Sjoeke Nusken scored a stunning late winner as Chelsea Women edged Aston Villa Women 4-3 in a dramatic Women’s Super League encounter, keeping their slim title hopes alive and strengthening their push for Champions League qualification.
The German midfielder curled in a superb first-time effort in the 82nd minute to finally break Villa’s resistance in a match packed with action and momentum swings.
Villa stunned the hosts early when Chasity Grant capitalised on a mistake by Lucy Bronze to convert a cross from Lynn Wilms inside two minutes.
Chelsea responded through Sam Kerr, who found the net after being played through by Nusken, sparking a flurry of goals.
Naomi Girma then put Chelsea ahead with a header from Lauren James’ cross, before James added a spectacular long-range strike to extend the lead.
Villa hit back quickly, however, with Kirsty Hanson scoring twice - both assisted by Wilms - to level the match before half-time in a breathless spell.
The second half was more controlled, though still tense.
Hanson nearly completed her hat-trick with a powerful effort that struck the post, highlighting Villa’s continued threat on the counter.
Chelsea gradually took control, with James orchestrating attacks, and their persistence paid off when Kerr set up Nüsken for the decisive goal late on.
Villa pushed for an equaliser, but Anna Patten was unable to convert a late chance, allowing Chelsea to hold on for all three points.
The victory lifts Chelsea back into second place and keeps their European ambitions firmly in their own hands under Sonia Bompastor.
While the league title may be slipping away, this result provides a timely boost ahead of a crucial run of fixtures, including a Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal Women and an FA Cup tie against Tottenham.
The coming days could define Chelsea’s season - but this thrilling win ensures they remain firmly in the fight.
