Arsenal win for first time in league at Chelsea since 2018
Gunners move within point of second-placed London rivals
Defeat leaves Chelsea six points behind leaders Manchester City, who have game in hand
Beth Mead puts Arsenal in front shortly after half-time
Gunners double lead through Mariona Caldentey's composed finish six minutes later
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Image source, Getty ImagesThat's all we have to bring you on this live page.
Make sure to keep an eye out across our Women's football index for further reaction from Arsenal's win at Chelsea, plus any other updates from the Women's Super League and beyond.
I'll leave you with my colleague Sam Drury's summary of events from Stamford Bridge on the adjoining page.
Cheerio!
Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Before today Arsenal hadn't won away from home against Chelsea in the WSL for seven years.
They had to think all the way back to October 2018, when they filled their boots with a 5-0 win at Kingsmeadow.
Today's 2-0 victory now proudly takes its place on that list as the most recent away win against their bitter rivals.
Image source, Getty ImagesMatchday 13 of the Women's Super League rounds up with four games on Sunday afternoon.
Of course the one in the spotlight is that intriguing meeting between London City Lionesses and league leaders Man City.
Make sure to join us right here for full coverage of all the key events.
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal's big away win at Stamford Bridge takes them within a single point of reigning champions Chelsea in second.
It's now over to you, Man City.
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal left-back Katie McCabe on Beth Mead's performance against Chelsea: "Beth is tricky she can pull wide and go one v one but you've seen over the last few games she's been going inside, making it difficult, creating a box. She comes so low at times, as a defender you don't know whether to go with her or leave her.
"For us, it's about looking at the overload and getting her on the ball. I think at times we've found the pocket really well, given how Chelsea set up in the first half so it was really good from Beth."
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Been out and about and missed the goings on in west London?
Well, here's how Beth Mead landed the first blow for Arsenal in the second half before the Gunners went on to seal a 2-0 triumph in their rivals' back yard.
Beth Mead puts Arsenal ahead against Chelsea
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Sensational stuff from Sonia Bompastor.
Does she truly think that or is she taking a leaf out of Emma Hayes' book from a couple of years ago.
On that day in 2024, the Blues lost 4-3 at Liverpool, meaning that with three games to go, they had a six-point deficit to chase down (see graphic below).
They still ended the season as champions.
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor speaking to the BBC: "Today we understand the situation, we know the title race is probably gone, but our mentality is to fight until the very end. We will never give up. Now we have to focus on getting points and staying in that second position and doing the best we can.
On if the title is really done: "There is a big gap and if City win tomorrow then the gap is nine points. They are in control and if they perform at their best it will be a difficult gap to close. My job is to make sure I lift everyone up and we take the learnings and we go into the next game ready to perform.
"We will have one or two days really low but we will have a good conversation, as usual, and from that everyone will be lifted."
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Image source, Getty ImagesThis type of result has been coming for some time now. This over-reliance of constantly playing out from the back has made us too predictable and lethargic. We have offensive players that should be frightening the opposition. Mix up the tactics!
George, London
Why are we playing a back three while we have loads of attacking players sitting on the bench? I truly don’t understand, this game could have been won.
Soha, Birmingham
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal boss Renee Slegers speaking to the BBC: "On the ball we did a lot of good things. the way we connected our passes, how we played with bravery and with connection on pitch. We have been talking about decisions in final third and the two goals we scored were so composed.
"It was a very important three points. We knew we needed points today for the table and you go in saying you want three points and have to make it happen. We needed it, we wanted it, we were determined as a team to do it and we did it."
On winning at Chelsea for the first time since 2018: "It’s the players and we are proud to be a part of breaking record. Go through all things together. Way players have been dealing with adversities so far, I get goosebumps. So well deserved."
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor speaking to the BBC: "Arsenal were a great team today. I think the turning point in the game is when they scored the first goal. We know these games run on fine margins and when a team scores the first goal it helps a lot mentally. When we conceded the goal I had to react and help the team to do something different on the pitch.
"The last 15-20 minutes we were trying with a lot of energy but we couldn't score. Maybe coming back to 2-1 would have been good with the energy of the fans but we could not score and it didn't work. If you analyse the performance there is room for improvement for sure.
"We did not start as strong as usual. It was a quick turnaround from the last game and we had to travel so legs were not fresh. We were playing a home game so we need to make sure we start as strong as possible, but in football sometimes this happens."
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal left-back Katie McCabe speaking to BBC Sport about winning a London derby: "These games, it's bragging rights. we know there's the potential to play them again in the Champions League, so we're not going to get ahead of ourselves They're a fantastic team and they've been very dominant in the league over the last few years so we treat it with respected, we knew we had to dig in deep, but for us it was about having quality on the ball. I think we displayed a lot of that today."
On what the result means going forward: "It gives us a boost. It was about closing the gap a little bit. We're only one point off Chelsea now. We've still got some competitions to play for, we were really disappointed going out of the League Cup midweek. But today it was three games in seven days, a big shift from the team. So to put in that performance like that was outstanding from the team and the girls making the impact from the bench as well. We've got the potential to win the Champions Cup next week so we'll be fully focussed on that and ready to go."
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal left-back Katie McCabe speaking to BBC Sport: "You've seen the performance we've put in today. This is us, this is what we're all about. We want to play football, we want to play through the lines and be clinical in front of goal. It's been frustrating over the last couple of games, maybe not having that clear cut sort of opportunities. But the girls were top today, absolutely brilliant, worked their socks off, and I was delighted for them getting the goals."
On what Renee Slegers told them before the game: "To trust our instincts around the ball. We haven't been scoring a lot of goals and we've been frustrated, as I feel we've been dominating a lot of teams, but today was just about composure. We knew Chelsea were going to come out, they always give us a difficult game here. It's been seven years since we last won here which is a long time for this football club.
"We played with a lot of composure, we were clean with the ball. When you've got Mariona and Kim Little in midfield, you need to get them on the ball and you need to get them ticking so it was a good round team performance."
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze speaking to the BBC about the impact of today's result on the title race: "Arsenal are a really good tram and they are in a fight for the title too, so it was always going to be tough. Dropping points at any stage is difficult, especially when it's against one of your rivals. Now we focus on the next game which is Man City. They are the ones that everyone is chasing, they have the target on their backs and all we have to do is focus on that and take it as it comes.
"Even if we were leading [the title race] that would be a must win. That is the aim of the game when you play against the top teams. Drop a few points and you are out of the race. At the end you look at who wins it and they barely lose many games at all, if any."
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze speaking to the BBC: "I think at the end we probably created enough chances to at least get one goal back, which might have swung it a little bit. In the first half they started really well and it was like a but of a basketball game, and then they were just clinical in the second half with the chances that they had.
"The second goal was a bit of a killer. Two in quick succession. At the end you saw us pushing, should have got a goal and maybe could have nicked a point, but that's football.
"At the end we competed, we were winning every single duel, but it probably took us a little too long to get into our rhythm. Off the back of the City game midweek there were some tired legs today and they probably attacked the game a bit quicker. The last 25-30 minutes was all us and probably should have scored."
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Fara Williams
Former England midfielder on BBC One
It's a really well-deserved win.
Tactically from the get-go, Arsenal had a game plan. When Arsenal set up game plans and players execute they tend to come out with the right result, and they did that today.
Chelsea really struggled with the way Arsenal set up from the off. Arsenal grew into the game.
You thought Chelsea might have come out of half time with a bit of clarity in terms of how to stop Arsenal's chances. They didn't do that.
Beth Mead was the difference maker in the second half.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Fara Williams
Former England midfielder on BBC One
Chelsea just didn't turn up.
Arsenal had a point to prove. The players put on social media 'we owe you one', and they've actually shown that. They responded to what happened midweek with a great performance.
Chelsea will be really disappointed. Arsenal were week today in terms of their bench. They didn't have any gamechangers - Chelsea did, but their subs didn't do that for them.
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal forward and player of the match Beth Mead speaking to the BBC: "I just thought we figured out where we could hurt them and we did that in the second half especially, and we put our chances away. I thought we could have had more, we created more and we are really happy to get the three points today.
"Apparently I like scoring against Chelsea but I love playing for this club, for this badge and always to get a goal feels liek the first time, and I am very proud about that.
"Too long. Happy to be able to get rid of that one [poor away record at Chelsea before today], and long may it continue."
On whether people should rethink writing Arsenal out of the title race: "Possibly. As cliché as it is, we go one game at a time. A lot can happen in this league and there are still a lot of games to play and all we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Right, let's hear from one of the stars of the show today for Arsenal, Beth Mead, who's been speaking to BBC Sport's Jo Currie pitch side.
FT: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
Ellen White
Former England striker on BBC One
This win showcased the grit, the determination, the togetherness of this Arsenal team.
They worked together and so hard, right the way through the whole team.
That clinical edge, they really showed it. It was a beautiful finish from Beth Mead and from Mariona Caldentey as well.
Chelsea wil be kicking themselves this afternoon.
Image source, Getty ImagesBeth Mead leads Arsenal to 2-0 victory over Chelsea
At a glance
Beth Mead puts Arsenal in front in 55th minute
Gunners double lead through Mariona Caldentey in 61st minute
Defending champions Chelsea stay six points behind leaders Manchester City
Arsenal just a point further back in third
Chelsea's Women's Super League title hopes are in tatters after Beth Mead led Arsenal to a thoroughly deserved win at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners took the lead in the 55th minute when Mead was played in by Alessia Russo and finished emphatically into the far corner.
Mead turned provider six minutes later, finding Mariona Caldentey in acres of space just inside the penalty area who confidently shifted the ball past the onrushing defender before calmly stroking into the bottom corner.
Chelsea's best chances came when chasing the game but Erin Cuthbert and Sjoeke Nusken both failed to convert glaring headed opportunities as the hosts fell to a damaging defeat.
Sonia Bompastor's side remain six points behind leaders Manchester City, having played a game more, while Arsenal stay third but are now just a point behind the Blues.
Arsenal started quickly as they looked to put Wednesday's disappointing League Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United behind them and could have gone in front inside two minutes.
Captain Katie McCabe shot straight at Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton before Alessia Russo's follow-up was cleared off the line.
Despite keeping Chelsea penned inside their own half, Arsenal struggled to create any further chances of note before Stina Blackstenius headed just wide on the stroke of half-time.
In between, Chelsea did come through Wieke Kaptein and Naomi Girma threatening from set-pieces.
But Arsenal were the quickest out of the blocks again in the second half, and, with Chelsea calling for a foul on Sam Kerr just inside her own half, they pressed forward and Russo fed Mead to thump in the opener.
Alyssa Thompson almost provided the immediate response for Chelsea but her shot flew just wide and Caldentey doubled Arsenal's lead soon after.
While Chelsea will rue the missed opportunities that could have brought away a nervy finish, the visitors were just as likely to add a third with Blackstenius forcing Hampton into a couple of smart saves.
Renee Slegers' side can celebrate a first win over their London rivals since December 2023, a victory that gives City the chance to go nine points clear at the top with a win at London City Lionesses on Sunday (11:55 GMT).
Arsenal claimed their first WSL win at Chelsea since October 2018
'We will never give up' - Bompastor reaction to Chelsea defeat
For the past six years, Chelsea have dominated the WSL.
They won five league titles in a row under Emma Hayes, made it six last season under Bompastor and few would have looked past them making it seven this year.
There have been wobbles before, occasions when it looked like they may just surrender their crown before coming storming back to take the trophy.
This time, though, they have surely given themselves too much to do.
A disjointed display in such a big game is symptomatic of a season in which a side that was once inevitable, have suddenly looked a little vulnerable.
The quality is still there but the air of invincibility around them has evaporated.
Arsenal pressed them well and Chelsea struggled to play out from the back, while in the first half their threat going forward was limited to the pace of Thompson on the break and set pieces.
Had they taken their chances, it might have been enough, but instead it stayed level and twice in the space of six minutes a defence that had conceded just six league goals before this game was breached far too easily.
They may have had a case for the foul on Kerr in the lead up to the first but still failed to react once it wasn't given, then proceeded to give Caldentey the freedom of the penalty area for the second.
With that, what was supposed to be the start of their late surge towards seven in a row was over before it began.
And Manchester City have a chance to finish them off once and for all next Sunday.
Beth Mead puts Arsenal ahead against Chelsea
When Arsenal last won at Chelsea in the league (5-0 in September 2018), they were on their way to their 15th title.
Back then, few might have predicted 2018-19 would be the final season of the Gunners' success, as London rivals Chelsea overhauled them as the dominant force, winning six straight titles.
Five draws this season is already more than Arsenal have ever had in a Women's Super League campaign and a major reason why they are so far off the title pace.
Promising performances aside, Slegers recognised "the goals are missing" in a 0-0 draw against 10-player Manchester United earlier this month.
The squad was stretched too, with Slegers only naming seven substitutes and lacking options to change their attack.
However, 10 minutes after the break, Mead finally provided the clinical edge they had been missing, firing in her first goal of the season.
Shortly after, she turned provider to tee up Caldentey's decisive second.
While the title may be a bridge too far for the Gunners this season, landing a heavy blow on the side that have ruled the WSL for years is a happy consolation.
There remains plenty to play for elsewhere, with the Champions League knockout stages next month and a potential rematch against Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Before that, the Gunners face Moroccan side FAR Rabat in the semi-finals of Fifa's inaugural Champions Cup on Wednesday.
Win and the chance to claim a record prize pot of £1.7m will be on the line against either Corinthians or Gotham FC in next Sunday's final.
'Beth Mead loves big games'
Chelsea have eight days to recover before a must-win game at WSL leaders Manchester City on Sunday, 1 February (14:30 GMT).
Meanwhile, next up for Arsenal is Morocco's FAR Rabat in the Champions Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, 28 January (18:00 GMT) at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Manchester City | 12 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 34 | 10 | 24 | 33 |
|
2 Chelsea | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 24 | 8 | 16 | 27 |
|
3 Arsenal | 13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 25 | 10 | 15 | 26 |
|
4 Tottenham Hotspur | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 23 |
|
5 Manchester United | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 24 | 13 | 11 | 22 |
|
6 Brighton & Hove Albion | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 17 |
|
7 Aston Villa | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 19 | -3 | 16 |
|
8 London City Lionesses | 12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 16 |
|
9 Leicester City | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 21 | -14 | 9 |
|
10 Everton | 13 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 25 | -11 | 8 |
|
11 West Ham United | 12 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 29 | -20 | 5 |
|
12 Liverpool | 12 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 21 | -13 | 4 |
|
Manager:Sonia Bompastor
Formation:3 - 4 - 1 - 2
Manager:Renee Slegers
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
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