champions,” said Hayes. “We have hunger, ambition and a wonderful dressing room.”