Chelsea celebrated their first win in three matches after overcoming Tottenham 1–0 in the Women’s Super League at Kingsmeadow. The reigning champions, frustrated by recent draws against Manchester United and Twente, finally broke through thanks to a brilliant second-half strike from Keira Walsh — her first goal for the club and her first league goal since 2021.
Early dominance without reward
Chelsea dictated the tempo from the start. Record signing Alyssa Thompson fired narrowly wide from the left, while Nathalie Bjorn headed off target from the first of 13 corners in a dominant opening half. Despite creating chance after chance, the hosts again struggled to convert. Their best opportunity came when Wieke Kaptein failed to meet Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross while unmarked in front of goal.
After the break, Thompson forced Spurs keeper Lize Kop into a sharp save before Ellie Carpenter’s long-range strike flew just over. When Walsh’s right-footed effort from distance finally found the bottom corner, it was Chelsea’s 23rd attempt of the match. The victory pushed the Blues to 16 points from six games, keeping them top of the table. Tottenham remain four points behind.
Chelsea’s hard-fought response
Sometimes, winning ugly is all that matters — and Chelsea did exactly that. Sonia Bompastor’s team delivered a gritty performance rather than their usual fluent display, but it was enough to get them back on track after recent stumbles in the league and Europe.
The champions dominated with 67% possession and fired 27 shots, but only four hit the target. Once again, their finishing lacked sharpness in the final third. Still, their resilience extended their unbeaten league run to 31 games — equalling the second-longest streak in Women’s Super League history, previously held by Manchester City between 2015 and 2017.
Chelsea will aim to break their own record of 33 unbeaten games next month, with upcoming fixtures against London City Lionesses, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Bronze returns as Blues grind out win
There was another reason to celebrate as Lucy Bronze returned from injury for a late cameo, her first appearance since the Euro 2025 final. The England defender revealed she had played through that tournament with a fractured leg. Her return added composure to Chelsea’s closing minutes.
Though the champions lacked their usual flair, this victory reminded everyone why they have lifted the league trophy for six straight seasons.
Spurs show progress despite defeat
Tottenham’s fans can still take pride in their team’s development, even after this defeat. Before the season began, few expected Spurs to sit within touching distance of the champions. Under new coach Martin Ho, they have made a rapid start — winning four of their first six games and showing organisation and belief that were missing last year.
Last season, Tottenham managed only five league wins. The improvement has been dramatic. Against Chelsea, they again displayed discipline and structure. Despite being pinned deep for most of the match and conceding 15 shots and 13 corners in the first half, they restricted the hosts to few clear chances.
Ultimately, Walsh’s moment of brilliance broke their resistance. She slipped free from Spurs captain Bethany England and drove her shot low into the corner.
Spurs’ journey continues
This defeat showed Tottenham how far they have come — and how far they still must go to challenge the league’s elite. But the signs under Ho are promising. The team’s spirit and defensive organisation mark a clear step forward from last season’s struggles.
What’s next
Chelsea return to Champions League action on Wednesday, 15 October, hosting Paris FC at Stamford Bridge as they search for their first European win of the campaign. Tottenham will face Birmingham City on Sunday, 19 October, in their second Women’s League Cup Group E match.
