Arsenal’s title chances were dealt a significant blow after a narrow defeat at the hands of Chelsea. Alyssa Thompson’s first-half finish was the difference on a competitive afternoon at Stamford Bridge but one that ultimately left Renée Slegers with more questions than answers about how to save their season.
“Worried? No,” Slegers said. “Confidence is something that fluctuates. They know who they are and they know what they can bring. What’s important is that there’s always phases in the season and there’s different things you need to work on or focus on.
“It’s important that we keep any pressure and any complexity away from the players because we believe in them. It’s just really important that we keep that simplicity and clear minds for the players.”
There is no game quite as eagerly anticipated in the Women’s Super League as the meeting between Chelsea and Arsenal. While other derbies and duels are in their early development, the London derby is the one year after year that brings the pressure, the drama and, of course, the eyeballs. While both sides clearly possess high respect for each other off the pitch, there is a distinct sense that once they cross the white line, there is true competitive animosity there, one that lifts the levels of everyone in the vicinity.
This edition was no different with expectation and apprehension buzzing around Stamford Bridge before kick-off and no shortage of new narratives. This was the first time Katie McCabe, 11 years a Gunner, would face her old team having moved in the summer. Would she help Chelsea to inflict more pain on Arsenal’s stuttering start, or could Slegers’s side put a pin in the pressure balloon and breathe new life into their search for a first title in eight years?
Both teams came into this encounter having not yet hit form. Arsenal have created opportunities but have looked predictable in their build and lacked a finishing touch. In contrast, Chelsea have looked energetic and full of ideas but, excluding their win against Manchester United, have also struggled with ruthlessness in front of goal.
Sonia Bompastor was handed a significant boost before kick-off with the news that Keira Walsh and Lauren James were available to start. Lexi Potter was given the nod alongside Walsh in midfield, a sign of how much trust the head coach has in the 20-year-old, while Melvine Malard was fit enough to begin up front.
Slegers, meanwhile, rang the changes from Arsenal’s hard-fought victory against HB Køge during the week. Two who remained were Kyra Cooney-Cross and the goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, who kept out Misa Rodríguez.
The visitors came out full of energy and looking to make an early statement. They dominated early on with 44.2% of the action happening in Chelsea’s defensive third in the first quarter and Arsenal looking to reap the rewards of their high press.
Their biggest threat early on came from Lisa Baum. The 19-year-old has been one of the more positive aspects of their season to date and was afforded space down the right by Chelsea.
For all of their control, however, it was much of the same old story for Slegers’s side, haunted by their inability to take their chances. Of the eight shots they created, they failed to register one on target and hit the woodwork twice through Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey.
With every rattle of a post that reverberated around Stamford Bridge, Arsenal’s early confidence dwindled and Bompastor’s side started to find more joy. The Blues took their chance when it came as Malard pounced on Steph Catley as she played out from the back. Borbe made a good save to deny Walsh initially but the rebound fell perfectly for Thompson to hammer home.
It was the perfect time to score and Chelsea went in ahead at the break with the momentum of the game having shifted significantly. They created big opportunities with Malard dragging a shot narrowly wide on two occasions.
While Arsenal were able to create chances, the hosts looked comfortable and defended resolutely to see out the game and take home a valuable three points.
