Chelsea Women's winning run of 13 games is over after they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Leicester Women in their final WSL game of 2024.
The Blues had swept every team aside in all competitions under Sonia Bompastor so far - including wins against Arsenal and Manchester City - but it was the relegation-threatened Foxes who proved to be their biggest test so far.
"I'm frustrated because we have talent in the team, but we didn't show that in the first half. The players need to realise this is a competitive league and if you don't show up from the start, you don't get good results," a frustrated Bompastor told the club's official website.
"We had to be able to beat this team today and if you have ambitions to finish at the top of the table, you cannot drop points like we did in this game today."
Up until the 75th minute, the Blues had mustered just one shot on target. It came in the first half as Guro Reiten pinged a shot from range off the crossbar, with the visitors often restricted to shots from outside the box by an impressive Leicester defence.
In comparison, the Foxes scored with their only shot on target as Missy Goodwin (20) gave the hosts the lead against the run of play. The forward was unmarked on the right as she turned home Asmita Ale's cross, having come on as a substitute for Deanne Rose in the 11th minute.
As the game ticked into the final quarter, Chelsea began to show signs of their usual selves, as they desperately sought to maintain their perfect record.
They managed to achieve half of the task as Wieke Kaptein (77) thundered home from the top of the box, roaring in celebration - and a hint of frustration - afterwards.
The 19-year-old, along with Sjoeke Nusken and Lucy Bronze, went close in some frenetic closing moments, but the visitors were on their knees at the final whistle having been unable to find another way past a determined Leicester side.
Chelsea will remain top of the WSL table heading into the winter break, but could see their lead cut to three points on Sunday. Leicester, meanwhile, add what could be a crucial point as they go above Everton on goal difference into 10th place with six points.
Analysis: What happened to Chelsea?
Sky Sports' Charlotte Marsh:
Up until Saturday, Chelsea looked unstoppable: 13 wins, numerous goals, top of the table in both the WSL and Champions League.
But the trip to the King Power offered a reminder that, despite the results, the WSL remains fiercely fought and no team are infallible.
Chelsea lacked ideas in attack for much of the game. Yes, there was plenty of possession and shots - a whopping 28 - but many of those did not come until later on. They also failed to make any real use of their 20 corners and were largely ineffective from set-pieces.
Five of their six shots on target came in the final 15 minutes, and they simply looked unable to break down a mightily impressive Leicester defence.
They frustrated Chelsea at every turn - blocking and clearing shots with confidence, coming through to take the ball and effectively double-marking the danger players.
Half-time substitute Catarina Macario began well, but soon found herself targeted. Mayra Ramirez and Maika Hamao - who was taken off at the break - were unable to have an influence.
Each of the back four topped a statistical defensive category for any player on the pitch - Sophie Howard for clearances (13) while Ale had an assist as well as the most tackles (9). Julie Thibaud won the most tackles (4) and Sari Kees made the joint-most interceptions (4).
Chelsea made a rod for their own backs, too, with their defending for Goodwin's goal. The Leicester forward should not have been open to pick her spot with the Blues pooled over towards the right-hand side.
Ultimately, a team like Chelsea should be experienced and smart enough to find the solutions, but it did not quite work out that way on this occasion.
There is perhaps an argument that some fatigue is setting in heading into the winter break, with the continued injuries for the likes of Lauren James and Sam Kerr.
Both are catalysts for Chelsea's attacking play and provide potent outlets, and despite seven changes from the midweek game against Twente, there looked to be a lethargy overall.
With one game to go against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Bompastor will be hoping to right some wrongs and end on a high. Chelsea do still remain unbeaten, but the result raised questions.
Bompastor: We have to me more accurate and efficient
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor to the club's official website:
"For sure frustrated about the performance. When we talk about ambitions, we need to turn words into actions. I need my players to be ready from the beginning of the game.
"If you analyse this game, the first half was not intense enough from us. We did not show our intentions and I think we got punished for that. The second half was better - we created more chances and opportunities - but we only scored one. We were not efficient enough to win this game.
"We can work on a bit of everything, but when we play this kind of team - a very low and compact block - especially, in the second half then you need to have more creativity on the pitch.
'If you analyse the goal from Wieke, she decided to go one-vs-one and create space. She shot on goal and was able to score. That's talent. In this type of game, you need to have this talent on the pitch. This creativity. It helps a lot more.
"In some chances, we were not accurate enough. We created chances in the second half, but you have to be more efficient."
