An 84th-minute penalty from Guro Reiten proved decisive as Chelsea edged past Arsenal 1-0 in a thrilling Women’s Super League (WSL) encounter at Stamford Bridge. The match, attended by a record-breaking crowd of 34,302 fans, marked a historic moment for Chelsea, as they completed a league double over their London rivals for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
The Game-Changing Moment
The fiercely contested derby seemed destined for a goalless draw until Lauren James was brought down in the box in the 81st minute by Arsenal captain Kim Little. Reiten stepped up confidently and slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sending Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar the wrong way.
This crucial goal not only secured all three points for the Blues but extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to 20 matches. Chelsea have now won 11 of their 12 WSL games this season, solidifying their dominance at the top of the table with 34 points, nine clear of second-placed Manchester City.
First Half Action
The match began with intensity, as Chelsea’s Catarina Macario forced a save from van Domselaar within the opening minute. Shortly after, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross into the box was cleared, and Erin Cuthbert’s subsequent strike flashed just wide.
Arsenal grew into the game midway through the first half, with Alessia Russo and Beth Mead coming close to breaking the deadlock. Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made crucial saves to deny Emily Fox and thwarted a series of Arsenal attacks to keep the scoreline level heading into halftime.
Second Half Drama
Chelsea made tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing Maika Hamano, which allowed Macario to push further forward. The Blues continued to press but found clear-cut chances hard to come by. Arsenal responded with attacking pressure of their own, but their efforts, including a close-range strike from Mariona Caldentey, were expertly blocked by Chelsea’s defense.
The breakthrough finally came in the closing minutes, with Reiten converting the penalty to send the Stamford Bridge crowd into raptures. Chelsea held firm to seal the victory, with additional efforts from Aggie Beever-Jones and Hamano denied late on.
A Historic Night
The game was made even more special with the introduction of new signing Naomi Girma before kickoff. Girma, who recently joined Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year deal, became the world’s most expensive female footballer and received a rousing welcome from the home fans.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea will return to WSL action on Sunday, February 2, when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa. With their unbeaten streak intact and a commanding lead at the top of the table, the Blues will look to maintain their impressive form as the season progresses.
Match Details
Chelsea Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Hampton; Bronze, Bjorn, Bright (c), Charles; Nusken, Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd (Beever-Jones 77), Macario (Reiten 77), Baltimore (James 57); Ramirez (Hamano 46)
Unused Subs: Musovic, Lawrence, Mpome, Kaptein, Jean-Francois
Scorer: Reiten (84’)
Booked: Cuthbert (90’)
Arsenal Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, Foord (Manuum 44); Little (Kafaji 88), Cooney-Cross (Wubben-Moy 88); McCabe, Mead (Blackstenius 66), Caldentey; Russo
Unused Subs: Zinsberger, Codina, Walti, Wienroither, Reid
Booked: McCabe (81’, 82’)
Sent Off: McCabe (82’)
With Chelsea’s remarkable form and record-breaking crowd support, this season is shaping up to be a memorable one for the Blues.