Mayra Ramirez and Sandy Baltimore scored early goals to help Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, moving them to the top of the Women’s Super League and dealing an early blow to Arsenal’s title hopes.
WSL Standings After the Win
Chelsea currently tops the table with nine points after winning all three of their opening games, despite last week’s home match against Manchester United being called off. Meanwhile, Arsenal sits sixth in the 12-team standings with five points from four games.
Manchester City, which will travel to Liverpool on Sunday, is in second place with seven points after three matches. Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United follow them, both with six points.
Ramirez Early Strike Shocks Arsenal
In the fourth minute, Chelsea went ahead with a goal from Colombian forward Ramirez, who found herself unchallenged to flick the ball over her head and into the net while Arsenal’s defense stood still and watched in astonishment.
Twelve minutes later, fullback Baltimore bent down and headed home a cross from Lauren James, silencing all but a few Chelsea fans among the 45,860 crowd, making it 2-0.
Foord’s Brilliance Sparks Arsenal’s Comeback Attempt
Arsenal sparked a resurgence when Caitlin Foord scored a fantastic individual goal just two minutes before halftime. She skillfully maneuvered along the touchline before striking the ball from a very narrow angle, beating goalkeeper Hannah Hampton at the far post.
That goal boosted the Gunners’ confidence, leading to a much-improved second half. Substitute Stina Blackstenius missed a late chance to score, hitting the crossbar.
Chelsea Holds Firm to Secure the Win
Chelsea heeded the warning and brought on Nathalie Bjorn and Ashley Lawrence to close the game, securing a win that maintains new coach Sonia Bompastor’s 100% league record so far.
Holabet News is your trusted online betting site in Singapore. Your winning journey starts here!