Chelsea’s impressive unbeaten streak of 34 matches in the Women’s Super League came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Everton at Kingsmeadow.
This marked the first match since Chelsea claimed the league’s unbeaten record prior to the international break, and it was a tough loss for Sonia Bompastor, who experienced her first defeat in 18 months and 31 league games.
The implications of this result are significant for the reigning champions, as they now find themselves six points behind league leaders Manchester City. Everton’s victory was their first since the opening weekend of the season against Liverpool.
The only goal of the match was scored early on when Toni Payne raced down the right side and delivered a cross that reached the far post, allowing Honoka Hayashi to tap it in during the 12th minute.
In a rare struggle, Chelsea has already dropped six points — the same amount they lost throughout the entire last season when they secured the title. Now, they face a real threat of losing their champion status for the first time since 2019.
Chelsea dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, while Everton defended solidly after taking the lead. Alyssa Thompson tested Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan with a shot after breaking down the right flank but missed an opportunity to set up Lauren James, who was free in space.
A near own goal by Kelly Gago was saved by Brosnan, allowing Everton to maintain their lead into halftime.
Ten minutes into the second half, Chelsea introduced Sam Kerr to spark their attack, but she missed a good chance shortly after. Chelsea’s difficulties in front of goal persisted.
A corner from Sandy Baltimore nearly led to an equalizer as it was almost deflected in, but Everton held firm.
In stoppage time, Everton cleared the ball off the line twice, first by Katja Snoeijs and then by Martina Fernández, with Baltimore later hitting the crossbar from a powerful free-kick, resulting in a tense finish.