Chelsea: Why WSL powerhouses are favourites for fifth straight league title in Emma Hayes' farewell season

Emma Hayes hit the nail on the head on Friday night: "my players love playing adversity".

The pressure points were evident before Chelsea dismantled Arsenal in front of a record Stamford Bridge crowd.

Nearly an entire XI sidelined with injury, off-pitch distractions after Hayes' clumsy comments on player-player relationships created unwanted noise, and a delay to kick-off because, of all things, Arsenal's kitman failed to pack the correct coloured socks.

Nothing phases Chelsea. This is all business.

"It's been a tough period, a tough day for us. But we know how to do this. We're good at this. Trust me, that team is 1,000 per cent together," Hayes told a packed press room in west London.

The unity was clear for all to see as Chelsea staff and players gathered in the centre circle to rejoice in a title-defining victory, one that eliminated Arsenal from the race.

"We're good at this" sounds ambiguous on the surface, but everyone within earshot understood its significance. A slightly nuanced way of saying 'we're champions for a reason'.

Hayes was indeed highlighting how efficient her side are at navigating the sharp end. They don't bow to pressure; they thrive off its jeopardy. It is March, after all, training season is over.

The Chelsea boss also spent a portion of her press conference explaining how she's tried not to be a "clickbait manager" after stumbling over her words when discussing dressing room relationships 48 hours prior. For all the possible interference off the pitch, the front remained bold and beaming on it.

The nerve to play Sjoeke Nusken at centre-back (against Everton) and then as a No 10 (against Arsenal) within the same five-day period typifies the approach. Unexpected genius. It's born out of a tactical