- Chelsea snatch all three points in dramatic late win over Everton at Kingsmeadow
- Chelsea star Lauren James struck from 25 yards out to seal the win
- Everton took surprise win, before Mayra Ramirez found the equaliser
- Chelsea WFC now seven points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) table
Lauren James’ Injury-Time Goal Secures Chelsea’s Victory Against Everton
For fans at Kingsmeadow last night there was an unfamiliar and gut-wrenching panic that the club were, for only the second time this season, about to drop points.
A draw seemed inevitable. That was until academy-produced Chelsea star Lauren James stepped up.
The England international is no stranger to displaying her immense talent and last night saw a long-range effort nestle into the back of the net, securing all three points for the Blues and widening the gap at the top of the Women’s Super League table.
Chelsea dominated much of the match, but as the first half flew by they had nothing to show for it.
TAKE A BOW 😲
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) February 16, 2025
A moment of sheer magic from @ChelseaFCW 's Lauren James 🪄#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/b7avcsfBMb
Just six minutes into the second half, Everton took the shock lead through Kelly Gago, but 11 minutes later Mayra Ramirez found the equaliser.
A pass into the box from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was scooped up by Ramirez who was allowed to turn and place the ball low past the Everton goalkeeper.
Aggie Beever-Jones got hearts racing with several shots hitting the woodwork as the clock ticked on but you’d be forgiven to have thought Chelsea was about to walk away with a mere point in their pocket.
If Chelsea WFC had dropped points it would’ve been just the second time under Sonia Bompastor’s reign. The French boss took over from Emma Hayes at the start of the 2024/25 season. A 1-1 draw at Leicester in December is the only blip in an otherwise spectacular season (so far).
But there’s a reason Chelsea are serial winners. There’s a reason why Lauren James is ahead of the game. With just a handful of minutes left on the clock, from 25 yards out, James struck a low and powerful ball into the bottom corner to snatch all three points.
Not all plain-sailing as Chelsea look laboured
Despite moments of individual brilliance, Sunday’s match was, for long stretches, dull, laboured and uninspiring. For all the possession and near misses, the attacks offered little creativity and became a little predictable—long balls sent into the box.
The Blues were far from at their best, with key players such as Keira Walsh struggling to play through Everton’s midfield and the team struggling to hit the target.
But that’s what separates Chelsea from the rest. Despite the scrappiness, they found a way to take all three points.
With Sam Kerr set to return to club football soon, Lauren James easing her way back into the squad following an injury and the arrival of Keira Walsh and Naomi Girma, Chelsea have plenty to look forward to across the WSL and Champions League.
The late comeback means Chelsea have put distance between themselves at the top of the table and second-place Manchester United (7 points).
The Blues remain unbeaten across all competitions (24 matches) so far.
An international break now looms, the Women’s Super League is back in action on Sunday, March 2 where Chelsea will take on Brighton.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor
Speaking after the match, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor spoke of the talent that is Lauren James.
“In football I’ve seen a lot of really talented players – I’ve played with some of them, I’ve coached some of them – but I think I have to say I’m really impressed with [Lauren James] because what she does on the pitch when she has the ball is incredible,” said Bompastor.
“I’m really pleased because we started this season talking together and I told her that I really wanted her to be impactful for the team.”
“Today I think if she was not on the pitch we probably could not have won the game,” added Bompastor. “The talent is really helpful in that situation.
“She could show her talent with the ball, but also she works really hard for the team and I think that’s something really good.
“As a player I think her team-mates also value that and I think that’s really important.”