The London Derby: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Katie McCabe is shown a red card at the London Derby (Action Images, 2025)

Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal

Guro Reiten’s penalty ends Arsenal’s unbeaten streak and Katie McCabe sees red in the London Derby.

It was an intense afternoon at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea faced Arsenal in the Women’s Super League. With Chelsea at the top of the table at 31 points and Arsenal 7 points behind in second place, it was a must-win game for the gunners.

Chelsea started as the stronger team, pressing Arsenal and creating dangerous chances. A crucial block in the box by Steph Catley denied Chelsea an early lead.

The intensity at Stamford Bridge only rose as both sides pushed for the opener. Chelsea are awarded a corner, and Sjoeke Nusken nearly converted, but Arsenal defence stood firm to block the effort.

Arsenal began to find their rhythm, and a mistake from Erin Cuthbert gifted Alessia Russo a chance - her shot just wide of the post!

Moments later, Mariona Caldentey crosses the ball into the box for Beth Mead, but Hannah Hampton was alert and in the right place to deny her.

The pitch then seemed to be dominated by the Gunners as they continued their press, and Emily Fox went 1 v 1 with Hampton, who made a superb save!

Catarina Macario takes an impressive shot at goal, but Daphne Van Domselaar produced an excellent save to keep Chelsea off the scoreboard.

In the final moments of the first half, Caitlin Foord went down with a muscle injury. Frida Maanum was brought on from the bench as a replacement.

Mayra Ramírez was substituted at half time, with Maika Hamano coming on to replace her.

The second half saw more end-to-end action, with both teams desperate for the win. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd fired a shot, but Van Domselaar again stood strong to make the save. Arsenal’s backline was impressive, with Leah Williamson and Kim Little linking up to prevent Rytting Kaneryd from trying for goal again.

Sandy Baltimore tried her luck from a wide angle, but the shot flew over the crossbar. Arsenal continued to apply pressure, causing Chelsea to retreat.

Stina Blackstenius drove into the Chelsea’s box and played a pass to Maanum, who takes a shot, but Nusken made a crucial block to deflect it over the bar.

Chelsea regained possession, and Lauren James made an impressive run into the box, getting past Caldentey. Little made a timely challenge to dispossess her, but the referee pointed to the spot for a Chelsea penalty in the 83rd minute.

Little approached the referee to protest, arguing that she won the ball. Katie McCabe joined the protest, resulting in a yellow card being shown for dissent.

Seconds later, McCabe was shown a second yellow and was sent off, meaning she will miss Arsenal’s away fixture against Manchester City.

Guro Reiten stepped up to take the penalty, sending Van Domselaar the wrong way and finding the back of the net! The stadium erupted as Chelsea take the lead.

Chelsea nearly doubled their advantage when Lucy Bronze sent a dangerous ball into the box, but Hamano’s shot was saved.

In a very scrappy last couple of minutes, both teams pushed for another goal. Arsenal searched desperately for a late equaliser, but their efforts came to nothing.

The referee blew the final whistle - Chelsea 1 Arsenal 0.

In the post-match press conference, I discussed the penalty decision with Renée Slegers. I asked her whether she believed the introduction of VAR technology in women’s football is necessary, especially following crucial, league-deciding moments like this one.

“Yes, I think so. The stakes in women’s football are getting higher, and I think we need VAR in the game. I also think it’s important that the game remains attractive for fans."

"VAR slows down the pace and introduces more stoppages. I believe we should have it!"

"It would be good for us to have VAR in the game. With time, it will likely develop."

Teams:

CHELSEA- H.Hampton, M.Bright (C), S.Nusken, M.Ramirez, E.Cuthbert, C.Macario, N.Bjorn, S.Baltimore, J.Rytting Kaneryd, N.Charles, L.Bronze

Substitutes Used: M.Hamano (46’), L.James (57’), A.Beever-Jones (77’), G.Reiten (77’)

Scorers: G.Reiten (84’)

ARSENAL- D.Van Domselaar, E.Fox, L.Williamson, S.Catley, M.Caldentey, B.Mead, K.Little (C), K.McCabe, C.Foord, A.Russo, K.Cooney-Cross

Substitutes Used: F.Maanum (43’), S.Blackstenius (65’), R.Kafaji (87’), L.Wubben-Moy (87’)

Attendance: 34,302