Chelsea Women draw with Arsenal, keep the unbeaten streak alive

The Chelsea Women earned one-point in their latest London Derby away at Arsenal. The late draw keeps the Blues’ unbeaten run alive.

London Derbies seldom fail to deliver entertainment, and this installment was no different. The Chelsea Women traveled to north London to take on their bitter foes—and early title contenders—Arsenal. One of the most highly anticipated matches of the weekend produced everything supporters could have asked for and then some.

In the end, the Blues earned a draw courtesy of a late own goal instigated by Pernille Harder. The tie sees Chelsea keep pace with league leaders Manchester United (17 points) and Arsenal (16 points). Emma Hayes’ side currently sits third in the FAWSL with a game in hand on the two clubs above it. This result not only keeps the Blues in the title race, albeit early, but it also extends an unprecedented unbeaten run. Chelsea has not lost a game in the Women’s Super League since January 27, 2019 when it fell to Birmingham City, 3-2. We know the result, but how did the match play out and what does it mean going forward?

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The match began with a decent chance from Arsenal that hardly rattled the Blues. That was really the only look at goal the two teams had until the end of the first half. Hayes’ women came out with a lethal press which, when mixed with Arsenal’s low block, led to a stretched Chelsea side. The midfield—large in part due to the off day star Melanie Leupolz had—struggled to get a firm grip. The Gunners’ defensive shape and discipline frustrated the Blues early on in the sense few chances were able to be created. Despite the relentless pressure on the home side, Joe Montemurro’s women held their ground against the aerial attack from Chelsea.

It was Arsenal who took advantage of some tired legs towards the end of the half and earned the better looks though. The best opportunity of the first 45 went to the Gunners, who were unlucky not to lead at the half. The crossbar was the only thing that denied them a deserved go-ahead goal in the dying stages of the opening period. However, Chelsea never backs down without a battle.

The Blues subbed off Leupolz at halftime with Hayes electing to bring on the brilliant Sam Kerr. Per usual, the Australian forward made an instant impact. A cagey, physical match quickly turned into a box-to-box affair. Chance after chance ensued as quickness overcame both sides, opening up the game and shifting away from the tactical nature of the opening. Chelsea looked the better side going into the final 15 minutes, but it was Arsenal who found a breakthrough first. Beth Mead tapped in a cross in the 86′ and it looked as if the Blues’ win streak may have come to an end. Harder had something to say about that.

The Dane chased a ball down on the right side and fired a routine cross into the box, but a huge deflection off Lotte Wubben-Moy and poor goalkeeping saw Chelsea draw level. The Blues then went for the kill-shot, coming close on multiple occasions, but ultimately settling for a point.

It certainly stings with Hayes’ side not taking three points and closing the title gap, especially given the high standard the Blues hold themselves to. However, a draw keeps them on par with the leaders and continues one of the most unreal unbeaten streaks in football. Chelsea is now nearing two years since its last league loss. If that unbelievable statistic doesn’t speak to the incredible culture Hayes has instilled at Kingsmeadow, I don’t know what does.

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The Blues go again midweek against London City in the Conti Cup. For those wondering about the conservation of the unbeaten run, Chelsea will have seven matches before the two year anniversary of the last league defeat. That span includes matches against Tottenham and Man United.

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