Chelsea squeezes past Aston Villa and keeps their faint hopes of the WSL title alive

Reigning champions Chelsea needed a late goal from Sjoeke Nuesken to beat Aston Villa on Sunday and eventually won 4-3 at home to Kingsmeadow to keep alive their very faint hopes of a seventh WSL title in a row.

The win moves Chelsea into second place with 40 points, nine behind leaders Manchester City, with both sides having played 19 of their 22 league games.

While still having a theoretical chance of winning the league, Chelsea would need to win their remaining three games while City, who have dropped just seven points, would lose all their points.

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Those title hopes seemed to disappear completely against Villa when the visitor took an early lead through Chasity Grant, but three goals in eight minutes from Sam Kerr, Naomi Girma and Lauren James put Chelsea back in control.

However, Chelsea’s defensive shortcomings this season were once again exposed as Villa fought back to level terms thanks to two quick goals from Kirsty Hanson. Nuesken’s brilliant winner in the 82nd minute finally got the home team over the line.

In the day’s remaining matches, West Ham United were held to a 1-1 draw at home by London City Lionesses, while bottom side Leicester City take on Brighton & Hove Albion later on Sunday.

Published on March 29, 2026