Magda has been named the CFCW Social’s April Player of the Month for her great leadership and smart defensive decisions. May has been a fantastic month on and off the pitch, but it has also been a sad month with the announcement of her leaving at the end of the season.
With Millie out with an injury and Kadeisha recovering from her injury, Magda has stepped up for all these games. The captain has ensured that our standards haven’t been lowered despite the absence of two vital defenders.
May was a busy month for the girls, with seven games, including the FA Cup Final. Many people predicted that we would drop some points at the start of the month. Luckily for us Magda’s leadership and strength at the back helped us win all seven.
Our first three games of the month were all at home, which was fantastic because it felt like we had not seen a game at Kingsmeadow in months. The team scored a mighty impressive 15 goals in these three games whilst securing two clean sheets. A month which was full of great displays of Magda’s defensive strength and leadership. Scoring all those goals and holding those two clean sheets was critical to our goal difference in the title race.
The FA Cup Final against Manchester United was yet again a game to remember for The Blues. Magda leading the team out for another FA Cup Final at Wembley was a dream come true; she is the embodiment of a leader.
This was a big and stressful game. While every player, including Magda, had dips in their form at moments, the squad came together like they always do to grind out a result. It was the inevitable Sam Kerr who scored in the 68th minute. With over 20 minutes remaining, Magda’s leadership and defensive talents came into play, with the team ensuring we won our third FA Cup in a row.
Our final three games of the season were crucial, with another game away at West Ham, a home game against Arsenal. Then the season finale against Reading, which could secure us the title. West Ham was straightforward, as it often is. The squad fought for a 4 nil win and another clean sheet with Magda in defence.
Our last home game of the season was an emotional one with it being Magda and Pernille’s final game at Kingsmeadow.
This game was against Arsenal and by winning it would take us within an inch of the title and what a fairytale moment. In the 41st minute before half time, Magda would score. That goal got every Chelsea Women fan in tears at Kingsmeadow and home. I would say it was written in the stars for Magda to leave Kingsmeadow in such a special way.
Our season concluded with a match versus Reading. This was a crucial game for both clubs, with Chelsea requiring a win to clinch the title. Reading at the other end of the table needing a win to stay in the topflight.
Unfortunately for Reading, they were up against a formidable Chelsea team that was looking to win the league. The team triumphed 3 nothing, with Magda contributing to another clean sheet. Emma subbed Magda off in the 85th minute to allow for a standing ovation from the travelling Chelsea fans.
This was another emotional occasion for Magda, who has done nothing but give 100% since joining Chelsea in 2017. I would say Magda has been the best captain any of us could have asked for.
Her power and leadership at the back will be missed. Looking back seeing all the memorable and amazing moments she has been a part of has been incredible. It is sad to think she will not be here next season. However, it is vital to remember all those incredible moments because she will be remembered as a Chelsea legend forever.
As Didier Drogba once said, you can take a player out of Chelsea, but you can never take Chelsea out of a player.
Written By Meg Aherne (@meggaherne)
Edited By A Bradley (@A_thensomething)