Chelsea’s hopes for clinching the WSL title are teetering precariously after Gemma Bonner’s electrifying injury-time goal secured Liverpool a breathtaking 4-3 victory, marking it as one of the standout matches of the season. This result has shifted the momentum in the title race firmly in favor of Manchester City. Emma Hayes’ team, having recently suffered eliminations from three other cup competitions, were eager to provide a fitting farewell for their departing manager with a trophy. Initially, they seemed poised for success as Aggie Beever-Jones nodded in an early ninth-minute goal.
However, Liverpool seized control of the match thereafter. Two goals, first from Sophie Roman Haug in the 51st minute and then an own goal by Erin Cuthbert in the 66th minute, both originating from corner kicks, completely shifted the momentum of the game. The final ten minutes were a whirlwind of action, with Aggie Beever-Jones smashing in an equalizer in the 80th minute. However, the Chelsea defense faltered, allowing substitute Leanne Kiernan to swiftly restore Liverpool’s lead just 60 seconds later.
Catarina Macario then hammered in an equalizer in the 83rd minute, which ultimately was credited as a Teagan Micah own goal, offering Chelsea a glimmer of hope in the title race.
However, in her 150th appearance for Liverpool and facing her former team, Bonner nodded the ball into the far corner in the third minute of stoppage time, sealing a thrilling match. Chelsea had missed several opportunities before the final whistle.
This outcome leaves Chelsea trailing leaders City by six points with only one game in hand and a significantly inferior goal difference. Despite this, City will face Arsenal in their upcoming match, leaving Emma Hayes reliant on Arsenal and their manager Jonas Eidevall, with whom she had clashed in the Continental Cup final back in March, to do them a title-deciding favor.
Despite the upcoming fixtures, Hayes expressed her belief that the title race has concluded, stating to Sky Sports after the match: “I have cherished memories of this football club, and we’ve celebrated many victories. I would love nothing more than to secure titles once again for Chelsea. However, regrettably, that won’t be happening this year.
“We will never relent in our efforts, but the championship is beyond our reach. It’s out of our control. City deserves it; their unwavering performance has earned them this position. We will continue to fight until the end, but I don’t foresee the title coming our way this season.”
