6 talking points as Arsenal thrash title rivals Chelsea thanks to dominant duo

10 December 2023 , 14:38

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Beth Mead celebrates the opener

Arsenal stunned Chelsea with a ferocious performance to ignite the WSL title race at the Emirates.

A blistering first half made the difference, Beth Mead, Amanda Ilesteadt and Alessia Russo all on target, before a Russo penalty put the seal on a fabulous 4-1 win.

The Gunners made a fast start, with Mead rounding Ann-Katrin Berger before firing past three defenders into the roof of the net after just eight minutes. Chelsea were level only five minutes later, Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd finishing off a swift counter attack to send the away corner wild.

But the hosts were relentless and asserted their dominance with a quickfire double. Defender Ilesteadt headed home after Ann-Katrin Berger got nowhere near a corner, before England forward Russo got in-behind the Blues defence to finish ruthlessly. With the game played at a frantic pace, Chelsea nearly hit back, but Manuela Zinsberger produced an excellent stop to keep out Erin Cuthbert's drive.

Lauren James went close after the break, but Chelsea failed to build up momentum. Russo later converted a penalty after she was brought down by Berger to complete one of the biggest wins of Jonas Eidevall's Arsenal tenure. The game also set a new attendance record for the league, with 59,042 fans through the turnstiles.

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Here are the Mirror Football talking points from the Emirates.

1. Arsenal send loud title race message

It may only be December. But everyone at the Emirates today knew it was a pivotal day in the WSL title race.

A Chelsea win would have sent Emma Hayes' team six points clear at the top of the league, with only one week left before the winter break. It wasn't necessarily 'must-win' for Arsenal. But they needed to send a message of some sort. A defeat would have left them facing a long way back to the summit.

And at game time, they were at their brilliant best. Mead's early strike, finished with the composure of a player at the top of the game, setting the tone. From that moment on, the Emirates was alight. Chelsea defended poorly on the second and third goals, which will disappoint Emma Hayes.

But take nothing away from Arsenal, who were sublime from first minute to last. The title race is very much on.

2. Walti helps Arsenal win the midfield battle

So often these big top-of-the-table clashes are decided in midfield and today was no different. Thankfully for Arsenal, they could call upon Swiss midfielder Lia Walti, who produced a near faultless display.

With the dependable Kim Little and Victoria Pelova by her side, Walti helped run the engine room, finding pockets of space between Erin Cuthbert and the Chelsea defence. The Gunners front three set the tempo with their pressing and energy.

But they were supported by a magnificent midfield behind them, with Walti the pick of the bunch.

Arsenal led 3-1 at half-time after Alessia Russo's superb finish

3. Chelsea defence exposed without Bright

As England did for the recent international break, Chelsea again had to cope without captain Millie Bright in the middle of defence. Jess Carter and Maren Mjelde offered plenty of experience in her absence.

But against the energetic trio of Russo, Foord and Mead, the Blues backline struggled. Arsenal played a more direct style than usual, which seemed to suit their No.23 who gave Emma Hayes' team problems from the off.

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Chelsea did look tighter in defence after the break, with Ashley Lawrence and Kadeisha Buchanan helping to steady the ship. But this game proved that, for both club and country, Bright is a big miss.

Chelsea were level early on when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd equalised

4. Russo wins the battle of the strikers with Kerr

Sam Kerr's performance in this fixture last season, played a big part in Chelsea's title win. With the Blues losing 1-0 and playing poorly she scored a superb header to save the day late on.

With Bright injured, today Kerr returned as Chelsea captain. But she was outshone another centre forward. Alessia Russo put in an outstanding performance against her former employer, her two goals taking the game away from the visitors.

When Berger flew off her goalline in the 73rd minute to bring Russo down, it was game, set and match Arsenal. The Gunners No.23 smashed home the resulting penalty, leaving home fans to serenade the Chelsea manager with a chorus of "Emma Hayes, what's the score?"

Alessia Russo fires home her second half penalty

5. James shackled by Katie McCabe

Katie McCabe continued at right-back for the home side and proved to be one of the standout players in a red shirt. The Ireland skipper had a tough ask on paper, facing an in-form Lauren James who produced a deadly performance against Scotland for England on Tuesday.

But here James struggled to get going. Right from the opening minutes McCabe was harassing and hurrying the Chelsea star.

Arsenal 's best moments in the opening 45 minutes seemed to all come from down the right-wing, with McCabe and Mead dominating the weary looking pair of Charles and James. The Chelsea forward was shifted to a central role by Hayes for the second half and very nearly got her team back into the contest, flashing a effort just wide of the Arsenal goal. But the damage was done.

James was eventually substituted by Hayes, only minutes after she was lucky not to be sent off for a poor challenge on Walti after the game had stopped.

6. Arsenal smash WSL attendance record again

Despite the wintery weather, fans once again came in their thousands to watch the WSL's top two. Arsenal later confirming in the second half that they had set a new league attendance record of 59,042.

It capped a perfect day for the Gunners. But despite the poor result, Chelsea also played their part in this game, with the 4-1 scoreline a tad harsh. From the quality on show to the fanatical support for both clubs, this was a fantastic advert for the women's game in England.

Jack Lacey-Hatton