Reigning champions Chelsea Women needed a late strike from Sjoeke Nüsken to edge past Aston Villa Women 4-3 at Kingsmeadow, keeping their slim hopes of a seventh consecutive Women’s Super League title alive.

The victory lifts Chelsea to second place on 40 points, nine behind leaders Manchester City Women, with both teams having played 19 of their 22 matches.

While the title remains mathematically possible, Chelsea would need to win their final three games and hope City—who have dropped just seven points all season—lose all of theirs.

Those faint hopes looked to be fading when Villa took an early lead through Chasity Grant. However, a quickfire turnaround saw Sam Kerr, Naomi Girma and Lauren James score three goals in just eight minutes to put Chelsea firmly in control.

But defensive issues resurfaced for the hosts as Villa fought back, with Kirsty Hanson netting twice in quick succession to draw level.

In the end, Nüsken’s superb 82nd-minute goal proved decisive, sealing a dramatic win for Chelsea.

In the day’s other Women’s Super League fixtures, West Ham United Women were held to a 1-1 draw at home by London City Lionesses, while bottom side Leicester City Women were set to face Brighton & Hove Albion Women later on Sunday.

On Saturday, Manchester City Women tightened their grip on top spot with a commanding 3-0 derby win over Manchester United Women, while Arsenal Women boosted their push for second place with a 5-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur Women.