Baltimore winner lifts Chelsea above ten-player Manchester City in WSL

Chelsea moved to the top of the Women's Super League with a 1-0 win over champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 14 November 2026, courtesy of a Sandy Baltimore goal. The result leaves them a point clear of City.

Baltimore decides it

Chelsea were the better side in the first half, with Ellie Carpenter, Melvine Malard and Alyssa Thompson all going close, according to Sky Sports. The breakthrough came from Baltimore, who finished fiercely from inside the box.

BBC Sport says the goal came on the stroke of half-time, while Sky Sports' match listing gives the 49th minute. Either way, it proved the only goal of the game.

Both outlets felt Chelsea deserved the lead, with BBC Sport noting they had already missed several chances.

City reduced to ten

City had their moments. Khadija Shaw hooked the ball over Hannah Hampton, while Lauren Hemp missed the ball completely from a yard out with the goal empty, according to Sky Sports.

The game changed when City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita rushed out of her area, missed the ball and brought down Thompson. She was shown a straight red card, listed by Sky Sports as coming in the 75th minute. BBC Sport says the dismissal ended City's hopes of a comeback.

Aggie Beever-Jones, who BBC Sport says replaced the injured Malard after 35 minutes, hit the woodwork. Sky Sports reports her free kick cannoned off the bar, and that it could have been worse for City.

Title race tightens

The defeat is City's first of the season, ending their unbeaten run. Chelsea have yet to lose this season, BBC Sport reports.

Sky Sports notes City had rescued six points from losing positions this season but could not do so here.

Third-placed London City Lionesses could go four points off the top if they beat Arsenal on Sunday, a game live on Sky Sports.

Can Chelsea hold on to top spot, or will City bounce back quickly?