How Carpenter has become Chelsea's surprise star

Carpenter has scored four goals from full-back this season and ranks among the WSL's top chance creators, with Chelsea unbeaten atop the table.

Ellie Carpenter has emerged as Chelsea Women's standout performer this season, defying expectations by scoring four goals from a full-back or wing-back position. Manager Sonia Bompastor famously brought her on as a defensive substitute against Roma when Chelsea needed a goal—and Carpenter scored within six minutes in a 2-0 win.

The Australian, who joined from Lyon in 2025 after winning the Champions League with Bompastor, has started all but one WSL match. She has created 19 chances and ranks among the league's top creators from open play, behind only Manchester City's Lauren Hemp and Tottenham's Drew Spence. In Sunday's 6-0 win at Charlton, Carpenter scored, won three tackles and made 12 ball recoveries. Only Khadija Shaw, Hemp and Victoria Pelova have had more touches in the opposition box.

Bompastor credits Carpenter's improvement in delivery and finishing, noting she has overcome early criticism for wasteful crossing. Chelsea remain unbeaten and have conceded just four goals—the fewest in the WSL—with Carpenter ranking second in the squad for successful tackles despite her attacking contributions.