Chelsea End Arsenal’s 20-Game WSL Unbeaten Run

Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Alyssa Thompson scored in the 39th minute, finishing from close range after Anneke Borbe saved Keira Walsh’s shot. The chance started when Chelsea pressed an Arsenal goal kick; Wieke Kaptein regained the ball and Ellie Carpenter and Melvine Malard worked it to Walsh. Arsenal had dominated early, with 44.2% of first-quarter play in Chelsea’s defensive third, hit the woodwork twice through Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey, and managed eight shots with none on target. The result ended Arsenal’s 20-game WSL unbeaten run and moved Chelsea to within two points of leaders Manchester City. Renée Slegers said she was not worried and that confidence fluctuates, stressing the need to keep pressure and complexity away from players. Katie McCabe, facing Arsenal for the first time since leaving, said it was time for a new chapter and she was excited by Sonia Bompastor’s style; she was booed near the corner flag, shown a late yellow, and said the referee was hurrying her amid loud noise while she was delighted with the win. One account has Chelsea level on 10 points with Tottenham after Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa. Elsewhere Liverpool won the Merseyside derby 2-0.