Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at the 360 Engage Stadium, preserving their unbeaten record against Palace and moving temporarily top of the Women’s Super League.
Palace took the lead against the run of play through Molly Bartrip, who bundled the ball home from a corner in the 20th minute. It was the club’s first goal against Chelsea in eight meetings.
Chelsea had threatened repeatedly before then. Millie Bright’s header was cleared off the line, while Pauline Peyraud-Magnin made a sharp double save to deny both Maika Hamano and Melvine Malard.
Sonia Bompastor had left Lauren James and Keira Walsh out of the squad with Chelsea’s Champions League meeting with Roma in midweek in mind. Erin Cuthbert and Sandy Baltimore were brought on at half-time, changing the course of the contest.
Malard missed an excellent opportunity shortly after the interval when her initial effort was saved and she failed to convert the rebound. The forward responded almost immediately, collecting the ball 25 yards from goal and sending a powerful strike beyond the stranded Peyraud-Magnin.
Palace briefly threatened to regain the advantage, with England missing a significant chance in the 60th minute. Chelsea then completed the turnaround after Baltimore weaved past three defenders before delivering for Malard to head in her second goal.
Chelsea continued to press for a decisive third. Nusken struck the post with a bouncing effort from the edge of the area before Baltimore sealed the points from a late penalty.
The result leaves Chelsea at the summit for now, ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Manchester United.
