Late drama defines weekend as Rosenior’s Chelsea march on

SPORTS DIGEST: 20-26 January 2026

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Fulham Women extend unbeaten run to stay top — Fulham Women maintained their remarkable perfect record with a 2-2 draw against Dulwich Hamlet at Motspur Park on Saturday, extending their unbeaten streak to 13 matches in FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

After Becky Stormer’s first-half header put them ahead, Dulwich fought back to lead 2-1 before Ellie Olds’ equalizer preserved their status as the division’s only unbeaten side. The result keeps them top of the table on 35 points, four clear of Norwich City, as they continue their ascent through the women’s football pyramid – currently three promotions away from the WSL. Their W11, D2, L0 record represents one of the most impressive campaigns in the fourth tier of English women’s football this season.

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FOOTBALL

Rosenior’s Chelsea ease to victory as Estêvão shines at Selhurst Park

Chelsea FC – Premier League Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea (Selhurst Park) – Sunday, 25 January

Chelsea moved into the top five with a commanding victory at Selhurst Park, maintaining Liam Rosenior’s unbeaten start as manager. Brazilian teenager Estêvão opened the scoring with a stunning individual effort in the 34th minute before João Pedro doubled the advantage five minutes into the second half. Enzo Fernández converted from the penalty spot after Dean Henderson brought down Nicolas Jackson, sealing the points before Marc Richards’ late consolation. Crystal Palace’s afternoon deteriorated further when Adam Wharton was sent off for a second yellow card with 18 minutes remaining. The victory lifts Chelsea to fifth place on 37 points, continuing their resurgence under Rosenior who has transformed their season since arriving on 6 January. Palace remain in the bottom half after their fourth consecutive defeat.

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Wilson’s stoppage-time free kick snatches dramatic victory from Brighton

Fulham FC – Premier League Fulham 2-1 Brighton (Craven Cottage) – Saturday, 24 January

Harry Wilson maintained his reputation as Fulham’s late-game hero with a stoppage-time free-kick winner that completed a remarkable comeback against Brighton. The Welsh international curled home a brilliant set-piece in the 92nd minute to seal all three points in front of 27,239 at Craven Cottage. Brighton had taken the lead through Carlos Ayari’s 28th-minute strike, but Samuel Chukwueze levelled the contest in the 72nd minute to set up Wilson’s dramatic intervention. The victory, Wilson’s ninth goal of the season, moved Fulham up to seventh place on 34 points, level with Liverpool but separated by goal difference. Marco Silva’s side have now won three of their last four Premier League matches as they push towards the top six.

Premier League As of Sunday, 26 January 2026

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Arsenal strike twice in five minutes to end Chelsea Women’s home record

Chelsea Women – Women’s Super League Chelsea Women 0-2 Arsenal Women (Stamford Bridge) – Saturday, 24 January

Chelsea Women’s title challenge suffered a devastating blow as Arsenal secured a clinical victory at Stamford Bridge, inflicting the hosts’ first home defeat of the season. Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey struck within five minutes of each other in the second half to hand the Gunners all three points. Mead’s 55th-minute opener was her 50th WSL assist before turning scorer, while Caldentey doubled the advantage moments later to silence the crowd of 30,545. The defeat leaves Chelsea nine points behind leaders Manchester City with just 13 matches played, prompting manager Sonia Bompastor to concede the title race is “probably gone.” Arsenal move level with Chelsea on 26 points but remain third, while City’s unbeaten streak continues at the summit.

Women’s Super League As of Sunday, 26 January 2026

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Fulham Women fight back from deficit to preserve unbeaten record

Fulham Women – FA Women’s National League Division One South-East Fulham Women 2-2 Dulwich Hamlet (Motspur Park) – Saturday, 25 January

Fulham Women’s remarkable unbeaten start to the season continued but they were forced to settle for a draw after Dulwich Hamlet fought back from a goal down at Motspur Park. Becky Stormer headed the hosts into the lead from a first-half free-kick, but Dulwich responded with two second-half goals to take a surprise 2-1 advantage. Ellie Olds rescued a point with a dramatic equalizing header, described by the club as “what a header by Trishy to equalise,” keeping Fulham top of the table. The result extends their unbeaten run to 13 matches in the league (11 wins, 2 draws), maintaining their 100% unbeaten record this season. Fulham remain clear at the summit of FA WNL Division One South-East on 35 points from 13 games, four points ahead of second-placed Norwich City who have played the same number of matches.

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East As of Sunday, 26 January 2026