Chelsea prove resilient again with a 1-0 win over Arsenal

Chelsea have found their spark again after a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the WSL on Sunday. The result extends their unbeaten run to 12 matches and puts them two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Defensive control

As BBC Sport reports, the difference was how they managed Arsenal’s pressure. Chelsea controlled spells without the ball, stayed composed, and secured a third straight clean sheet. They have also gone 315 minutes without conceding. Sonia Bompastor said her side were ready to “mentally fight” and “adjust” to the Gunners’ game plan in a way she felt they couldn’t last season.

Thompson and the new attacking edge

Alyssa Thompson, the match-winner, described the win over the Gunners as “amazing for team morale”. Keira Walsh stood out and her strike was saved into the path of Thompson for the only goal. Melvine Malard also played a key role. After missing the opening two matches with a minor injury, she scored on her debut against Birmingham City and caused problems versus Arsenal. Walsh called her “massive for us” for her off-ball work and pressing. Katie McCabe, who joined from Arsenal this summer, has added leadership and bite, and Bompastor admitted Chelsea are “a different team from last season”.