Chelsea suffered their first Women’s Super League defeat under Sonia Bompastor and their first since May 2024 as they lost 1-0 at home to Everton.
It is a result which could have significant consequences for their season, with the Blues now six points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
Chelsea’s unbeaten run had lasted for a record 34 games.
It did not take long for the Kingsmeadow crowd to be stunned by Everton as Toni Payne bursted down the wing and drilled a low delivery into the box which was turned home by Honoka Hayashi at the back post.
Hayashi’s goal was a blow which, as time went on, felt like a punishment for Chelsea as their sluggish play in midfield lacked quality and they failed to make the most of their chances.
Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was switched on to make the necessary saves when called upon to keep the hosts at bay, while the likes of Ruby Mace were determined in defence and constantly tracked runs.
Out on the pitch early for the start of the second half, Chelsea’s energy was higher after the break but still not enough to break down the visitors’ resolute back line.
The introduction of Sam Kerr from the bench, however, was the first thing which caused a significant improvement, breathing new life into an attack which had been somewhat stale.
They nearly equalised when a Sandy Baltimore corner bounced off an Everton player’s back hit the post and caused a goalmouth scramble, but the Toffees managed to recover.
Then, as the clock ticked down in added time, Chelsea thought they had managed to salvage a draw but had the ball cleared off the line again and hit the woodwork once more when Wieke Kaptein headed an effort against the bar
