Updated / Sunday, 25 Oct 2026 18:04
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Katie McCabe (r) played her part for the Blues in what is her first season for Chelsea since joining from rivals Arsenal
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe was credited with an assist as **Chelsea** went top of the Women's Super League table after coming from behind to beat **Crystal Palace** 3-1 at the 360 Engage Stadium.
Sonia Bompastor’s side looked to be in trouble when former Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip scored for newly-promoted Palace after 20 minutes, finishing at the far post from Fuka Tsunoda’s pass.
It was the first time Chelsea had trailed all season and they struck back in the second half with two Melvine Malard goals, the first a bullet effort set up by McCabe via a throw in to bring the them level then a header from Sandy Baltimore’s cross.
Baltimore made it three from the penalty spot in the 90th minute as the visitors moved a point clear of Manchester City ahead of Sunday evening’s Manchester derby.
**London City Lionesses** stayed third after drawing 2-2 away against **Liverpool**, though the visitors were denied all three points by a stoppage-time own goal from Jana Fernandez.
Freya Godfrey had equalised in the 22nd minute after Beata Olson’s penalty had put Liverpool into an early lead.
Kadidiatou Diani put London City ahead before half-time after a wayward header back to her goalkeeper by Alejandra Bernabe, but Fernandez stuck Cornelia Kapocs’ cross into her own net at the death.
**Aston Villa** moved level on points with **Everton** after winning 3-2 at Goodison Park, Amalia Vangsgaard’s double putting Villa three up after Noelle Maritz’s early goal, before the hosts made it a nervy finish with two late goals.
**Birmingham** won for the first time this season thanks to Wilma Leidhammar’s effort midway through the second half to see off **Charlton** 1-0.