Ellie Carpenter has become one of Chelsea’s most influential players this season, adding a significant attacking threat from right wing-back while maintaining her defensive responsibilities. She has scored four goals and provided one assist in the Women’s Super League as Chelsea sit top of the table, having dropped points only in their opening-weekend draw with Aston Villa.
Carpenter made an immediate impact in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Roma. With the teams level at half-time, head coach Sonia Bompastor brought on the Australian defender rather than a striker. Carpenter scored six minutes later, vindicating the decision despite questions from a member of Bompastor’s staff.
Her contribution was also clear in Sunday’s 6-0 victory at Charlton, where she scored in the 13th minute, made three tackles and recorded 12 ball recoveries—more than any other Chelsea player in those categories. She has started all but one of the club’s WSL matches and has had 56 touches in the opposition box. Only Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Victoria Pelova have had more. Carpenter has also created more open-play chances than every WSL player except Manchester City’s Hemp and Tottenham’s Drew Spence.
Former England striker Ellen White said on the Women’s Football Weekly podcast that Carpenter’s attacking play benefits from the trust she has in Chelsea’s defenders and midfielders to cover her when she pushes forward. White also noted that Chelsea have several players capable of scoring from different areas of the pitch.
Carpenter joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2025, where she had worked with Bompastor and won the Champions League with her in 2022. Known as an attacking full-back, she has adapted to the right wing-back role, with Lucy Bronze moving inside as part of a back three. Chelsea have conceded four WSL goals this season, fewer than any other side, and Carpenter ranks second in the squad for successful tackles.
Bompastor says Carpenter has improved the quality of her crossing since her first WSL season, when she was sometimes criticised for wasting opportunities from wide areas. This campaign, she has created 19 chances and completed 141 passes in the final third—the most of any Chelsea player.
The Chelsea manager has praised Carpenter’s pace, technical development and ability to score with her left foot. Bompastor said the Australian is important both in and out of possession, and is now better at delivering crosses, getting into the box and finishing chances.
Sources: BBC Sport Football.