Chelsea Women battled to a 2-2 draw against Brighton Women in the WSL, in which Lauren James’ equaliser looked to be offside.
The England international levelled for Chelsea in the 61st minute, with Brighton having gone into the break 2-1 ahead.
She appeared to be offside as Mayra Ramirez’s shot was well-saved by goalkeeper Melina Loeck, but it was not spotted by the officials. James slotted home the rebound, and with no VAR the goal stood.
Chelsea equalise against Brighton in their WSL clash as Lauren James scores a rebound from an offside position that isn’t spotted by the match officials.
It sparked a better second-half showing from Chelsea, who were dominated by Brighton – who are unbeaten at home in the WSL this season – in the opening 45 minutes.
But the Blues did take the early lead with their first shot. James showed some quick feet to send in her cross, with Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd’s skewed header finding Baltimore just behind. She then rifled home a fine effort.
Sandy Baltimore executes a brilliant volley to fire WSL leaders Chelsea ahead away at Brighton.
Chelsea’s lead lasted just six minutes, though, as Brighton deservedly levelled. It was a brilliant finish from Marisa Oilslagers, who was found down the left channel by Nikita Parris. She sent a shot through the six-yard box which ended up curling into the top corner.
Marisa Olislagers finishes at the near post as she draws Brighton level at 1-1 against WSL leaders Chelsea.
Brighton kept pressing for another goal and were rewarded in the 42nd minute. They took a quick throw-in, which caught the Blues off-guard. The ball found its way to Vicky Losada in the middle, and she neatly side-footed the ball past Hannah Hampton.
Brighton captain Vicky Losada takes advantage of some slack Chelsea defending as the Seagulls take a 2-1 lead into half-time.
The second half was peppered with injuries. Naomi Girma – making her Chelsea debut after her world-record transfer in January – was taken off with a possible recurrence of her calf injury. Brighton also had to bring off Losada and Fran Kirby with the knocks, the latter playing against her former club for the first time.
The result marked just the second time this season that Chelsea have dropped points, but they still maintain a five-point lead at the top of the WSL. Brighton remain in fifth place, and move onto 19 points.
