Arsenal v Chelsea report
On Sunday afternoon, Arsenal hosted Chelsea to a WSL title clash at the Emirates, in front of over 77% of the stadium's full capacity, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
46,881 people witnessed the team's first game this year, after finishing off last year with a Champions League group stage match.
The hosts made 3 changes after their last match of a 9-1 victory over FC Zurich Frauen with Kim Little returning to the midfield, and Hurtig replacing McCabe. Whereas the Blues made only 1 change from their 3-0 victory over PSG (W) with Fleming starting ahead of Fran Kirby.
Arsenal started off very strong, dominating most of the possession inside the first 20 minutes, however the game was still at a deadlock at half time.
The opener came from a Kim Little penalty, in the 57th minute, after Charles had brought down Foord on the edge of the 18-yard box. It was a very clumsy challenge from Charles which gave Arsenal the lead.
Throughout most of the second half, Chelsea lacked that all important touch in the final third and didn’t spark much creativity in the midfield, which was very unlike them.
However, when Jelena Cankovic came on for Sophie Ingle in the 81st minute, the game completely turned around and Chelsea began to be the frightening attacking side that they are.
In the 89th minute, Cankovic whipped a ball into the box from 50 yards out with her left foot, to land perfectly on Sam Kerr’s head, to bury it home for the Blues. Only having 2 chances the whole game, she made one count and managed to scrape a major point for Chelsea.
The game ended 1-1 with the women of the match being Kim Little, with a rating of 8.3 Arsenal finished the game with 40% possession, compared to Chelsea’s 60%. Although Arsenal finished the game with much less ball possession, they managed to have 7 shots on target, compared to Chelsea’s two shots on target.
The Blues currently sit at the top of the WSL on 28 points, with Manchester United and Arsenal on 25 points but with a game in hand each.
Chelsea face Liverpool next, who they lost to on the first game of the season, whereas Arsenal is away to Brighton, who currently sit 11th in the table.
However, with half of the season still left to play for, the WSL title is anyone’s to play for, and it will be an exciting few months to see who can bring the trophy home.