LONDON – Norway international Maria Thorisdottir came off the bench to fire home a superb winner five minutes from time as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat champions Arsenal 2-1 in their Women's Super League clash on Sunday.
Danielle van de Donk had given Arsenal the lead in the ninth minute but the high-tempo pressing of the home side created plenty of opportunities, with Guro Reiten hitting a shot off the crossbar before the break.
Beth England put Chelsea level in the 57th minute, flicking up Fran Kirby's pass and volleying the ball in and Thorisdottir combined with fellow substitute Ramona Bachmann before striking in the winner from the edge of the area.
The victory lifted Chelsea to second place in the table on 10 points from four games, two points behind Manchester City, who beat bottom side Birmingham City on Saturday, with Arsenal third on nine points following their first defeat of the season.
Earlier on Sunday, Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 win away to fellow newcomers Tottenham Hotspur while a brace from Jade Moore and a goal from Lisa-Marie Utland gave Reading a 3-2 victory over Everton.
Melissa Lawley scored from the penalty spot to give struggling Liverpool their first point of the season as they drew 1-1 at home to Bristol City, while West Ham United had a comfortable 3-1 win away to Brighton & Hove Albion.