Chelsea were handed a major blow to their hopes of retaining the Women's Super League title as they were beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge by London rivals Arsenal on Saturday. The visiting Gunners struck twice in the second half through Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey, with the Blues failing to come up with a response. They are now in danger of the current gap to leaders Manchester City increasing to nine points by the end of the weekend.
Chelsea sat six points behind WSL leaders City before Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge, knowing victory in this London derby would be crucial to their title hopes. It was Arsenal who had the better chances in the first half, but the Blues managed to keep the visitors at bay to reach half-time with the score at 0-0.
They were made to pay for a below-par display as Arsenal struck twice in seven second-half minutes, with Mead finishing ruthlessly before Caldentey was given far too much time and space in the box to double Arsenal's lead.
Manager Sonia Bompastor looked to her substitutes bench for a route back into the game, with the likes of Keira Walsh, Lauren James and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd being introduced, but the hosts could only huff and puff in the final third as Arsenal saw out an impressive victory, consigning Chelsea to a rare home defeat.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge....