Australia skipper Sam Kerr came on as a substitute in Chelsea's upset defeat to Everton. -EPA
Chelsea's reign of invincibility came to an end as Everton delivered a 1-0 upset to Matildas star Sam Kerr's side in the English Women's Super League, ending their 34-game unbeaten run.
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The champions had not tasted defeat in the league since May 2024 but saw their 585-day unbeaten streak snapped by Japan's Honoka Hayashi's winner, despite an improvement in the second half when Australia captain Kerr was introduced as a second-half substitute.
The defeat was their first WSL loss since the closing stages of the 2023-24 campaign and marked the end of an era for Chelsea, who won last season's title without losing a game.
For Everton, for whom Kerr's Matildas team-mate Clare Wheeler featured, it was a second victory of the season as they moved up to ninth while it was Sonia Bompastor's first WSL loss as Chelsea coach after she took over from Emma Hayes last season.
The result also leaves Chelsea trailing leaders Manchester City by six points after 10 games.
City are on 27 points after they earlier beat Leicester City 3-0 with three late goals, including a double and an assist from Bunny Shaw.
