Marc Skinner’s side had won five games on the spin without conceding to start the campaign, but were well beaten by the champions
Lauren James came back to haunt her old club and help her new side demonstrate their title credentials with a patient but clinically-executed victory, as Manchester United’s wait for a first victory over Chelsea continues.
Quickfire goals from Sam Kerr and James gave Chelsea command of the contest early in the second half, after a relatively drab first 45 minutes, before fit-again England striker Alessia Russo pulled one back for United but Erin Cuthbert’s stoppage-time strike sealed the visitors’ win.
The result was a big disappointment for the majority of the 6,186 crowd – Manchester United’s biggest turnout for a women’s match played away from Old Trafford – on a night which saw the hosts’ 100 per cent start to the season end.
The two sides began the day level on points but the defending champions had played an extra game, and because of Chelsea’s surprise loss at Liverpool on the opening weekend, they have been playing catch-up.