Emma Hayes could deliver Chelsea parting gift in best possible way

In 2020, her reputation helped sign Australia’s Sam Kerr, the best striker in the world, and in doing so elevated the WSL as the go-to destination for international talent. Her profile can arguably swing results, too, based on recent evidence. When she publicly conceded the title to City just over two weeks ago — despite having three games left to play — it planted the pressure on Gareth Taylor’s squad and put the focus on her words, rather than her ailing team’s performances. Some called it bizarre, others saw it as a masterstroke. Whatever it was, City duly bottled it against Arsenal, putting the title race in Chelsea’s hands.