Chelsea top the WSL after narrow win against the Foxes at Kingsmeadow

Chelsea Women moved to the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table after an early goal from Aggie Beever-Jones at Kingsmeadow.

Beever-Jones struck in the 7th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and firing a right-footed effort high into the net. It was her seventh of the campaign, underlining her status as Chelsea’s most prolific forward this season. 

The Blues had lost just one of their previous forty-nine home league matches (forty-six wins, two draws) and extended their unbeaten WSL run to twenty-eight games, their last defeat coming against Liverpool in May 2024. 

They also boast the best head-to-head record in the league, scoring thirty-eight goals in eight meetings with Leicester City Women — an average of 4.8 per game.

Leicester City came into the match hoping to win consecutive WSL games for the first time since 2023. 

After a heavy opening-day defeat to Manchester United, they steadied themselves with a narrow win over Liverpool and looked for back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in the topflight. 

However, the Foxes had gone seventeen away league games without victory (five draws, twelve defeats).

A tribute to Matt Beard

Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held for former Liverpool and Burnley manager Matt Beard, who passed away at the age of forty-seven. Supporters also applauded and chanted his name in the 47th minute in tribute.

Beard was a well-respected member of the women’s football community, who impacted the game significantly. Both Chelsea and Leicester City paid their respects, alongside all their fans in the stands.

First Half

Chelsea started brightly, pressing high with their 3-4-2-1 formation. Beever-Jones, already on the scoresheet, continued to cause problems leading the line.

Leicester had threatened briefly before the goal, with a free kick in the opening minutes, but Chelsea soon took control with more than 60% possession. 

Janina Leitzig kept the Foxes alive, saving from Erin Cuthbert and denying a close-range effort just before half-time.

Chelsea created further chances through Beever-Jones and Sandy Baltimore, but Leicester defended resiliently to survive until the break. Their attack, however, looked inconsistent and rarely tested Chelsea’s back line.

Second half 

Leicester began the second half on the front foot, pressing Chelsea’s defence and creating chances, but again lacked the final touch. 

Chelsea responded with waves of pressure but were frustrated by Leitzig and some wayward finishing — including an overhead strike that cleared the bar in the 54th minute.

The return of Sam Kerr gave Chelsea another option in attack, adding movement and pace. Beever-Jones continued to threaten before being replaced in the 86th minute by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. 

Leicester made late changes of their own but could not break through Chelsea’s defensive unit, led by Captain, Millie Bright and Nathalie Björn.

After six minutes of added time, Chelsea held on for a narrow 1–0 win that sent them top of the table. The Foxes put up a good fight away against the WSL Champions. However, Sonia Bompastor’s Blues edged the three points.