In a stunning result on Sunday, Everton Women shocked Chelsea Women 1–0 to inflict the Blues’ first defeat in the Women’s Super League in 585 days.
The decisive moment came in the 12th minute when Honoka Hayashi reacted quickly at the far post to a cross from Toni Payne — steering the ball home and giving Everton the lead.
Despite dominating possession and peppering the goal — 30 shots and 18 corners by some counts — Chelsea could not find a breakthrough. Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan and a resolute their defence held firm throughout.
The loss ends Chelsea’s run of 34-match unbeaten WSL fixtures, dating back to May 2024, and marks the first league defeat under manager Sonia Bompastor.
For them— long struggling for wins this season — the result brings hope. It lifts them up in the standings and gives a confidence boost, while Chelsea now trail league leaders Manchester City Women by six points.
