Chelsea 1-0 Man City: Sandy Baltimore Stunner Sends Blues Top of the WSL as City Finish With 10

Updated 14 Nov 2026, 16:10 · First published 14 Nov 2026

Chelsea are back on top of the Women’s Super League after Sandy Baltimore’s stunning first-half strike gave them a 1-0 win over champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. City finished with 10 players after goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita was sent off.

How the game was won

The game was moved from Kingsmeadow to Stamford Bridge for the top-of-the-table clash, and it was settled in first-half stoppage time when Baltimore curled in a brilliant strike from just inside the box.

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Chelsea had to cope with injuries before the break, with Kadeisha Buchanan and Melvine Malard both forced off in the first half.

City’s missed chances and red card

City had chances to level after the restart. Khadija Shaw flicked the ball over Hannah Hampton on 64 minutes, but Lauren Hemp could not force it in from a yard out, and Hemp later fired just over the top corner.

Their hopes faded on 76 minutes when goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita rushed out to chase a long ball, missed her kick and brought down Alyssa Thompson. She was shown a straight red card. Aggie Beever-Jones then hit the bar with a free-kick as Chelsea saw the game out.

What it means

The win lifts Chelsea above Manchester City into first place in the WSL, one point clear. Third-placed London City Lionesses can close the gap when they play Arsenal on Sunday.

Photo: Stock1987 / Shutterstock.