Chelseas Surprising WSL…

You could easily have mistaken the atmosphere for a championship celebration as Everton reveled in their 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday. While they didn’t clinch the Women’s Super League title, they accomplished something unprecedented: beating Chelsea for the first time in 34 WSL matches.

The decisive goal came from Honoka Hayashi in the 12th minute, ending Chelsea’s remarkable unbeaten streak that dated back to their 4-3 loss to Liverpool on May 1, 2024, under former manager Emma Hayes. This match marked the first defeat for current coach Sonia Bompastor in the WSL since her appointment last summer, having guided the team through the previous season without a loss (W19, D3) and to a record points total of 60.

Bompastor expressed her disappointment post-match, stating, “It was a really frustrating result. We knew Everton would be challenging, and we needed to stay focused in our transitions. Our performance wasn’t poor, but we just couldn’t score and secure the win. While we dominated possession, winning in football is ultimately what matters most.”

Chelsea 1-0 Everton match stats | WSL 2025-26

Chelsea took 30 shots
-6 on target
-9 blocked
-3 hit the woodwork

Chelsea had 53 crosses, 9 accurate.
Everton made 87 clearances, indeed.

And that’s how an unbeaten run ends. pic.twitter.com/i1dfA9cxrU

— Yash (@Odriozolite) December 7, 2025

Despite facing a team that had only secured one WSL victory this season, Chelsea created 30 chances — with six on target, nine blocked, and three hitting the woodwork. They also delivered an impressive 53 crosses, but Everton’s resolute defense, tallying 87 clearances, was key in ending Chelsea’s run. The Blues simply couldn’t find the net regardless of their offensive efforts.

This season, Chelsea’s once-dominant aura seems to be fading, as they’ve displayed several lackluster performances. With three draws already against Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool — equaling their total from last season — they appear frustrated by their inability to finish chances.

Currently, Chelsea (21 points) trails Manchester City (27 points), who have been in excellent form, even after losing to Chelsea in the opening match of manager Andree Jeglertz’s tenure. Last season, Chelsea was leading at this point, but they now face an uphill challenge. In a condensed 22-match season, overcoming a six-point gap is no small feat.

At this juncture, Chelsea can’t afford to drop any more points. Three teams — Manchester United (20), Arsenal, and Tottenham (both with 19) — are close on their heels. A significant clash against City in early February presents an opportunity to reclaim momentum, but another loss could potentially hand City their first title since 2016, ending Chelsea’s six-year reign.

City enjoys a significant advantage by not participating in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this season.

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all competing in the league phase of the tournament, with the top 14 teams advancing to the knockout stages and teams ranked 5th-14th entering a playoff in February. Consequently, these three clubs face the challenge of balancing their commitments, which include two-game weeks and extensive travel. In contrast, City will have a full week to prepare for their WSL matches.

As matches come quickly on the calendar, Chelsea’s hunger to qualify for the quarterfinals automatically is at a peak. The UWCL is the one title that has eluded them, and draws against FC Twente and Barcelona have left them in sixth place. To secure automatic qualification, they need to finish in the top four and avoid a playoff.

There’s a long road ahead. The loss to Everton has likely shaken their confidence as they prepare for critical Champions League matches against Roma and Wolfsburg, placing additional pressure on the team. While the end of their unbeaten WSL streak alleviates some pressure, every aspect of the club will now be under scrutiny as the season progresses. Bompastor must now demonstrate her ability to respond to adversity.