3️⃣ things we learned from Chelsea’s draw with Arsenal in the WSL | OneFootball

The Women's Super League title race took a fresh twist on Saturday as league leaders Chelsea dropped points for only the second time this season in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at The Emirates.

Sonia Bompastor's side took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when summer signing Alyssa Thompson scored her first league goal for the Blues.

However, Arsenal fought their way back and, despite having two goals ruled out in the second half, Alessia Russo’s effort stood to ensure the Gunners walked away with at least a point.

The result means Manchester City can leapfrog Chelsea in the table with a win over Everton on Sunday, while Arsenal remain just outside the European places.

Here are three things we learned from Saturday’s London derby.

Officiating in the WSL showing little signs of improvement

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A matchup between two of the WSL’s heavyweights – surely the post-match talk should be about a thrilling contest between two quality sides?

Unfortunately not. Refereeing controversy stole the headlines.

Stina Blackstenius’ initial equaliser was harshly ruled out for handball, with replays showing the Swede pulled her arm away and the ball appeared to strike her thigh.

Russo may have been a fraction offside for the goal that did stand, although the flag stayed down, while what would have been a winner from Frida Maanum was then disallowed for another marginal offside call.

With no VAR in the WSL to review such incidents, it was a bad day at the office for the officials, to say the least.

Alyssa Thompson has arrived

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Thompson, meanwhile, looks well and truly at home at Chelsea.

The 21-year-old, who joined for a club-record fee in the summer, finally found the net in the WSL to open the scoring against the Gunners.

She started and finished the move, picking up the ball in her own half before driving forward, exchanging a neat one-two with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, and lifting an audacious effort over Daphne van Domselaar.

It may not have been enough for Chelsea to take all three points, but it was a composed and confident finish that marks a significant milestone for the youngster.

Title race blown wide open

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For much of this season, Chelsea have looked unflappable and unstoppable.

They remain unbeaten in all competitions, but draws have been their only stumbling block of late.

Chelsea were held by Manchester United by the same 1-1 scoreline a little over a month ago, and now Manchester City – who have also won six of their opening games – have the chance to move top of the table.

Regardless of what happens against Everton, the fact that only three points currently separate third and first suggests we could be in for one of the most competitive title races yet.

📸 Naomi Baker - 2025 Getty Images