Arsenal batter Chelsea in front of record WSL crowd of 59,042 at Emirates

Arsenal 4-1 Chelsea

In front of a record crowd at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a remarkable performance, securing a convincing victory over reigning champions Chelsea and making their WSL title defence a serious challenge.

With both teams now level on points, Chelsea’s first league defeat of the season unfolded in front of 59,042 spectators, marking a new WSL record.

The Gunners took an early lead as Beth Mead found the net after eight minutes, but Chelsea responded with an equaliser from Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd against the run of play. Instead of dampening Arsenal’s spirits, Chelsea’s goal fueled the Gunners’ dominance, with Amanda Ilestedt capitalising on a goalkeeper error for the second goal. A composed finish by Alessia Russo made it 3-1 at halftime.

Despite Chelsea boss Emma Hayes’ halftime adjustments, including three substitutions and a formation change, Arsenal maintained control, and Russo sealed the victory with a fourth goal from the penalty spot, ensuring the three points stayed in north London.