On Sunday, Everton shocked the world when they stunned Chelsea in the Women’s Super League. Honoka Hayashi served up the winning blow with a lethal kick just 12 minutes into the match. This win is an especially big deal for Everton. They even managed to take all three points against a high-flying Boston Breakers side that had started the season with a bang! Despite Chelsea’s offensive pressure throughout the game, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, leaving them frustrated and ultimately defeated.
Hayashi’s goal was completely against the flow of the match, stunning everyone inside Chelsea’s home ground. That Japanese forward scored the first of his four goals early, handing Everton the lead and never looking back. Chelsea pushed back with a few close opportunities to level the match but could not find their goalscoring touch, coming up empty handed. A late chance was scuffed off the line in what was a recurring theme of pressure not turning into a goalscoring opportunity for Chelsea.
Dramatic Moments in the Match
That tie had so many key moments that would have swung it in a different direction. This corner kick from Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore led directly to the first goal. One last effort nearly drew us level as an Everton defender deflected the ball onto the post! Thompson was unlucky not to score herself, coming within a whisker of the target with an effort that went only inches wide of the right-hand post. Chelsea were persistent and left everything on the pitch, but they just could not find that final product. Everton’s keeper, Karen Brossan, and defender, Martina Fernandez, combined efforts to miraculously clear the ball off the line.
For their part, Everton’s defense came out tough and gritty. Buoyed by their blistering form, they recorded a famous victory over Chelsea – perennial title challengers and one of the WSL’s global super-clubs. This victory not only raises Everton’s spirits but confirms their status as genuine challengers at league.
Manchester City Strengthens Their Lead
Everton rejoiced in their success more jubilantly than most. Elsewhere, Manchester City reaffirmed their stranglehold on the top of the table in the Women’s Super League with a 3-0 victory against Leicester City. Bunny Shaw was the final piece of the puzzle at City and led them to glory. She netted both late goals that won them their place atop the league table.
Manchester City’s victory marked their ninth win in ten league games this season, setting a record for their best-ever start to a WSL campaign. That uncompromising performance has taken them six points clear at the top of the table. This accomplishment has only served to strengthen their current choke-hold on the league.
Other Key Results in the WSL
Later that Wednesday, Brighton celebrated their fourth league victory of the season. In the final, they edged out London City Lionesses 1-0, with Kiko Seike firing home the only goal of the game early on. This win adds to Brighton’s increasing momentum under De Zerbi, as they continue their push for a finish in the league top half or better.
At the other end of the table, Manchester United moved back into the top three, beating West Ham 2-1 at Leigh Sports Village. Dominique Janssen’s second-half winner would go on to be crucial for United’s hopes this season. Tottenham Hotspur joined them on points, overtaking fourth-placed Arsenal on goal difference. Olivia Holdt’s stoppage-time effort capped a brilliant 2-1 win over ten-player Aston Villa.
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