"There were some forced changes to Arsenal's starting XI, with Olivia Smith's suspension and Frida Maanum's illness adding to injuries to several key players, including the England duo Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly. Despite their depleted number, Renee Slegers's side were dominant in possession, at times weaving together some lovely patterns of play. However, the end product was notably absent once again, the Gunners searching for the eye-of-a-needle pass through Chelsea's stoic and well-balanced back three of Lucy Bronze, Naomi Girma and Millie Bright."
"Their best threat came from Mead on the right, the forward's link-up with full-back Emily Fox providing their most dangerous outlet and Mead's crosses into the box equally threatening. It was no accident, then, that Arsenal's much-needed breakthrough, from a psychological point of view as much as a points one, came from the England forward."
Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge through goals from Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey, marking their first win at that ground and first away win versus Chelsea in eight years. Several Arsenal players were absent due to suspension, illness and injury, yet the side dominated possession and produced attractive passing patterns while struggling for a clinical final ball. Chelsea defended with a strong back three but were vulnerable to Arsenal's right-sided threat led by Mead and full-back Emily Fox. The result reduces the gap to Chelsea and dents Chelsea's title challenge.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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