Everton pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the Women’s Super League season as Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne delivered the match-winning assist in a remarkable 1–0 victory over Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.
The defeat ended Chelsea’s 34-game unbeaten league run and handed manager Sonia Bompastor her first WSL loss in 18 months.
Payne Sparks Everton’s Perfect Start
The moment that defined the afternoon came early. Toni Payne drove down the right flank with characteristic pace and precision before threading an inch-perfect low cross into the box. Honoka Hayashi reacted sharply, sliding the ball into the net for a shock opener.
The goal not only stunned the home crowd but also marked Everton’s first WSL win over Chelsea since September 2013.
Chelsea, typically composed and ruthless, looked surprisingly off rhythm. Their midfield lacked sharpness, their pressing was disjointed, and their final-third decisions were uncharacteristically poor.
At the other end, Everton’s structure was resolute. Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan delivered a commanding performance, while centre-back Ruby Mace marshalled the backline with maturity well beyond her years.
Chelsea Throw Everything Forward
The second half brought a reaction from Chelsea, especially with the introduction of Sam Kerr, whose movement and presence injected urgency. But the finishing simply wasn’t there.
Chelsea came inches away when a Sandy Baltimore corner ricocheted off an Everton player and hit the post, triggering a desperate scramble that somehow stayed out.
Deep into stoppage time, Chelsea believed they had equalized, only for an Everton defender to clear the ball off the line. Moments later, Wieke Kaptein headed onto the crossbar for Chelsea’s second woodwork hit of the day.
Despite unleashing:
- 28 shots,
- 61 touches inside Everton’s penalty area, and
- 18 corners,
Chelsea walked away empty-handed.
An Everton Masterclass
Tactically, Everton was flawless. Their discipline, compact defensive shape, and commitment to the game plan never wavered. They absorbed pressure intelligently, won key duels, and maintained composure even during Chelsea’s fiercest waves of attack.
For Chelsea, this was a performance defined by wasted chances. Even Sam Kerr, usually clinical, scuffed a one-on-one opportunity that could have changed the game’s trajectory.
The champions now face an uphill battle in the title race. With the loss, Chelsea sit six points behind Manchester City after 10 rounds of fixtures, raising real questions about their push for a seventh consecutive league crown.
This result also marks Chelsea’s first league defeat since a 4–3 thriller against Liverpool in May 2024.
What’s Next
Chelsea vs. Roma—UEFA Women’s Champions League, Wednesday, 20:00 GMT
Everton vs. Arsenal—WSL, Saturday, 12:00 GMT
