**Alyssa Thompson's** goal was the difference between the London sides at **Stamford Bridge**, as **Anneke Borbe** could not save the last of a flurry of shots in the [Arsenal](https://www.vavel.com/en/data/arsenal/) box.
The opening half seemed like it was **Arsenal's** as they enjoyed the majority of possession and chances on goal. However, they failed to make the most of their opportunities and, after Anneke Borbe saved shots from Alyssa Thompson and **Katie McCabe**, Thompson collected the rebound and made it **1-0** before half time.
As it happened
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Arsenal looked more in control at the start, with early attacks from **Lisa Baum**, whose shot in the 12th minute took a deflection and looped over the goal.
**Alessia Russo** had a clear opportunity in the 18th minute as **Kyra Cooney-Cross** found her in the box, but she fumbled on the ball and **Chelsea** cleared.
A minute later, **Kim Little's** shot from the right rebounded off the post, but there was no one to turn it in.
Chelsea hit back in the 23rd minute with a long-range hit from **Lauren James**, but it was easily caught by Anneke Borbe, who stood firm in the Arsenal goal.
However, Borbe could only hold off Chelsea's attempts for so long.
In the 37th minute, Alyssa Thompson got on [the end of Melvine Malard's cross](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/09/19/chelsea-fc/1272111-chelsea-2-0-birmingham-city-melvin-malard-seals-win-at-the-bridge.html) and shot from the edge of the box, but Borbe was there.
Only a minute later, Malard laid the ball off to **Katie McCabe**, and while Borbe did well to make the initial save, **Thompson pounced on the rebound** and made it 1-0 before the break.
The momentum had shifted and Chelsea were able to keep Arsenal at bay. There seemed to be confusion as to where Kim Little was playing as the game plan went awry.
Arsenal search for an equaliser
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Arsenal tried to fight for an equaliser as Lisa Baum sent a promising shot from the left, which **Hannah Hampton** got a hand to, and the lively Arsenal supporters watched as the ball rolled tantalisingly across the goal.
**Renee Slegers** made three changes with half an hour to go, including bringing on Euros winner **Chloe Kelly**, but despite holding possession they were unable to mount threatening attacks.
In the 72nd minute, Arsenal number 9 **Stina Blackstenius** tried to dink the ball beyond Hampton, but it was too powerful and landed on top of the goal.
Blues hold on for three points
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**Ellie Carpenter** almost put the game firmly to bed in the 91st minute, but her whipped shot from the right-hand side was just inches wide.
There was a final scramble in the closing moments of added time, but Arsenal were unable to get out of the Chelsea half and the Blues walked away with all three points.