What, before kick-off, was a minor blip for Chelsea devolved into full-blown crisis as they failed to break down an Everton low block.
A 1-0 home defeat marked the first game the Blues have failed to score under Sonia Bompastor and their first loss in 35 matches.
Their Twitter bio, or X if you’re that way inclined, displaying a sea of Ws and Ds, was swiftly deleted and replaced with ticket information for Chelsea vs Arsenal.
Perhaps it seems harsh to call a side unbeaten in all competitions ‘not the best’, but nevertheless, these are the standards to which we hold the reigning champions. With back-to-back draws before the international break against Barcelona and, perhaps more shockingly, Liverpool, it was hoped the hiatus would halt the poor run of form.
Alas, it did not.
It was by no means for a lack of trying. In fact, for the majority of the match, Brian Sorensen’s side found themselves with ten of the eleven players inside their own penalty box. Only Kelly Gago was left to feed on what very few scraps she was left.
The best place to start will be at the end.
When the fourth official raised his board to show five minutes of additional time, Sonia Bompastor was far from amused. Dark arts were aplenty from the Toffees, cramps, delayed goal kicks, and even an attempt to shield the ball in the corner with more than ten minutes left to play. How Courtney Brosnan avoided a booking dumbfounds me.
However, five minutes were enough for Chelsea to achieve almost everything but score. Sam Kerr had an effort cleared off the line, both Naomi Girma and Sandy Baltimore rattled the crossbar, and Brosnan clawed away a goal-bound deflection.
Whether the ball crossed the line is a tenuous matter and one that prompted Bompastor to question why goal-line technology and VAR are not employed in the WSL. Her post-match comments will likely spark
She said, “We are the most competitive league in the world, and I think the referees need that help. I think again tonight there were some controversial situations. I watched the games on the weekend, and there were also some controversial calls.
“Everywhere needs VAR and goal-line technology so it is fair for everyone.”
Chelsea were always expected to dominate possession. Everton, dwindling in ninth before the match, playing expansive football against the unbeaten champions would have been somewhat of a shock.
But the Blues played into their hands.
Sideways and backwards seemed to be the name of the game. Alyssa Thompson, Lauren James and Ellie Carpenter failed to exploit what limited space Everton presented in behind, meaning much of the play remained static and relatively easy to defend against.
At times, it looked more like a training drill than a match, but would Sorensen have been disappointed? Almost certainly not.
So, the opening proceedings unfolded as anticipated: Everton holding eleven players behind the ball while Chelsea probed for an opening. And they almost found that opening. Catarina Macario’s effort struck the upright before being whisked away from the onrushing Blues attackers by Ruby Mace.
Yet, despite their dominance, it was the Toffees who led at the break. On what was a rare foray forward for Brian Sorensen’s side, Toni Payne’s low cross was initially missed at the front post by fellow striker Kelly Gago. However, Honoka Hayashi was on hand around the back to tap in past a helpless Livia Peng.
The second half defined one-sidedness to the nth degree.
Wave after wave of Chelsea attacks were returned by Everton defenders in what became a cyclical event.
Bompastor wasn’t afraid to ring the changes; bar Thompson, the attack was entirely different from those who started.
Notably, Lauren James was hooked in the 55th minute, replaced by Sam Kerr. She was conspicuous in her absence on her return to the starting lineup; often dropping deep to receive the ball, and when she did, she failed to provide any spark.
Admittedly, there was minimal improvement after she was removed. Though Kerr found herself in scoring positions, she rather snatched at them. Perhaps if she’d been playing more regularly, she’d have buried them.
So, where do Chelsea go now?
Rivals Manchester City won 3-0 earlier in the day, extending their lead at the top to six points. Does that make them title favourites?
Well, you can never write off the Blues. After all, it was only about a year and a half ago that Emma Hayes’ Chelsea tracked down Manchester City to win their fifth consecutive title on goal difference.
Bompastor’s Chelsea certainly aren’t out of it. But one thing is definite: if they don’t learn to score, they won’t win any games.
Paul Edwards
Paul, often known as Eddie, is the cricket editor for the Sports Gazette, as well as a keen football enjoyer. As a sports freak, he can often be found ranting about how his lookalike, Lewis Hall, should be in the England squad or how Rehan Ahmed is criminally overrated. Paul publishes his projects onto Substack (@pauledwards123) as well as writing for Hampton and Richmond Borough FC. His passion for sport is palpable and he is excited for the opportunity to write about the ups and downs of high level sport. Contact him via [email protected].
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