Chelsea’s Women’s Super League title hopes are in tatters after Beth Mead led Arsenal to a thoroughly deserved win at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners took the lead in the 55th minute when Mead was played in by Alessia Russo and finished emphatically into the far corner.
Mead turned provider six minutes later, finding Mariona Caldentey in acres of space just inside the penalty area who confidently shifted the ball past the onrushing defender before calmly stroking into the bottom corner.
Chelsea’s best chances came when chasing the game but Erin Cuthbert and Sjoeke Nusken both failed to convert glaring headed opportunities as the hosts fell to a damaging defeat.
Sonia Bompastor’s side remain six points behind leaders Manchester City, having played a game more, while Arsenal stay third but are now just a point behind the Blues.
Arsenal started quickly as they looked to put Wednesday’s disappointing League Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United behind them and could have gone in front inside two minutes.
Captain Katie McCabe shot straight at Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton before Alessia Russo’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
Despite keeping Chelsea penned inside their own half, Arsenal struggled to create any further chances of note before Stina Blackstenius headed just wide on the stroke of half-time.
In between, Chelsea did come through Wieke Kaptein and Naomi Girma threatening from set-pieces.
But Arsenal were the quickest out of the blocks again in the second half, and, with Chelsea calling for a foul on Sam Kerr just inside her own half, they pressed forward and Russo fed Mead to thump in the opener.
Alyssa Thompson almost provided the immediate response for Chelsea but her shot flew just wide and Caldentey doubled Arsenal’s lead soon after.
While Chelsea will rue the missed opportunities that could have brought away a nervy finish, the visitors were just as likely to add a third with Blackstenius forcing Hampton into a couple of smart saves.
Renee Slegers’ side can celebrate a first win over their London rivals since December 2023, a victory that gives City the chance to go nine points clear at the top with a win at London City Lionesses on Sunday (11:55 GMT).
