Chelsea 1-4 Arsenal: 3 takeaways as Gunners draw level with Blues at top of WSL

1. Millie Bright's presence was sorely missed in the backline

Hayes confirmed what many Chelsea fans assumed when she missed the latest international window. Captain Millie Bright will not back before Christmas. The manager even admitted herself that the loss of No. 4 in blue "was felt today". I can only imagine what it was like for the long-time west Londoner watching the game unfold. If she wasn't already motivated enough to get back on the pitch, she is even more following the 90 minutes on Sunday.

With the injury news regarding Aniek Nouwen, the center back group in west London continues to get even slimer. There are just three true healthy center backs. Jess Carter, Maren Mjelde, and Kadeisha Buchanan. Bright is no question the team leader and while she lacks pace, it has to be said the score line would have looked a lot different with her in the lineup.

Nobody in the team has won more aerial duels in the CFCW team heading into the match per FBref than the English international. Would she have called everyone off and headed Catley's corner away? Who knows, that is an alternate reality. It is still worth asking the question.

Unlike the north Londoners, European football awaits Chelsea Women on Thursday night when it encounters Swedish side BK Hacken at the Bridge. Purchase your tickets here.