![]() Riddled with injuries to key players, including four players out with anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries, Arsenal always faced a tall order to disrupt a Chelsea side hunting more silverware. It was great to see the players in the second half because they were fearless, brave and really tired." "That part of the game was the part I was most dissatisfied with. "We were not taking decisions quickly enough to escape their pressure. ![]() Injury-afflicted Arsenal unable to reach Chelsea's heights Katie McCabe's missed penalty proved costly as Arsenal failed to mount a comebackĪrsenal have had some wonderful battles with Chelsea in recent seasons but this was more one-sided than it has been previously. Hayes' side were warmly applauded at full-time as they stayed to show their appreciation to the home support that has played such a key role in their title charge.Ĭhelsea's final game of the season is at bottom-of-the-table Reading on Saturday and they will guarantee the title if they equal or better Manchester United's result at Liverpool. More chances came for the Gunners in the second half but Chelsea looked in control as they saw out victory. It was the home support who were cheering loudest as the teams headed down the tunnel at the break with Chelsea deservedly 2-0 up after some slick attacking play.Īrsenal were not short of chances of their own - Stina Blackstenius was denied by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and Frida Maanum's powerful strike was tipped on to the post. ![]() Their supporters arrived early, perhaps preparing for a day of celebrations, and had filled the stands long before kick-off.Īrsenal also had strong support in Kingston upon Thames with the rivalry between the teams being reflected in their chants. Kingsmeadow fortress helping Chelsea to title Magdalena Eriksson (left) and Pernille Harder made their final appearances at Kingsmeadow after confirming they will leave at the end of the seasonĬhelsea's achievements grow each year and they are so close to securing a Double after winning the FA Cup earlier this month.Īrsenal were considered Chelsea's final major challengers but a formidable home record - they have now won a record 15 WSL matches in a row on home soil - was always in the Blues' favour. The Gunners, who had been unbeaten in three WSL fixtures against Chelsea under manager Jonas Eidevall, have all but mathematically secured their qualification for next season's Champions League. She poked in Sam Kerr's header before half-time, after Reiten had superbly slotted in the opener with a half-volley 20 minutes earlier. It was captain Eriksson's final home game in a Chelsea shirt after it was confirmed this week she will leave at the end of the season and she raced over to celebrate with the fans after scoring their second. That was Arsenal's chance to mount a comeback, coming shortly after Caitlin Foord had flicked an effort on to the crossbar.Ĭhelsea held on, using the fortress of Kingsmeadow to carry them to an 11th victory out of 11 at home in the WSL this season. They were given a scare when Arsenal were awarded a penalty for handball by Sophie Ingle but skipper Katie McCabe dragged it wide from the spot. Emma Hayes' side did their job superbly at Kingsmeadow, taking a first-half lead through goals from Guro Reiten and Magdalena Eriksson. ![]()
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