Chelsea 1-4 Arsenal: 3 takeaways as Gunners draw level with Blues at top of WSL
3. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd builds off of impressive international break
When you think she can't do anything else to impress this season, the Swedish winger pulls something else out of her hat. Sure, we can talk about the four goals Chelsea conceded, but what about the one it did score. In the last six contests for the west London side and Sweden, "JoJo" has contributed to five goals.
You can watch that JRK finish on repeat, and still not get tired of it. Such composure in the final third. The Swede received the ball from Fleming on the right wing, stood Stephanie Catley up, and fired a left-footed strike across her body past the Austrian goalkeeper. No. 19 is just oozing class at the moment.
This is not the player we all saw in 2022/23. Not even close. She knows how to use her pace to cause havoc for the opposition's defense. Sometimes the only way to stop her is to get a yellow card. Just ask Caitlin Foord. That's actually what she did in the second half as the north London side attempted to turn the Chels over in their own half.
The leveller! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/9k8fgaisbp
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 10, 2023
2. Chelsea's name still makes up the top spot in the league table
In the midst of the chaos that ensued, some may have forgotten. The same side that sat at the top of the WSL before the weekend is the same one that exits leading the pack. Last season, the west London side took one point combined from Arsenal and Manchester City away. A mirror image to what has occurred through nine league fixtures this time around. Sure, neither of them saw four goals find the back of the Blues' net
To many, those are the two toughest fixtures on the schedule. Before the calendar turns to 2024, those are already checked off. There is just one game against a top-four club from the last campaign away from west London. It is all in the hands of Hayes' side. Losing three on goal differential still keeps the four-time defending champions three ahead of the Gunners in that category.
Make Stamford Bridge a fortress. Take care of your business against mid-table and low-tier opposition on the road, and the WSL title will remain where it belongs.