‘They never gave up’ – Hayes thrilled with players following Chelsea’s victory over Bristol City

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes hailed her side’s drive and determination after they recorded a crucial 8-0 victory over Bristol City at Kingsmeadow last night.

Following their 4-3 defeat at Liverpool in midweek, Chelsea’s title hopes seemed to have gone but last night’s victory over Bristol City, combined with Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal, saw the title race open up again. The Blues now trail Manchester City by just three points with the benefit of a game-in-hand and a more superior goal difference.

When speaking in the post-match conference, Chelsea boss Hayes paid tribute to her players for their drive and determination to reignite the club’s title hopes.

“I don’t know how best to put this, but they [the players] demonstrated all the things I’ve taught over the years,” Hayes said. “They drove it, they led it, it all came from them.

“They never gave up, they had belief amongst them. They maintained the drive, the determination; no matter of the setbacks, they wanted to make sure that they sent Kingsmeadow, Fran [Kirby], Maren [Mjelde] off in a way that was fitting of what the last 12 years have been about.

“I learnt so much from them today, I really did. I learnt a lot about the importance of belief, I learnt the importance of don’t write Chelsea off. I have to say that the players have driven that and they were exceptional.”

Chelsea captain, Millie Bright, played her first full game since returning from injury. Hayes offered individual praise for the defender after displaying the determination and attitude needed going into the season’s final weeks. 

She said “It’s always a bit unfair because there are players who have been playing and putting in great performances for the shirt, but she’s the captain of this club. She’s not at her best yet and it looks like that sometimes, but it’s the character, it’s the mentality. That winning that I felt has been a little bit absent in us was absolutely amongst us today.”

Youngster Aggie Beever-Jones scored twice in the game to leave her on 11 league goals for the season. Hayes hailed the forward after the Liverpool defeat in midweek and she again gave the player a glowing reference last night. 

She said “I’m just so proud we’ve produced the player. It’s one of our own and someone who I thought took the game by the scruff of the neck, especially at 2-0.

“Getting the third goal was like ‘Aggie scores goals, Aggie gets in great positions, she’s deserving of where she is’. There’s nothing more what you want than your own players to come through. I’m well proud of her.”

Last night’s fixture saw Hayes celebrate her final game at Kingsmeadow before leaving the club in the summer. Reflecting on her 12 years at Chelsea, Hayes paid tribute to her players before offering her personal thoughts.

She said “I really mean what I say; they’ve been amazing in my time here. My time has been successful and those players have done a lot; we’ve won four titles in a row.

“It’s my home, my family, my community. It’s emotional in a subdued way because there’s a title race.”

Chelsea now boast a goal difference that is a goal better than Manchester City while they have also scored more goals. Victory over Tottenham Hotspur in The Blues’ next match would see them return to the league summit with one round of matches to go. Chelsea are now in a favourable position but Hayes is prepared for another twist in the title race.

“I think it’s fair to say I’m sure there will be another twist because it wouldn’t be the same,” Hayes said. “I did say to the team that it’s so crucial that we have to be ready if there is a slip-up. We are not in the driving seat.

“What I know is that my team will not give up, they will not give up, this is who we are. Tonight will be a memory for me forever; those players taught me so much today.

“I still think it’s tough and we’ve got a game-in-hand. Look at the opponents we have to face; we have to play a brilliant Tottenham team and a Manchester United team that knocked us out of the cup. There’s a long way to go yet.”

Chelsea’s next game against Tottenham Hotspur takes place at the Gaughan Group Stadium in Leyton on Wednesday 15 May 2024.