Chelsea Women’s winning run of 13 games is over after they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Leicester Women in their final WSL game of 2024.
The Blues had swept every team aside in all competitions under Sonia Bompastor so far – including wins against Arsenal and Manchester City – but it was the relegation-threatened Foxes who proved to be their biggest test so far.
Up until the 75th minute, the Blues had mustered just one shot on target. It came in the first half as Guro Reiten pinged a shot from range off the crossbar, with the visitors often restricted to shots from outside the box by an impressive Leicester defence.
In comparison, the Foxes scored with their only shot on target as Missy Goodwin (20) gave the hosts the lead against the run of play. The forward was unmarked on the right as she turned home Asmita Ale’s cross, having come on as a substitute for Deanne Rose in the 11th minute.
Missy Goodwin celebrates after firing Leicester in front against Chelsea
As the game ticked into the final quarter, Chelsea began to show signs of their usual selves, as they desperately sought to maintain their perfect record.
They managed to achieve half of the task as Wieke Kaptein (77) thundered home from the top of the box, roaring in celebration – and a hint of frustration – afterwards.
Wieke Kaptein celebrates after equalising for Chelsea at Leicester
The 19-year-old, along with Sjoeke Nusken and Lucy Bronze, went close in some frenetic closing moments, but the visitors were on their knees at the final whistle having been unable to find another way past a determined Leicester side.
Chelsea will remain top of the WSL table heading into the winter break, but could see their lead cut to three points on Sunday. Leicester, meanwhile, add what could be a crucial point as they go above Everton on goal difference into 10th place with six points.
