A lot-changed Chelsea dropped factors for the third time this season after being held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by battling West Ham.
Solely two different sides have denied the reigning champions most factors this time period – Leicester and Brighton – however the Hammers are the primary to take action on Chelsea turf, regardless of discovering themselves two down after an electrical first 20 minutes.
Maika Hamano – considered one of seven modifications – opened the scoring with a cultured swivel and strike within the sixteenth minute earlier than Aggie Beever-Jones struck a second with the skin of her boot as Chelsea tore by means of West Ham’s ineffective low block.
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Targets from Maika Hamano and Aggie Beever-Jones gave Chelsea an early lead
Spectacular as they had been on the prime finish, although, questions had been requested defensively when captain Millie Brilliant allowed a cross to drift over her head, providing Shekiera Martinez the prospect to scale back the deficit earlier than half time. The Hammers spent lengthy intervals struggling with out the ball however stayed aggressive, registering extra pictures on course than their hosts. An equaliser felt warranted.
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West Ham’s Shekiera Martinez smashed in a volley to make it 2-1
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Martinez scored late on however the striker appeared to be in an offside place within the build-up
Verena Hanshaw then drew a fingertip save from Hannah Hampton as Rehanne Skinner’s facet refused to offer in earlier than making good on their risk by snatching a stoppage-time leveller by way of the top of Martinez.
It is the primary time since February 2018 that Chelsea have surrendered a two-goal benefit as their season-long profitable streak at Kingsmeadow involves an finish, and cuts their lead on the prime of the desk to 6 factors after second-placed Arsenal hammered Crystal Palace 4-0 earlier on Sunday.
“I thought West Ham were brilliant,” mentioned Sky Sports activities’ Izzy Christensen. “They remained competitive throughout and challenged Chelsea’s ability to physically and emotionally attach themselves to this fixture.”
Bompastor: Rivals want to be in our place
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor:
“We had a really dominant first half, especially the first 30 minutes. We created a lot of opportunities, we should have scored more than two goals in the first half. But we didn’t and after, we allowed West Ham to score from a throw-in, which isn’t good from us.
“The efficiency within the second half wasn’t adequate for us to get a greater end result. This block [of games] has been loopy. We have performed so many video games – eight video games in 28 days, we have travelled loads, performed intense video games – it is all the time tough with this fast turnaround to have all of the vitality.
“But it’s not an excuse. We have the depth and the quality in the squad to finish this block with a better result. But sometimes it happens when you’re not clinical enough.
“We additionally conceded too many conditions defensively, however whenever you take a look at the larger image, there’s 4 video games left, we’re six factors clear and in a extremely good place. Groups will want to be in our place.”
Skinner praises Hammers’ resilience
West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner:
“It is the primary time we have had some extent off Chelsea. We labored extremely onerous and we brought about them issues on the finish. I am delighted with the character and the way the crew went in regards to the sport.
“We probably want to forget the first 20 minutes or so but we grew into it after that.
“The squad depth has improved and it is that ‘by no means say die’ angle throughout the crew. The assumption and confidence within the crew has grown a lot based mostly on the best way we’re taking part in. The character within the crew will get us to the purpose the place we all know we are able to get one thing out of it.”
