Manchester United ended Chelsea's 100% start to the Women's Super League season by holding the defending champions to a draw in a thrilling encounter in atrocious conditions.

Marc Skinner's side had taken just a single point from their previous 11 league encounters with Chelsea, but thoroughly deserved their second after Sweden full-back Anna Sandberg's superb volley levelled Wieke Kaptein's early well-worked opener.

It was the first time the Blues had dropped a point since March and, in her 27th league game since replacing Emma Hayes, rarely has boss Sonia Bompastor come closer to her first defeat in domestic competition.

The French coach's tension showed when she bellowed at the fourth official after a decision went against her team in the United box, earning a yellow card from referee Abigail Byrne and derision from the home supporters in the stand behind her.

Not even the second-half introduction of superstar forward Sam Kerr could help Chelsea force an equaliser, despite spending the last few minutes camped around the home penalty area.

United might even have clinched victory themselves, but Ella Toone wasted chances either side of the interval, fellow England international Jess Park went close with a dipping volley and Fridolina Rolfo's deflected effort clipped the top of the bar.

The result meant both sides remain unbeaten before their first Champions League games in midweek, with second-placed United two points behind.

United boss Skinner can be justifiably proud of his side's performance against a side that have dominated them in past WSL meetings.

The hosts started on the front foot and refused to let their heads drop when they went behind in the ninth minute.

Sandberg's first United goal 11 minutes later was one to remember as Toone guided a clearance into her path and she kept the connection to a bouncing ball down brilliantly to smash it left-footed into the corner past Hannah Hampton.

In front of watching England coach Sarina Wiegman, midfielder Park - a deadline day signing from Manchester City - was outstanding throughout and kept Chelsea's defence on the back foot with her scheming runs.

Skinner's surprising decision to start without Melvine Malard paid off as eight-goal top scorer Elisabeth Terland battled against the Blues backline and tested Hampton early on before dragging another effort wide.

France forward Malard, who had four goals in her side's first four league games, came on after the break to keep up the pressure.

United, though, showed the defensive side to their game in the latter stages, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce making a fine save to deny Keira Walsh and Sandberg among those putting their bodies on the line to preserve a valuable point.

Given how rare it is for Chelsea to drop a point, there are unlikely to be too many recriminations for Bompastor and her team, despite a below-par display.

Substitute Alyssa Thompson was another to go close in a frantic finale, while Kerr got more valuable minutes as she continues her comeback from major knee surgery.

But the decision to choose Walsh ahead of the more energetic Maika Hamano in midfield allowed the home side to seize an initiative Chelsea could not wrestle back until the final stages.

The stats may show Chelsea had more shots (19-15) and on target (6-3), but it was United who had the greater purpose when they attacked.

Their goal for the opener was a gem though.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd started it with a ball into the penalty area to pick out Catarina Macario, who controlled neatly and found the supporting Kaptein with a forceful backheel.

The Netherlands international's control was instant, allowing her the half second she needed to apply a lovely finish.

It meant a point for Bompastor on a landmark 100th league game, where she has won 90 and only lost twice with Lyon and Chelsea.

Head here to get involved