Chelsea ended their four-game winless streak in the Women’s Super League with a comfortable 3-0 away victory against Brighton.
A stunning individual goal from Sandy Baltimore in the 42nd minute rewarded Chelsea’s first-half dominance, before a Caitlin Hayes own-goal and an Alyssa Thompson strike put the game beyond Brighton.
Chelsea came into the match following a first WSL defeat in 34 games and three consecutive draws before that, leaving the defending champions six points behind league leaders Manchester City.
Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley – standing in for Chiamaka Nnadozie who had a concussion – frustrated Chelsea by tipping a Baltimore volley over the crossbar before blocking Thompson’s diving header, while Keira Walsh hit the post with a long-range drive.
But French winger Baltimore showed her quality when she drove forwards on the left flank, cut inside past a defender and curled a right-footed shot into the far top corner.
Sonia Bompastor brought on Sam Kerr at the break and the Australian striker had a near-instant impact – it was her lurking presence in the box that left Brighton defender Hayes with no choice but to head into her own goal from a driven Erin Cuthbert cross.
Chelsea looked their old selves from that point on as Wieke Kaptein then Kerr forced Baggaley into smart saves in quick succession.
Brighton boss Dario Vidosic brought on former Chelsea forward Fran Kirby in the second half, but the hosts could not find a way back into the contest.
Thompson wrapped up victory in the 73rd minute by converting first-time from Kerr’s low cross, her third goal in her past four WSL outings.
Chelsea leapfrog Arsenal into second place in the table but remain six points behind leaders Manchester City, who beat Aston Villa 6-1 on Sunday. Brighton remain seventh with 14 points.
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