As Emma Hayes walked through the Kingsmeadow Tunnel for the last time, Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ blared over the stadium speakers.
But there was no time for tears for the departing manager after her final home game in charge of Chelsea.
Four days earlier, the 47-year-old player had conceded the Women’s Super League title was made” and – in his opinion – heading to Manchester City for the first time since 2016.
Hayes and his players looked despondent and forlorn after a shock defeat 4-3 for Liverpool. Players huddled together and comforted each other as they cried over what was apparently going to be a trophyless campaign.
But after the emphatic Sunday 8-0 thrashing of Bristol City, Not only are Chelsea back in the title race, they are now back in their hands.
Although they are three points behind Gareth Taylor’s side with a game in hand, their goal difference has increased significantly and is now better than City’s.
As fans and players gathered to watch Hayes address them one last time at home, the adrenaline from the emphatic victory over the already relegated Robins was still pumping.
She was initially unable to speak as a farewell video was shown on a big screen, with Hayes watching while hugging her son Harry.
But the contrast with Wednesday night was stark, when Hayes issued a rallying cry into the microphone.
“Let me be clear. It’s not over yet,” she said. “There is no time for sentimentality. All work drinks are cancelled, there is a title to be won.
“And you know what? This group of players taught me something so special this week, that you never give up and that’s what it means to be Chelsea.”
Many of Hayes’ players over the years have praised her for her impact on their professional and personal lives, but it was clear this week that they were the ones cheering her on.
In her postgame interviews, Hayes seemed more like the upbeat manager we’ve come to know and love over the years, with a rekindled fire inside her.
After Maren Mjelde and Fran Kirby said goodbye to Kingsmeadow, Hayes was introduced onto the pitch for his introduction as “someone who has pushed this club into the titan it is today”.
It was only fitting that her players put in a champion performance in her last game in charge of the field where she has had so much success over the years.
“We wanted to make sure it was a game to remember for the fans,” Hayes said.
“It’s emotional. I’ve spent a third of my life doing this. This has been my home, my family. My son was born here. My father died last year.
“It is a club that is close to my heart. I look out tonight, I see these fans, I feel the love, I feel the love for the team and that’s all I ever wanted.”
The WSL title could have been won on Sunday night if Manchester City beat Arsenal and Chelsea dropped points against Bristol City.
City were 1-0 up after 89 minutes, but Stina Blackstenius dramatic delayed double saw Taylor’s team lose a precious three points.
“If you told me at the start of the day that Arsenal would beat City in the last five minutes and we would win 8-0, what are the chances of that?” said Hayes.
“It shows when you believe. I told the players that if Man City slip up, we have to be ready. Today was another opportunity to get closer to something that was escaping our reach.
“I’m very proud. All Chelsea stands for are days like today.”
If Chelsea win their game in hand against Tottenham on May 15, it looks like another dramatic final day is on the horizon.
The quadruple dream may be over, but with a new-found fire inside her, it would be foolish to stop Hayes from leading Chelsea to one last title before heading to the United States.
