Chelsea Beat Arsenal 1–0 as Alyssa Thompson Ends Gunners’ 20-Match Unbeaten Run
Chelsea beat Arsenal 1–0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 27 September, ending the Gunners’ 20-match unbeaten run in the Women’s Super League. Alyssa Thompson scored the only goal in the 39th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Keira Walsh’s shot was saved. The Chelsea Arsenal result moved Sonia Bompastor’s side to within two points of leaders Manchester City, according to Chelsea’s official match report.
Arsenal’s run in the league stretched back to October 2025, Sky Sports reported. The defeat leaves Renée Slegers’ team seven points behind City before the two sides meet on 4 October.
How Alyssa Thompson Won the Chelsea Arsenal Derby
Arsenal started the stronger side and hit the woodwork twice in the first half. Chelsea’s official report credited Kim Little with both efforts, while Sky Sports said Mariona Caldentey also struck the post.
Chelsea then struck against the run of play. Wieke Kaptein intercepted an Arsenal goal kick, Walsh fired a long-range shot and goalkeeper Anneke Borbe could only parry it. Thompson reacted first and finished from the left edge of the six-yard box.
After the break, Arsenal pushed for an equaliser through Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo. However, Hannah Hampton made several key saves for Chelsea, including one to deny a powerful strike from Lisa Baum, the club said.
Arsenal Dominate but Fail to Hit the Target
The numbers told a frustrating story for the visitors. Arsenal had eight shots but did not put a single one on target, according to match coverage published by AOL. They also spent much of the opening period in Chelsea’s defensive third.
Slegers admitted her side had been punished. “Very disappointed,” she said, adding that Arsenal had dominated until Chelsea’s goal, as quoted by Sky Sports. She also said her players needed to reflect and move forward.
The fixture carried extra intrigue for Katie McCabe. It was her first match against Arsenal since she moved to Chelsea in the summer after 11 years with the Gunners, AOL reported.
WSL Title Race After Chelsea Arsenal
Chelsea are now third on 10 points, level with second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, Reuters reported. Spurs moved ahead on goal difference after a 4–0 win over Aston Villa earlier in the day.
Manchester City remain top after four straight wins. As a result, Arsenal’s meeting with City on 4 October comes with the Gunners already seven points adrift.
Tottenham’s form has been one of the stories of the season so far. Read how Olivia Holdt’s hat-trick powered Spurs to a 7–0 win over Crystal Palace, and catch up on our September WSL round-up.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Arsenal
Chelsea turn their attention to Europe first. They travel to Lyon for a Women’s Champions League match on Wednesday, before visiting West Ham United in the WSL on 4 October, according to the club.
Arsenal, meanwhile, take on the league leaders. For a wider look at the contenders, see our guide to the top women’s football teams right now.
