Chelsea reignited their Women’s Super League title ambitions with a dramatic 4–3 victory over Aston Villa, sealed by a late winner from Sjoeke Nüsken in a pulsating encounter at Kingsmeadow.
The Blues appeared to be heading for another damaging setback after surrendering a two-goal lead in a chaotic first half, but Nüsken’s decisive intervention eight minutes from time ensured all three points and lifted Chelsea back into second place. While they remain nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City, the result keeps their mathematical hopes alive.
Villa stunned the hosts with an early breakthrough inside two minutes, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Lucy Bronze was dispossessed by Chasity Grant, who combined effectively with Lynn Wilms before arriving at the near post to convert the return cross past Hannah Hampton.
Chelsea responded in the 20th minute as Sam Kerr, recently back from international duty with Australia, finished clinically after being played through by Nüsken. The momentum quickly swung in the home side’s favour, with two goals in seven minutes turning the game on its head.
Naomi Girma netted her first WSL goal by turning in a Lauren James cross, before James herself extended the lead with a powerful long-range effort—adding to her midweek goal in the Champions League defeat to Arsenal.
However, Villa refused to back down in a breathless first half. Wilms continued to be a threat from wide areas, supplying a cross that Kirsty Hanson converted by getting ahead of Bronze. Moments later, Hanson struck again after a loose ball fell kindly to her in the box, bringing the visitors level in a remarkable six-goal opening 35 minutes.
Chelsea regained control after the break and created several chances to restore their lead. Alyssa Thompson came closest but missed a clear opportunity, heading over from close range.
The decisive moment eventually arrived late on when Ellie Carpenter won possession in midfield and linked up with Kerr. The Australian forward set up Nüsken, who calmly fired a first-time shot into the corner to seal a crucial victory.
The result not only restores Chelsea’s position near the top of the table but also provides a timely boost as they look to salvage their domestic campaign.