Much-changed Chelsea dropped points for the second time this season after being held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by battling West Ham.
The Blues remain unbeaten in the league, with their only other blip on an otherwise perfect WSL record coming against Leicester back in December, and looked on course for a 16th win after an electric first 20 minutes.
Maika Hamano – one of seven changes – opened the scoring with a cultured swivel and strike in the 16th minute before Aggie Beever-Jones struck a second with the outside of her boot as Chelsea tore through West Ham’s ineffective low block.
Impressive as they were at the top end, though, questions were asked defensively when captain Millie Bright allowed a cross to float over her head, offering Shekiera Martinez the chance to reduce the deficit before half time. The Hammers spent long periods suffering without the ball but stayed competitive, registering more shots on target than their hosts. An equaliser felt warranted.
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Goals from Maika Hamano and Aggie Beever-Jones gave Chelsea an early lead
Verena Hanshaw then drew a fingertip save from Hannah Hampton as Rehanne Skinner’s side refused to give in before making good on their threat by snatching a stoppage-time leveller via the head of Martinez. It’s the first time since February 2018 that Chelsea have surrendered a two-goal lead.
More to follow…
