Arsenal 4 – 1 Chelsea: Russo Clinical in Emphatic Win in Front of 60,000 at the Emirates

Match summary and highlights from Arsenal 4 – 1 Chelsea in the WSL.

When Emma Hayes was asked about whether there were any positives to the match for her, she half jokingly replied “I’ve got a 20 minute journey home”. Hayes might not have had far to travel home from the Emirates but Chelsea will have to cover some distance to retain the WSL trophy based on this performance.

While Arsenal took their chances clinically, the usually unstoppable Sam Kerr cut an isolated figure up front for Chelsea. Despite enjoying 52% of possession, a mix of poor defending by Chelsea and excellent finishing from Arsenal resulted in a 4-1 scoreline that probably flattered the home team.

Beth Mead Scores Arsenal’s First

Arsenal fans have been excited to see Beth Mead back in the Arsenal line-up and she didn’t disappoint the record WSL crowd at the Emirates.

Just 8 minutes into the game, Mead found herself in front of the Chelsea goal but with the goalkeeper and three defenders in her way. Instead of lashing a hopeful first-time shot, she took time to steady herself, cut the ball to the left, throwing Berger and the defenders the wrong way before slotting the ball calmly into the roof of the net. One nil to the Arsenal.

As expected, Chelsea were not about to roll over. Within 5 minutes, they were back level through a Kaneryd drive that beat Zinsberger at the near post. There were questions over whether Sam Kerr had interfered with play in an offside position as the goal went in but in the absence of VAR, the goal stood.

The game continued at pace, with the record WSL attendance being treated to end-to-end football. Then on the 36th minute, Catley fires a corner into the Chelsea box and Ilestedt beats Berger to the ball to head home and give Arsenal a 2-1 lead.

Fans had barely stopped celebrating when they were out their seats again. This time Arsenal’s marque summer signing Alessia Russo was getting in on the act. A defence-splitting ball from Walti found Russo who rifled the ball past Berger.

Referee Rebecca Welch had a busy day, dishing out 6 yellow cards (5 to Arsenal) and she also handed Arsenal a penalty following an entanglement between Russo, Berger and Carter. Russo coolly despatched of the penalty to make it Arsenal 4-1 Chelsea.

Final Score Arsenal 4 – 1 Chelsea

Arsenal back in the WSL title race

The emphatic win took Arsenal to joint top of the WSL table alongside Chelsea, as they aim to make sure Emma Hayes’ last season at Chelsea does not finish with a fifth consecutive WSL title.

Next up in the WSL fixtures, Arsenal play north London rival Tottenham Hotspur, while Chelsea travel to Bristol City.