Chelsea Women rounded off an exhausting week with a 1-0 win over London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday thanks to Alyssa Thompson’s first-half goal. It was a victory that came on the back of another narrow win against Austria Wien in the Women’s Champions League, with the unbeaten start to Sonia Bompastor’s campaign continuing.
Thompson broke the deadlock six minutes before half-time after Arsenal were robbed trying to build from their own defensive third. The American winger was there to fire in the rebound after Keira Walsh’s shot was parried, and the Blues then weathered a strong second-half rally from Renee Slegers’ side.
The Gunners, who had drawn their last two WSL fixtures, found their rhythm after the restart, if only just. Chelsea’s rearguard stood firm as the pressure mounted, Chloe Kelly’s angled drive was blocked, and Alessia Russo’s effort was charged down.
It was a particularly big occasion for Katie McCabe, who was facing her former employers for the first time since her summer switch. The Republic of Ireland captain was booed all the way home by the travelling fans at her return to the north London club. Despite being an injury doubt before kick-off, Lauren James was on for 67 minutes before being replaced by Sjoeke Nusken.
Captain Stunner Eases Nerves in Champions League Opener
Chelsea’s European campaign began in nervy fashion at Plough Lane on Wednesday evening as they defeated tournament debutants Austria Wien 1-0. The decisive moment came in the 11th minute from Wieke Kaptein, who fired a fierce effort off the underside of the crossbar from the edge of the area.
The Dutch midfielder’s goal saw her named UEFA’s Player of the Match, but the night proved anything but serene for the hosts. Austria Vienna had six shots on target, as did the Blues, with Modesta Uka hitting the post in the 77th minute.
Chelsea had 13 attempts and created 1.4 expected goals, while the visitors registered 0.9 from their attempts. Livia Peng’s series of assured saves kept the clean sheet intact, though a brief worry was sparked by the withdrawal of Walsh after 20 minutes with a quad complaint. Bompastor said the substitution was precautionary and the England midfielder did start against Arsenal four days later.
Chelsea Women Sit Third After Four WSL Games
Sunday’s result saw Chelsea climb to third in the WSL table with 10 points, level with Tottenham and two points behind leaders Manchester City. After a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on the opening day at home, the Blues have won three league games in a row.
That run includes a 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United and a 2-0 home win over Birmingham City on September 19. Arsenal remain five points behind and are now three WSL games without a win.
The win also extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run to 12 games, dating back to early February, the longest in the WSL currently. The club’s next league game is away to West Ham United on October 4 as they look to build on the positive momentum.