Chelsea required the help of super-sub Sandy Baltimore to avoid a first-ever defeat to Crystal Palace as they came from behind to win 3-1 at the 360 Engage Stadium.
The Blues dominated from the opening stages, having two efforts cleared off the line and forcing Pauline Payraud-Magnin into a smart double save inside the first 15 minutes. They were punished for not taking their chances, as Molly Bartrip bundled home from a corner to score Palace's first goal against Chelsea in eight games between the two teams.
Team news
Sonia Bompastor opted to leave out Lauren James and Keira Walsh from her squad with Chelsea's Champions League clash with Roma in midweek in mind.
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Erin Cuthbert and Baltimore were introduced at the break and from then on Chelsea were in control. They equalised in stunning fashion as Melvine Malard, moments after missing an opening goal, unleashed a strike from 25 yards that left Payraud-Magnin stranded.
Malard completed the comeback, heading home after a brilliant Baltimore run that saw her beat three Palace defenders before delivering. Baltimore then got her name on the scoresheet with a late penalty to seal the points.
The win means Chelsea temporarily go top of the WSL table ahead of Manchester City's trip to Manchester United.
Key moments from the 360 Engage Stadium...
9: OFF THE LINE! Swaby clears Bronze's header off the line.
14: DOUBLE SAVE AND OFF THE LINE! Hamano and Malard denied by a combination of Peyraud-Magnin and Everett.
20: GOAL! Bartrip hands Palace lead with club's first-ever goal against Chelsea.
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30: SAVE! Peyraud-Magnin equal to Nusken's effort.
35: OVER! Bronze can't keep free header from corner down.
50: MALARD MISSES AN OPEN GOAL! The former Man Utd striker fluffs her lines after initial shot is saved.
51: GOAL! Moments after missing the open goal, Malard scores a screamer to level.
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60: OVER! England misses huge chance to restore Palace lead.
75: GOAL! Baltimore's brilliant work sets up Malard's second.
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87: POST! Nusken hits one on the bounce from the edge of the area and it cannons back off the post.
90: GOAL! Baltimore converts late penalty.
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