Arsenal close on 2nd place as Chelsea unbeaten run finally ends | OneFootball

Arsenal’s win at the weekend was significant in itself, but events elsewhere have tightened the race for second place even further.

Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Liverpool, combined with Chelsea’s unexpected 1-0 home defeat to Everton, means the Gunners, currently fourth, are now only two points behind Chelsea in second place.

They trail league leaders Manchester City by eight points, so the title is no longer a realistic target, but finishing second is firmly within reach.

With four teams separated by just two points, this is a race Arsenal can still win. Second place is crucial this season as it brings direct qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase.

It is also notable that both Chelsea and Arsenal have been struggling with their finishing for several weeks. Chelsea recorded 30 shots and 80 per cent possession without scoring against Everton, while Arsenal created five big chances in the second half on Saturday and converted only one.

It is a worrying recurring theme for both sides. Whoever snaps out of that trend first will hold a clear advantage in the race for second, particularly as Manchester United and Tottenham do not currently look capable of sustaining a full-season challenge. United lack squad depth, while Spurs do not have the same level of experience in the Champions League race as the other three teams.

On the subject of recurring issues, I spoke to Steph Catley in the mixed zone about the ongoing problems with defensive transitions that have persisted for more than 12 months. Her comments can be seen in the video below:

The goal conceded on Saturday, following a long ball from Anneke Borbe and an aerial duel lost by Alessia Russo, was difficult to understand. The defensive line is in position, with the exception of Catley, who is behind the rest and plays Olsson onside.

Why the back line failed to coordinate and communicate remains unclear, particularly as this is not the first time it has cost the team a goal.

This period now becomes decisive across three competitions.

In the WSL, Everton away next Saturday is another must-win fixture, with the Toffees arriving in confident mood after their victory at Chelsea.

In the Champions League, FC Twente at home and OH Leuven away are also must-win matches, as Arsenal would be better served entering the play-offs as a seeded side. Finishing in the top four and securing direct qualification for the quarter-finals is not possible with a maximum of 12 points.

In the Subway Cup, Arsenal enter at the quarter-final stage on 21 December away to Crystal Palace.

Finally, I attended the London City Lionesses v Brighton match on Sunday and the refereeing display was emblematic of wider concerns around PGMOL’s management of the game. The referee struggled to control proceedings, allowing numerous fouls to go unpunished, which in turn led to several injuries.

On many occasions, the whistle was not blown despite players lying on the ground injured.

The only goal of the match, scored by Brighton, stemmed from a clear error not to award a foul on former Gunner, Nikita Parris. Holding an opponent with both arms around the waist to block her and win the ball is a clear infringement.

For large spells thereafter, fouls were ignored, then penalised inconsistently for similar challenges.

There were correct decisions, including a booking for dissent shown to Parris and the application of the eight-second rule on the goalkeeper, which led to a corner for London City Lionesses.

Overall, however, it was poor game management. Allowing persistent fouling disrupts the flow of football and prevents the game from being played.

Supporters come to watch football, not a succession of unpunished fouls. Consistent application of Law 12 would resolve much of this.

It will be interesting to see whether the referee is appointed again next week or whether she is demoted, as happened to the official in the Arsenal v Chelsea match who was assigned as fourth official in the WSL the following week.