Five talking points from Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Arsenal as Naomi Girma unveiled at Stamford Bridge
Guro Reiten’s penalty secured Chelsea a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, stretching their lead at the top of the WSL to nine points.
The sides went in goalless at the break, but it was not for the want of trying as Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Emily Fox all missed guilt-edged chances for Arsenal.
Substitutes saved the day for the Blues as Reiten scored from the spot after Lauren James was brought down by Kim Little, with Katie McCabe receiving a red card.
Naomi Girma unveiled at Stamford Bridge
As if there was not enough hype surrounding the top of the table clash, Chelsea unveiled Girma in front of an ecstatic home crowd. The USA international entered the pitch with a beaming smile after securing her reported £900,000 deal to bring her to Stamford Bridge, as per BBC Sport. As the most expensive signing in the history of the women’s game, she will be striving to take the Blues to new dizzying heights.
Chelsea’s strength in depth pivotal
Chelsea were underwhelming for sustained periods of the contest and were fortunate to walk away with three points. The Blues had the luxury of bringing on Reiten and James, who were both involved in the only goal of the game. Strength in depth was the difference on the day and Sonia Bompastor showed Renee Slegers what she was missing by being able to bring on quality players from the bench.
The champions survive an off day
Chelsea’s attack threatened to blow the visitors away in the early exchanges and cut the Gunners’ back line open with ease. However, after the first 15 minutes, they became subdued and had to defend for long periods. The home side rode their luck and were fortunate to go in even at the break. Given their incredible form this season, they can afford an off day, but if Arsenal had taken their chances then the narrative would have been different.
Arsenal can mix it with the big guns
Arsenal can hold their heads high despite leaving West London empty-handed, although they could have taken all three points. The Gunners entered the match in fine fettle, winning their last 10 in all competitions. The North London side created openings aplenty and on another day could have run away with it. If they can sustain this level of performance all season, then they have the potential to challenge the top clubs.
The Gunners lacked cutting edge
The Gunners had to withstand an early siege on Daphne van Domselaar’s goal but showed they are capable of mixing it with the league leaders. Slegers’ side grew into the game and had the better of the chances but failed to show a cutting edge in front of goal. Russo and Mead squandered openings, while Fox should have scored from close range. Mead again failed to hit the target after finding herself in acres of space inside the Blues’ box. Russo wreaked havoc with her wriggling runs, but Arsenal could not bury their chances in a gripping contest.
