Chelsea’s lead at the Women’s Super League summit was cut to six points after West Ham ended the Blues’ season-long winning streak at Kingsmeadow in thrilling fashion.
Sonia Bompastor’s side appeared to be cruising to victory when Maika Hamano’s volley and Aggie Beever-Jones’s delicate finish put them two up after 21 minutes. However, Shekiera Martinez turned the game around, halving the lead just before the interval and striking again in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw. Only two other sides had managed to take points off the reigning champions this season, but West Ham became the first to do so on Chelsea’s home turf.
Manchester United edged closer to securing a Champions League spot next season with a 2-0 home win over Everton. The visiting goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was at fault for the opener, as Dominique Janssen took advantage in the 22nd minute. Grace Clinton doubled the lead early in the second half, and despite Everton’s efforts, their best chance was ruled out for handball.
Fourth-placed Manchester City responded to their midweek Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea with a 2-1 victory over Brighton. Kerstin Casparij opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before a late flurry of goals. Substitute Vivianne Miedema extended City’s lead to 2-0, but Charlize Rule pulled one back in a frantic finish.
Aston Villa, struggling near the bottom of the table, ended a run of five consecutive defeats across all competitions with a 2-1 victory at Liverpool. After a goalless first half, the Reds took the lead through Marie Höbinger’s penalty. Kirsty Hanson equalized with a well-taken goal, and Villa secured all three points when Ebony Salmon’s cross was deflected into the net by Liverpool’s Jenna Clark.
Tottenham halted their losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Leicester. Spurs fell behind when Josefine Rybrink put the ball into her own net but salvaged a point when Drew Spence struck an equalizer, ensuring they claimed their first league point since January.
