'It's not how you start the season, it's how you end it' – Kelly warns Man City's WSL rivals
Harry Carr
December 26, 2023 03:18 MYT
December 26, 2023 03:18 MYT
Chloe Kelly believes it's still all to play for in the Women's Super League title race, warning Manchester City's rivals: "It's not how you start the season, it's how you end it."
City went into the mid-season winter break three points adrift of reigning champions Chelsea, ahead of third-placed Arsenal by virtue of their superior goal difference.
Gareth Taylor's team suffered back-to-back defeats at the start of November as they went down to Arsenal and Brighton, but they have since responded with a four-game winning streak, which includes a 7-0 rout of Tottenham.
Though Chelsea and Arsenal both boast experience of getting over the line, winning the last six WSL titles between them since City last triumphed in 2016, Kelly fancies their chances.
Speaking at the launch of the first ever Panini Barclays Women's Super League sticker collection at the National Football Museum, Kelly said: "It's been a great season so far.
"I think it's very tight, both at the top and the bottom of the table. There's a lot to play for still. It was still really exciting coming up to Christmas, seeing what the table looks like, but we know there's still plenty of football to play.
"It'll definitely be a close one, it's all still to play for and I think it's about consistency throughout the season.
"We need to make sure that us at City are doing just that and being consistent throughout the season. It's not how you start the season, it's how you end it."
Thank you for your incredible support this year! See you in 2024 pic.twitter.com/hyqRSh5Bav — Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) December 17, 2023
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Kelly, who famously scored England's winning goal in the Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley Stadium, also heaped praise on City boss Taylor, who has overseen league finishes of second, third and fourth in his three full campaigns at the helm.
"I think I've seen a lot of growth in myself since being at Manchester City, learning from a great manager in Gaz," Kelly said.
"I think from when I came to the club to where I am now, I can see massive growth.
"I try to learn as much as I can and take a lot of information from him and the staff around him as well. We have Shaun Goater who works with the forwards, so the more information I can get off him, the better.
"He was an unbelievable forward and I just try and learn as much as I can from the staff around me, and also the players."