Arsenal demonstrated their dominance with a 4-1 victory over the reigning champions, Chelsea, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 59,042 at the Emirates Stadium. This win also puts Arsenal on level points with Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League.
The match saw Alessia Russo shining as she scored twice, with Amanda Ilestedt also finding the back of the net, after Johanna Rytting Kaneryd canceled out Beth Mead’s opener for Arsenal. Mead’s goal came just eight minutes into the game, but Chelsea quickly responded with Rytting Kaneryd’s impressive long-range shot five minutes later.
The game took a decisive turn in the first half, as Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger failed to clear Steph Catley’s corner, allowing Ilestedt to take advantage and score her first WSL goal. Russo then added to Chelsea’s woes with another goal, putting Arsenal in a commanding position going into halftime.
The fourth goal came in the 72nd minute, when Berger’s challenge on Russo resulted in a penalty for Arsenal. Despite protests from Chelsea, the referee’s decision stood, and the spot kick was converted, putting the game beyond reach for the reigning champions.
Following this win, Arsenal now sits alongside Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League with 22 points, only trailing on goal difference. Manchester City trails behind in third place, three points adrift.
The victory not only established Arsenal’s dominance in the league but also demonstrated their ability to compete against and outplay the reigning champions. With the support of a record-breaking crowd, Arsenal delivered an impressive performance, showcasing their strength as a top contender in the Women’s Super League.
The game was a testament to Arsenal’s attacking prowess and defensive resilience, as they capitalized on opportunities and effectively shut down Chelsea’s attempts to get back into the game. The result has undoubtedly put the entire league on notice, as Arsenal’s title ambitions are made clear with each passing game.