Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women share dramatic 1-1 draw at the Emirates

Chelsea and Arsenal held to a 1-1 draw in a fierce Women Super League match that was marked by late goals, VAR controversy, and near misses.

Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw in front of a record-breaking 56,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium, complete with controversy and late drama. Chelsea took an early lead through Alyssa Thompson, but Alessia Russo’s late equaliser salvaged a point for the Gunners.

Despite Arsenal’s dominance in the second half, two controversially disallowed goals prevented them from securing a statement victory over their London rivals.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Chelsea made a blistering start, with American forward Alyssa Thompson breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute. She latched onto a through ball and delicately chipped her finish over Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, putting the visitors ahead and silencing the home crowd.

Arsenal responded with intensity, pushing forward through Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead, but struggled to convert possession into clear chances.

Arsenal’s Frustration Grows

In the 54th minute, Stina Blackstenius thought she had equalised when she fired in from close range after a corner scramble. However, following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a supposed handball — a decision that left both players and fans fuming, as replays offered little evidence of contact.

Moments later, Arsenal continued to pile on pressure, with Kim Little dictating play in midfield and Katie McCabe threatening down the left flank. But Chelsea’s defence, marshalled by Millie Bright, held firm.

Arsenal’s persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute. Substitute Frida Maanum whipped in a superb cross that found Alessia Russo, who connected with a brilliant volley to make it 1-1. The Emirates erupted as the England striker celebrated with teammates — a goal that epitomised Arsenal’s relentless spirit.

The drama didn’t end there. Deep into stoppage time, Maanum thought she had won it for Arsenal after bundling the ball home, but the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside, leaving Arsenal furious and Chelsea relieved.

Tactical Insights

Renée Slegers side dominated possession in the second half, using width and quick passing to stretch Chelsea’s defence. The introduction of Russo and Maanum injected creativity and urgency into Arsenal’s attack, but controversial calls cost them a vital win.

Chelsea, meanwhile, were sharp in transition and clinical in the first half. Thompson’s pace and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s movement on the counter posed problems throughout, though their defensive line had to withstand heavy pressure late on.

Chelsea remain unbeaten in the Women’s Super League, sitting top of the table with 20 points from eight matches. Arsenal move up to fourth on 15 points, narrowly ahead of Tottenham on goal difference but still trailing the leaders.

For Arsenal, frustration will linger over the refereeing decisions that denied them a famous win. For Chelsea, the draw extends their dominance and maintains their edge in the title race.

This 1-1 draw at the Emirates delivered everything fans could hope for — quality, intensity, and controversy. Alyssa Thompson’s early brilliance and Alessia Russo’s late strike ensured a thrilling finish, but the spotlight will remain on the disallowed goals that left Arsenal Women feeling robbed of victory.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.