Arsenal Women suffered their first Women’s Super League defeat of the season as Alyssa Thompson gave Chelsea a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Renée Slegers’ side started brightly and struck the woodwork twice, but Thompson punished Arsenal shortly before half-time to decide Sunday’s London derby.
The defeat ends Arsenal’s long unbeaten WSL run stretching back to October 2025.
Arsenal punished after bright Chelsea start
Arsenal controlled much of the opening period and captain Kim Little struck the post from a tight angle before Mariona Caldentey also hit the woodwork.
However, Chelsea gradually grew into the contest.
Arsenal were caught attempting to play out from the back in the 39th minute. Anneke Borbe parried Keira Walsh’s effort, allowing Thompson to finish the rebound from close range.
The official Arsenal match report confirmed the 1-0 defeat despite the Gunners creating opportunities either side of the breakthrough.
Slegers introduced Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly as Arsenal searched for an equaliser, but Chelsea held firm.
It was another tight chapter in a rivalry that had been completely level before kick-off, as our Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women head-to-head record showed.
Former Arsenal defender Katie McCabe also started against her old club for the first time, having been one of the major pre-match talking points.
Arsenal must now respond quickly after a frustrating afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
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