First-half goals from Tessa Wullaert and Georgia Stanway looked to be sending City four points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who have two games in hand.

But Ji So-yun gave Chelsea hope from close range early in the second half.

And their second-half pressure eventually told when Ji's deflected free-kick found the net late on.

Nick Cushing's City are two points clear of the Gunners, who did not have a WSL game on Sunday, while third-placed Chelsea's slim title hopes remain intact as they are still six points behind the leaders.

Wullaert had capitalised on Millie Bright's error to put the hosts in front and Stanway doubled the lead, finishing off a neat move with an accurate low finish from 20 yards.

But Nikita Parris, making her 100th WSL appearance, missed two one-on-ones in the second half to kill the game off and Chelsea took full advantage.

Manchester City head coach Nick Cushing:

"We should have won the game. We were put under pressure but we had two great chances on the counter that we should have scored.

"We're disappointed but as the coach, I get it. There are reasons why it happens and we just need to make sure we learn from it and move forward.

"We have just got to make sure it doesn't affect us in the short-term."

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes:

"I said at half-time [that] it's not difficult. Be aggressive, do what you're good at, and you have to show them what champions are like in the second half.

"I can't remember the last time we had to dig our way back from 2-0 down. It was gutsy.

"I thought it was a game of mistakes and opportunities for both teams. The 2-2 scoreline is reflective, in my opinion."