Chelsea didn't record a single shot on target after their goal in the ninth minute
At a glance
This is just the third time Chelsea have dropped points in the Women's Super League this season
Liverpool had lost six of their first seven league games before their match with the champions
Alyssa Thompson put Chelsea in front with a brilliant curling finish in the ninth minute
Liverpool levelled after 33 minutes when Beata Olsson finished off counter-attack
A frustrated Chelsea dropped points in the Women's Super League title race as they were held by winless Liverpool at St Helens Stadium.
The champions missed a chance to go within one point of leaders Manchester City having taken the lead through Alyssa Thompson who cut inside on to her right foot and curled in a brilliant finish in the ninth minute.
But Liverpool levelled in the 33rd minute when Lily Woodham played in Beata Olsson, who outpaced Millie Bright, covered half of the pitch and converted her one-on-one finish.
In the second half, Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones had a goal disallowed for offside after rounding goalkeeper Faye Kirby, and the striker also saw an effort drop just wide a few minutes later.
By avoiding defeat Chelsea set a new WSL record of 34 unbeaten matches, but the mood at full-time was far from jubilant.
Chelsea stay second, three points off the top, while Liverpool, despite their fine result, drop to the bottom of the WSL following West Ham's big win over Everton.
Chelsea analysis: Bright sets WSL record but subbed off at half-time
Most inside St Helens would have expected Chelsea to thrash Liverpool.
The pair are at opposite ends of the table. Chelsea had only conceded four goals in the league coming into the fixture while Liverpool had only scored four.
But the Blues - who made five changes from the team that beat St Polten 6-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday - were limited by Liverpool, not having a shot on target after their opening goal in the ninth minute.
Forward Catarina Macario had an excellent opportunity just before half-time when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd's shot deflected into her path, but she missed the goal from about six yards out.
Last season the Blues only dropped points in the league on three occasions. They've now matched that tally just nine games into this campaign.
On another day, captain Bright setting a new WSL appearance record of 211 games by surpassing her former England team-mate Jordan Nobbs could have been the biggest story.
But the defender put on an uncharacteristically shaky performance, losing the ball a few times and outpaced for Liverpool's opener.
She was replaced by Naomi Girma at half-time.
Liverpool analysis: Reds go bottom despite fine result
Liverpool had a dreadful start to the season, losing their first six WSL games.
But last week they came within seconds of their first league win in a 1-1 draw with Brighton, and they have now continued their upward trajectory by defending excellently against Chelsea and relying on Olsson, who has three goals in three games, to take her chance.
The Reds could have won it late on when Woodham skidded a shot just wide from long range.
After such a good result against the six-time defending champions it will feel unfitting to the home fans that this is the weekend they drop to the bottom of the table.
But West Ham's 3-1 win over Everton meant the Hammers leapfrogged Gareth Taylor's side.
What's next for these teams?
For Liverpool, attention turns to the League Cup where the Reds take on second-tier Sheffield United on Saturday, 22 November (18:00 GMT).
Chelsea are at home to Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday, 20 November (20:00 GMT).
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