Chelsea draws with Aston Villa in Women's Super League opening match
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 3:36 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Chelsea drew 1-1 against Aston Villa in their Women's Super League opener at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Lauren James opened the scoring for the hosts in the 11th minute, but a late own goal by Veerle Buurman denied Chelsea the win. Despite controlling the match with 34 shot attempts and 57 touches in the opposition penalty area, the home side failed to convert their opportunities. Manager Sonia Bompastor cited a lack of clinical finishing and an inability to sustain offensive momentum as the primary causes for the dropped points. The result leaves Chelsea searching for improved efficiency as they look toward their next match.
- •Chelsea recorded 34 shots against Aston Villa, their highest total since the start of last season.
- •Lauren James scored the lone goal for Chelsea in the 11th minute.
- •Veerle Buurman conceded a late own goal after a ricochet off goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
- •Chelsea played without forwards Melvine Malard and Mayra Ramirez due to injuries.
- 3:36 PMYahoo Sports — New season, same flaw - Chelsea title hopes already under scrutiny
- 3:27 PMBBC Sport — New season, same flaw - Chelsea title hopes already under scrutiny
- 3:27 PMBBC News — Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa: Blues' WSL title hopes already under scrutiny - bbc.com
"With 11 minutes remaining, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory in their WSL opener against Aston Villa. So how did they throw it away?
"With 11 minutes remaining, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory in their WSL opener against Aston Villa. So how did they throw it away?
"With 11 minutes remaining, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory in their WSL opener against Aston Villa. So how did they throw it away?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 3:36 PMNew season, same flaw - Chelsea title hopes already under scrutiny
With 11 minutes remaining, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory in their WSL opener against Aston Villa. So how did they throw it away?
- BBC SportSep 5, 2026, 3:27 PMNew season, same flaw - Chelsea title hopes already under scrutiny
With 11 minutes remaining, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory in their WSL opener against Aston Villa. So how did they throw it away?
- BBC NewsSep 5, 2026, 3:27 PMChelsea 1-1 Aston Villa: Blues' WSL title hopes already under scrutiny - bbc.com
With 11 minutes remaining, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory in their WSL opener against Aston Villa. So how did they throw it away?
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