Mead and Caldentey fire Arsenal back into WSL title race with statement 2‑0 win over Chelsea

Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey scored in Arsenal 2-0 win over Chelsea women at Stamford Bridge, reigniting their WSL title challenge.

Arsenal Women seized control of the WSL clash as Renée Slegers side earned a huge 2‑0 away win over defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.”

Second-half goals from Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey secured Arsenal’s first league win away to Chelsea in eight years and cut the gap at the top of the Women’s Super League to just one point.

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The opening 45 minutes unfolded at a high tempo, with both sides showing aggression but little cutting edge. Arsenal controlled possession and territory, probing patiently through Kim Little and Caldentey, while Chelsea looked to strike on the counter.

Clear chances proved scarce. Erin Cuthbert tested Arsenal’s defensive shape from distance, while Mead and Russo threatened intermittently without forcing a breakthrough. Defences stayed compact, and the first half ended goalless.

Mead sparks Arsenal surge after the break

Arsenal transformed the game after halftime. Just ten minutes into the second period, Beth Mead broke the deadlock with a stunning strike, firing decisively past Hannah Hampton after combining sharply with Alessia Russo.

Chelsea responded with immediate changes, introducing Lauren James and Keira Walsh, but Arsenal seized control instead.

Six minutes later, Arsenal struck again. Mead turned provider, drifting inside before slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Mariona Caldentey. The Spaniard showed composure, evading two defenders before curling a low finish into the corner to make it 2-0.

The goal stunned Stamford Bridge and underlined Arsenal’s clinical edge.

Chelsea pushed forward in search of a response, but Arsenal’s defensive structure held firm. Leah Williamson marshalled the back line superbly, while Emily Fox and Katie McCabe shut down wide threats.

Stina Blackstenius had a third goal ruled out for offside, and Arsenal continued to threaten on the break. Despite late pressure, Chelsea failed to register a clear route back into the contest.

Key match stats

Possession: Chelsea 42% – Arsenal 58%

Shots: Chelsea 13 – Arsenal 14

Shots on target: Chelsea 1 – Arsenal 6

Pass accuracy: Chelsea 80% – Arsenal 85%

Arsenal dominated territory and created the clearer chances throughout the match.

Beth Mead delivered a decisive performance, scoring the opener and assisting the second after a quiet first half. Her movement, creativity, and composure changed the game and set the tone for Arsenal’s dominant second-half display.

What the result means

The win moves Arsenal firmly back into the Women’s Super League title race, reducing Chelsea’s advantage and increasing pressure at the top of the table.

With momentum building and key players hitting form, Arsenal have sent a clear message to their title rivals — they are very much back in the hunt.

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