Arsenal send strong message as big guns lead statement Women's Champions League win | OneFootball

Chelsea win shows Gunners have what it takes to defend European crown

Chelsea were threatening a comeback when Lauren James scored but Russo’s brilliant finish put Arsenal back in control of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final.

There is still work to be done to finish the job in the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week but their display suggested they have what it takes to defend their European crown.

But Russo’s goal, which came on the counter as Arsenal weathered a spell of intense pressure, was the decisive blow, and restored a two-goal lead going into the return leg.

Chloe Kelly scored a stunning goal as Arsenal took a commanding first-leg lead

Action Images via Reuters

Granted, injury-hit Chelsea were not at full strength without difference-makers Sam Kerr and Aggie Beever-Jones, as well as stalwart defenders Millie Bright and Niamh Charles. They competed despite having only two fit senior outfield options on the bench, and Veerle Buurman was controversially denied a goal by VAR shortly before half-time.

But Arsenal’s big names stepped up at the perfect time to breathe fresh life back into their season.

Stina Blackstenius left Chelsea reeling as she nodded home the opener against the run of play. Chloe Kelly doubled the advantage shortly after, as she was afforded too much space on the edge of the area and caught Hannah Hampton off guard. “When you hit one like that, you know it’s going in,” she said.

Kelly thrives on confidence, and her strike took her to five goal contributions in her last three appearances.

Such impetus made the difference on a big night in north London.

The tie is far from over - Chelsea have turned over two-goal deficits in this competition before. They did so last season, blowing Manchester City away at this stage with a dominant home performance.

But then so have Arsenal, who came from behind to beat both Real Madrid and Lyonnes en route to last season’s final.

“It’s only half-time,” said Kelly. “Two goals doesn’t mean anything.

“There are places where we can improve, places we can tidy up, but it was a great team performance, clinical in front of goal.

“We know this is a Chelsea side that has a lot of talent, so we’re just staying focused.”