Aston Villa end Chelsea losing run with historic WSL draw
Aston Villa secured their first WSL point against Chelsea after Veerle Buurman’s own goal and a late save from debutant Akane Okuma produced a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa came from behind to draw 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, ending a run of 12 successive league defeats against their opponents.
According to Sky Sports’ match report, Lauren James put Chelsea ahead in the 11th minute after capitalising on an error in the Villa defence and finishing into the roof of the net.
Chelsea controlled much of the opening half and went close to extending their lead. Akane Okuma denied Aggie Beever-Jones, while Keira Walsh struck the underside of the crossbar with a long-range effort.
Villa improved after the interval but missed an opportunity through Amalie Vangsgaard, who fired narrowly wide from Chasity Grant’s cross.
The visitors equalised in the 79th minute after a mix-up in the Chelsea penalty area. Noelle Maritz’s close-range effort deflected off Veerle Buurman and into the net for an own goal.
Chelsea pressed for a winner late on, but Okuma produced a reaction save to turn James’ close-range effort over the crossbar. The draw came in Chelsea’s first league match since Stamford Bridge became their permanent home, as they began their bid to reclaim the WSL title with a point.
