Arsenal women hand rivals damaging defeat to shake title race
Arsenal Women claimed a strong 2-0 win over Chelsea Women, thanks to fine goals from Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey.
The victory came at an important moment for Renée Slegers’ side, following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the League Cup earlier in the week.
Arsenal showed control and patience for long spells, keeping their shape and limiting Chelsea’s usual threat in wide areas.
The first half ended without goals, but the visitors looked sharper after the break and were rewarded for their intent.
Mead and Caldentey Lead Arsenal Charge
The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute after a well-worked move involving two of Arsenal’s key attackers.
Alessia Russo slid a smart pass into the path of Beth Mead, who timed her run well behind the defence.
Mead took the chance with confidence, driving the ball into the far corner with a firm and clean finish.
The goal lifted Arsenal and unsettled Chelsea, who struggled to regain control as the game opened up.
Just six minutes later, Mead turned provider with a calm and measured pass inside the penalty area.
Mariona Caldentey found herself with space, collected the ball, and calmly moved it past a closing defender.
She then placed her shot low into the corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance of making a save.
The second goal gave Arsenal breathing space and allowed them to manage the game with greater composure.
Chelsea pushed forward in response, but Arsenal remained organised and dealt well with most situations.
Chelsea miss chances as title slips away
Chelsea’s best moments came when they chased the match during the final stages of the contest. Erin Cuthbert had a clear-headed chance but failed to direct her effort on target from close range.
Sjoeke Nüsken also missed a strong opportunity, heading wide when a goal looked likely. Those missed chances summed up a frustrating afternoon for the hosts, who could not find a way back.
The defeat leaves Sonia Bompastor’s side six points behind league leaders Manchester City. Chelsea have also played one game more, which adds further pressure in the title race.
Arsenal remain in third place but are now within one point of the Blues. The result marks Arsenal’s first win over their London rivals since December 2023.
It also hands Manchester City the chance to extend their lead to nine points with a win on Sunday.
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