Why summers of change beckon for WSL giants

Breaking news from the world of sport: Why summers of change beckon for WSL giantsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Millie Bright has retired, while Katie McCabe is leaving ArsenalByAdam MillingtonBBC Sport journalistPublished17 minutes agoFor six straight years, Chelsea won the Women's Super League. But on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, it felt somewhat like the ending of an era. Not only did they slump to a third-placed finish in their defence of a title, but Sonia Bompastor's side will have to go through qualifying for the Champions League after Arsenal beat Liverpool to seal second place.

Stalwarts of Chelsea's title-winning sides under Emma Hayes bode farewell to the club on Saturday, with Sam Kerr playing her final game for the club and Millie Bright being honoured after retiring earlier this month. Kerr and Bright were some of the remaining players who were intergral during Hayes' years of dominance, with the likes of Erin Cuthbert and Lauren James among those still left. In a season where Manchester City won the division for the first time in 10 years, Bompastor will hope this does not spark a new era of playing catch-up in the league.

Match Details

After all, City have led the division since the eighth week of fixtures and, while Arsenal and Chelsea have traded places throughout the campaign, the Gunners retained an advantage for much of the campaign thanks to their games in hand. For their part, Arsenal end the season trophyless bar the inaugural Champions Cup, which they won in January. Like Chelsea, the summer also presents uncertainty for Renee Slegers' side, with Katie McCabe having played her final game for the club on Saturday and forward Beth Mead also leaving at the end of the season.

Why Arsenal have fallen short in WSL and Champions League this season Published2 days agoHow do Chelsea rebuild for next season's WSL? Published4 days agoClub legends sign off in fitting styleChelsea entered Saturday sitting two points behind Arsenal and ended it in the same place. By half-time of the fixtures on the final day it became apparent they had little to play for given Arsenal were already three up at Liverpool, eventually winning 3-1, with Alessia Russo scoring twice.

At Stamford Bridge meanwhile, Kerr marked her final appearance with a fine finish for the game's only goal against Manchester United. That goal was her 116th for the club, equaling Fran Kirby's record for the most goals for Chelsea in all competitions. Kerr, who has been linked with a move to the United States, said it has been the "biggest honour" to play for Chelsea.

Reactions and Expectations

"I have so many amazing memories and I will carry them with me forever," she told Sky Sports. "Chelsea and London will always be home to me now. "My little boy was born here and I have so many great friends at this amazing club.

It's going to be hard to leave but I only have good things to say about this amazing club.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.