An Alessia Russo double helped Arsenal to a huge 4-1 win against Chelsea in front of a record WSL crowd at the Emirates Stadium and ignited the title race in the process.
The Blues were three points ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City heading into the game, but a lacklustre display across the board saw them lose their first league game of the season in front of a new WSL attendance record of 59,042.
Beth Mead fired Arsenal ahead inside eight minutes, but Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (13) levelled things up soon after in an electric start.
But two goals in two first half minutes – coupled with some questionable Chelsea defending turned the tide in the Gunners’ favour.
Amanda Ilestedt (36) nodded the hosts in front before Russo (38) scored the first of her two goals, pulling away from Maren Mjelde to slot home Arsenal’s third.
After three half-time changes, Chelsea looked more solid – but a sliding challenge from Ann-Katrin Berger on Russo saw the Gunners awarded a penalty. The England striker coolly slotted home (74) and the Blues could not muster a reply and slipped to their first league defeat of the campaign.
Chelsea, however, do remain top of the league on goal difference, although are now level on 22 points with Arsenal.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Arsenal host the first of two North London Derbies against Tottenham in the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday December 13. Kick-off 7pm.
The pair then face each other three days later, this time at Spurs in the WSL, on Saturday December 16, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 12pm.
Chelsea host Group D leaders BK Hacken in the Champions League on Thursday December 14, kick-off 8pm. The Blues then head to Bristol City in the WSL on Sunday December 17. Kick-off 2pm.