Payne Assist Hands Chelsea First Defeat of the Season

Everton’s Toni Payne played a key role as her precise early assist helped the Toffees beat Chelsea 1–0 in the Women’s Super League, ending the Blues’ long unbeaten run. Payne set up Honoka Hayashi inside the first 10 minutes with a well-placed pass that became the match-winner.

The defeat was Chelsea’s first in the WSL since May 2024, while the victory continued Everton’s growing momentum after last weekend’s win. Payne, who now has three goal contributions this season, has been in strong form. She had “scored and provided an assist” in Everton’s previous match and was substituted in the 67th minute after another influential display.

The result lifted Brian Sørensen’s side to ninth place, giving them confidence ahead of a tough run of fixtures, including their next match against Arsenal. Chelsea, meanwhile, will need to recover quickly after their unexpected setback.