Arsenal Women suffered their first WSL defeat of the season as Alyssa Thompson’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners started strongly and struck the woodwork twice, but could not turn their early dominance into a goal before Thompson punished them in the 39th minute.
Here are our Arsenal player ratings from the defeat.
Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea
Anneke Borbe – 6
Stopped Keira Walsh’s initial effort before Thompson converted the rebound and later denied Melvine Malard. Could do little about the eventual finish.
Emily Fox – 6
Generally secure defensively and tried to support Arsenal’s possession game down the right without providing the decisive final ball.
Leah Williamson – 6
Handled several difficult moments as Chelsea grew into the contest. Arsenal’s problems came more from their failure to convert possession than sustained defensive pressure.
Steph Catley – 6
A steady performance and continued trying to create opportunities from set pieces as Arsenal chased the game late on.
Ona Batlle – 6
Provided width and energy before making way for Michelle Agyemang Cerci in the closing stages.
Kyra Cooney-Cross – 6.5
Helped Arsenal establish their early control and kept the midfield moving during their strongest spell.
Georgia Stanway – 5.5
Unable to impose herself sufficiently on the contest before being withdrawn shortly after the hour.
Kim Little – 7.5
Arsenal’s standout. The captain came closest to opening the scoring when her tight-angle effort struck the post and repeatedly helped the Gunners control the first half.
Mariona Caldentey – 7
Another player unfortunate not to score. Mariona found space during Arsenal’s dominant opening and hit the post with a dangerous effort.
Lisa Baum – 6.5
Forced Hannah Hampton into a save after the interval and offered Arsenal a direct threat before Chloe Kelly replaced her.
Alessia Russo – 5.5
Worked hard through the middle but Chelsea restricted her clear shooting opportunities. Arsenal needed more from their attack after falling behind.
Substitutes
Caitlin Foord – 6
Added fresh energy after replacing Mariona.
Chloe Kelly – 6
Immediately looked to attack and had one promising effort blocked.
Stina Blackstenius – 5.5
Introduced as Arsenal searched for an equaliser but struggled to seriously threaten Hampton.
Michelle Agyemang Cerci – N/A
Not enough time to rate.
Arsenal’s early dominance ultimately counted for nothing, with our Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal Women match report detailing how Thompson ended the Gunners’ long unbeaten league run.
Chelsea’s official match report also highlighted Arsenal’s two efforts against the woodwork before the hosts grew into the contest.
Attention now turns to Arsenal’s response after a frustrating afternoon in west London.
