Aston Villa hold Chelsea 1-1 after Buurman own goal
A Veerle Buurman own goal cancelled out Lauren James’s opener as Aston Villa held Chelsea to a 1-1 WSL draw at Stamford Bridge on September 5, 2026.
In short
- A Veerle Buurman own goal cancelled out Lauren James’s opener as Aston Villa held Chelsea to a 1-1 WSL draw at Stamford Bridge on September 5, 2026.
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 5, 2026, after a Veerle Buurman own goal cancelled out Lauren James’s early opener in the Women’s Super League.
James put Chelsea ahead in the 11th minute following pressure on Villa’s attempt to play out from defence. Ellie Carpenter recovered the ball and supplied James, who carried it into the penalty area before scoring.
Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma kept her side within reach with a series of saves. Chelsea also had an Aggie Beever-Jones header ruled out for offside before the visitors equalised in the 79th minute.
The leveller came after Chelsea failed to clear a Lynn Wilms cross. Noelle Maritz’s attempt was blocked by Hannah Hampton, with the ball then striking Buurman and crossing the line.
Okuma denied James again late on as Villa secured a point. The result left Chelsea with a draw in their opening league match despite creating repeated opportunities to extend their lead, according to The Guardian’s match report.
