According to a report by Flashscore on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Chelsea Women endured a frustrating opening 45 minutes against Crystal Palace Women in their Women's Super League encounter at the 360 Engage Stadium. The first half ended 1:0 in favour of Crystal Palace.

Despite entering the contest as favourites, Sonia Bompastor's side struggled to turn their attacking superiority into a convincing first-half performance.

Chelsea dominated possession and created several opportunities, but their inability to convert chances remained a concern as Crystal Palace attempted to frustrate their London rivals.

The Blues started with Hannah Hampton in goal, while Lucy Bronze, Kadeisha Buchanan, Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter featured in defence. Lexi Potter, Sjoeke Nüsken, Wieke Kaptein, Maika Hamano, Alyssa Thompson and Melvine Malard completed the starting lineup.

Although Chelsea controlled much of the opening period, several attacking players faced questions over their effectiveness in the final third.

1. Melvine Malard

Melvine Malard was among the Chelsea players who could have made a greater attacking impact during the opening half.

The French forward had opportunities to threaten Crystal Palace's defence, including an effort that was saved by the goalkeeper in the 14th minute.

Another attempt from Malard was blocked by a Palace defender, highlighting the difficulty Chelsea experienced when attempting to find a breakthrough.

As Chelsea's leading striker, Malard was expected to provide a clinical finishing touch, making her inability to capitalise on early opportunities a notable concern.

2. Maika Hamano

Maika Hamano was another player whose attacking contribution deserved closer examination during the first half.

The Japanese international was involved in Chelsea's attacking movements and registered an effort on target in the 14th minute.

However, Palace goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin prevented her from scoring.

Hamano's movement helped Chelsea create opportunities, but the Blues needed greater composure in front of goal to make their possession count.

3. Lexi Potter

Lexi Potter also experienced some difficulties during the opening stages, particularly when attempting to maintain Chelsea's attacking rhythm.

The midfielder committed two fouls within the opening 13 minutes, giving Crystal Palace opportunities to regain possession and relieve pressure.

Although Potter contributed to Chelsea's midfield organisation, her early disciplinary issues highlighted an area where greater composure was required.

Chelsea needed their midfielders to maintain control while creating better opportunities for the attacking players.

4. Wieke Kaptein

Wieke Kaptein was another Chelsea midfielder who could have offered more creativity during the opening period.

With Chelsea enjoying considerable possession, there was an expectation that the midfield would produce decisive passes capable of breaking through Crystal Palace's defensive structure.

However, Chelsea's difficulty converting their territorial advantage into goals demonstrated the need for more effective attacking combinations.

Kaptein's inclusion among the players who could have improved should be viewed as an assessment of Chelsea's collective attacking difficulties rather than evidence of a particularly poor individual display.