Arsenal Women have been handed an immediate opportunity to make a positive start to their WSL title challenge after Chelsea dropped points on the opening weekend.
Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday despite dominating almost every attacking measure.
Lauren James gave Chelsea an early lead, but Villa survived sustained pressure before a late own goal secured an unexpected point.
The result means Renée Slegers’ Arsenal can move two points clear of one of their major title rivals by beating Brighton on Sunday.
The Villans end the Blues' point streak 😤@AVWFCOfficial #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/69wai0VRbH
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 5, 2026
Arsenal can take advantage after wasteful Chelsea display
Chelsea will wonder how they failed to win.
The Guardian’s match report shows Sonia Bompastor’s side had 64 per cent possession and 32 shots, compared with only seven attempts from Villa.
James opened the scoring after 11 minutes, but Chelsea could not convert their dominance into a second goal.
Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma produced an excellent performance before Veerle Buurman’s late own goal levelled the match.
It is far too early to attach serious title significance to one result.
Chelsea remain one of the strongest sides in the league and created more than enough chances to win comfortably.
But Arsenal now have a simple opportunity.
Win their opening game and they will already have taken advantage of the first slip from a major rival.
Our Arsenal Women season preview explained why Slegers’ extensive summer rebuild has raised expectations around a genuine title challenge this season.
The club strengthened throughout the window before adding Élisa De Almeida on deadline day, giving Slegers considerably greater depth across the squad.
Attention now turns completely to Brighton.
Our Brighton Women vs Arsenal Women preview covers the latest team news, predicted line-up and key battle ahead of Sunday’s 12pm kick-off.
Supporters can also follow Arsenal’s league schedule throughout the campaign through our permanent Arsenal fixtures and results guide.
Chelsea dropping two points does not change Arsenal’s task.
It simply makes taking all three at Brighton even more valuable.
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