EMMA HAYES admits Chelsea’ s chance of being crowned champions is “far from” them after their 4-3 loss to Liverpool.
Former Manchester City ace Gemma Bonner dealt a potential knockout blow to the Blues’ title hopes in a seven-goal thriller at Prenton Park.
The Reds defender, who spent three years at City from 2021, scored twice on Wednesday night.
Her goals contributed to Matt Beard’s side triumph after they fought back from 1-0 down.
While Chelsea levelled twice in the game, Bonner's stoppage-time finish helped her old club remain six points clear at the summit.
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The London side, who are on 46 points, will aim to avoid a draw or loss to relegated Bristol in their next game, with City currently on 52 points.
While the Blues have a game in hand on City, who have two matches left to play this term, the Cityzens could claim their WSL first title since 2016 if they win their remaining fixtures.
Back-to-back victories against Arsenal, and then Aston Villa on May 18, would see them crowned top-flight champions for the first time under boss Gareth Taylor.
Following the game, Blues chief Hayes, told Sky Sports: “I’m not going to be harsh on the players.
“For years they’ve delivered a lot of success for this football club and for me.
“I know they want to win a title but, me being me, you can’t concede three set-piece goals, four goals in a half and expect to win a game of football.
“That’s why we’re on the losing end.
"But I’m going to be kind to my players for everything they’ve done, I don’t want to be too harsh on them.”
The loss on Wednesday night was Chelsea’s second in a row in the space of five days across all competitions.
The team were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona following a second-leg semis defeat on Saturday.
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Both losses have led to hopes of a cup double ending for the team in Hayes’ final season at the helm.
Hayes, who will take charge of the USA’s women’s national team at the end of this term, added: “I’ve had amazing memories at this football club.
“We’ve won a lot of things and I’d love to bring titles again to Chelsea but that’s not going to be this year I’m afraid.
“My job now is to prepare the team for the last few games to continue to compete and enjoy.
“We will never give up. But the title is far from us, it’s not in our hands.
“I think City are deserving, their consistency has put them in that position.
"Of course, we will go to the end, but I don’t think the title will be going to us this year.”
Ahead of the game the Blues were dealt a fitness blow with striker Mayra Ramirez and forward Lauren James both absent due to injury.
Hayes revealed James has been carrying a knock with the player having a problem with her foot.
With Ramirez and James absent and also Sam Kerr also crocked rising Blues star Aggie Beever-Jones started up top.
The striker gave her side a ninth-minute headed lead before Liverpool levelled in the second half through Sophie Roman Haug.
And the hosts went 2-1 up when Bonner’s flicked header found the back of the net in the 65th minute after bouncing off Erin Cuthbert.
Chelsea levelled via another Beever-Jones goal with the striker volleying home in the 80th minute.
But they found themselves behind again when Leanne Kiernan slotted past Hannah Hampton moments later before Teegan Micah’s own goal made it 3-3.
Bonner clinched the win with another flicked header with the defender left unmarked at the post in the 93rd minute.
The win put Liverpool level on points with fourth-placed Man United who they will host on Sunday.
Bonner told Sky Sports: “We want to win every game.
“We are on a run and confident and at home, and we have to use that to our advantage.
"We have to make sure we prepare well to go again."
