We start our countdown of the 10 best WSL games from this season with a look back on Chelsea’s first of two wins against Arsenal.
With the Women’s Super League seemingly on the brink of being declared over, we at Her Football Hub are counting down the top 10 games from this season. At number 10 is Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal from October 13, 2019.
An early-season clash of two WSL giants saw Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Kingsmeadow. Both sides came into the game undefeated… something had to give.
Arsenal Early Dominance
Early doors, it seemed to be Arsenal who would take advantage of a tense Kingsmeadow atmosphere.
The Gunners took the first half by storm, going ahead in the ninth minute through Dutch sensation Danielle van de Donk.
Her compatriot Vivianne Miedema slipped the ball into the feet of van de Donk, who then slotted it across goal into the bottom corner.
The pair shared a hug in the celebrations, which is more of a celebration than Miedema is known for.
Chelsea came roaring back with chances aplenty. Ji So-yun was the first to go close. Jen Beattie pressed her well, forcing the shot wide.
Moments later, Guro Reiten went close, smashing a shot from outside the area onto the crossbar.
Arsenal could have had their second before the break when Dutch trio Jill Roord, van de Donk and Miedema found themselves with room to move in the box.
Millie Bright tracked back superbly. She managed to get in the way from the first effort from both Roord and Miedema.
Second Half Comeback
As they have done so many times this season, Chelsea came storming into the second half, no doubt rejuvenated by some rousing words from manager of the season elect Emma Hayes.
Beattie was caught out of position for the equaliser. She allowed Fran Kirby to get in behind her. Kirby played a calm ball across the face of goal to Beth England.
England took one touch then volleyed the ball home from six yards, getting Chelsea back on terms.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe game was incredibly tense from this point, with both teams cancelling each other out, showing that they were both truly title challengers.
That was until Ramona Bachmann found Maria Thorisdóttir in space on the edge of the area with just five minutes remaining.
The Norwegian thumped the ball into the back of the net, sealing the three points for the Blues.
Manuela Zinsberger got a hand to the shot but it wasn’t enough to keep it from nestling in the back of the net.
Chelsea walked away from Kingsmeadow with their first of numerous victories over Arsenal this season, and it was the first big step on their way to control the title race.
Watch highlights from the game here, or visit the FA Player to watch the full game.
Our 2019/20 Best WSL Games List so far:
10. Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal, October 13, 2019.
