Everton held title-chasing Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in the WSL at Kingsmeadow.
A Lucy Bronze own goal cancelled out Sandy Baltimore’s 28th-minute opener, as the Toffees produced a disciplined defensive display to earn a valuable point on the road.
Everton’s defensive resolve was tested early on, as Hannah Blundell produced an excellent block to deny Baltimore’s attempted cross into the box following a dangerous switch of play.
Blundell was called upon again midway through the half, making a crucial goal-line clearance after Ellie Carpenter threaded a threatening ball towards Wieke Kaptein. Her effort looked destined for the net, but the defender’s intervention kept the scores level.
Five minutes later, however, Everton were unable to prevent Chelsea from breaking the deadlock. A corner routine saw Lucy Bronze pick up the ball at the back post before pinging it back across the box, where Baltimore headed home from close range.
The visitors responded almost immediately, restoring parity in the 33rd minute through a Yuka Momiki delivery which caused confusion in the Chelsea defence, with Bronze inadvertently turning the ball into her own net.
Bronze came close to making amends moments later, but her effort rattled the crossbar as Chelsea looked to restore their advantage.
It was Everton who finished the half on the front foot, though, as Momiki threatened to turn the game around. Receiving the ball from Vignola, the Japanese international drove infield from the right, weaving past Chelsea defenders before seeing her effort sail narrowly over the crossbar
The Toffees continued to pose a threat after the restart, with Hikaru Kitagawa delivering a inviting ball into the box towards Maz Pacheco, but the defender was unable to direct her effort on target.
Courtney Brosnan ensured Everton took something home from Kingsmeadow in the closing stages, reacting sharply to gather Keira Walsh’s effort after Alyssa Thompson drove a dangerous ball across the penalty area.
Everton now turn their attention to the Women’s League Cup, as they look to maintain their perfect record when they welcome Durham to Goodison Park.
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