Women’s Super League title chase: What’s at stake on the final matchday?

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Caitlin Foord of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side's third goal with Beth Mead during the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal Women and Tottenham Hotspur Women at Emirates Stadium on May 04, 2022 in London, England. (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The FA Women’s Super League season is coming to a close, with the final matchday kicking off Sunday.

Chelsea will look to defeat Manchester United by enough of a margin to overcome Arsenal, who reduced Chelsea’s lead to one point following a 3-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday. The Gunners meet West Ham on Sunday.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, in his first season with the club, said that Chelsea has a target on its back because the team has “something to lose.”

“I think it is exciting. I’ve been at all different ends and situations and it’s not an easy situation for Chelsea,” Eidevall told BBC Sport.

“You live game by game and situation by situation. You cannot jump ahead. I’ve been fortunate, I’m usually involved in title races. It’s really important to be one of the teams everybody is looking up to and we have accomplished that, so let’s believe that anything can happen for us.”

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes pushed back on the idea of her side feeling extra pressure over the title race despite needing a win to secure the crown.

“This isn’t pressure. Look at the cost of living, look at inflation, look at the rising costs for people to pay their bills. This is far from pressure. This is a joy,” she said. “I get nervous when my child is riding too fast on his bike heading towards the end of the road. That’s nerves. This is pleasure.”

Who leads in the standings?

Chelsea currently holds a one-point lead over Arsenal with 53 points.

What happens if Chelsea wins?

They claim the title for a third consecutive season if they win or Arsenal loses.

What happens if Chelsea loses?

Arsenal needs a draw to win the league title due to goal differential.

What happens if they end the season in a tie?

Arsenal will win the FAWSL crown thanks to a +53 season goal differential, compared to Chelsea’s +49.

Both teams kick off Sunday morning at 7 a.m. ET.