Chelsea beat Palace to extend unbeaten WSL run

Melvine Malard struck twice after the break as Chelsea Women fought back to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 and stay unbeaten in the Women’s Super League.

Palace led after 20 minutes when Molly Bartrip turned in Fuka Tsunoda’s corner at the far post. It was her first goal in four years, and the first time Chelsea had been behind all season.

Malard drove in a powerful right-footed shot from distance in the 51st minute to equalise. She then headed in Sandy Baltimore’s cross at the near post with 15 minutes left to put the Blues ahead. Baltimore sealed the win with a penalty in the 90th minute after Malard was fouled.

The France forward has now scored four goals this season. She also had an 84th-minute effort ruled out for offside.

Chelsea had dominated the first half, with Allyson Swaby clearing Lucy Bronze’s header off the line and Malard’s low shot also blocked on the line. Malard missed an open goal soon after half-time when her first effort was parried back to her.

Former Chelsea striker Bethany England fired over from inside the box for Palace at 1-1.