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STREAK SMASHED: Thompson Goal Hands Chelsea 1-0 Win Over Arsenal

Photo Credits: Chelseafcw Instagram

Chelsea

Hannah Hampton (GK), Ellie Carpenter,  Lauren James, Alyssa Thompson, Katie McCabe, Weike Kaptein, Keira Walsh, Lucy Bronze (C), Kadiesha Buchanan, Lexi Potter 

Chelsea Used Subs

Sjoeke Nusken, Aggie Beever-Jones, Veele Buurman and Sandy Baltimore

Arsenal

Anneke Borbe (GK), Emily Fox, Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little (C), Lisa Baum, Ona Batlle, Alessia Russo, Kyra Cooney-Cross

Arsenal Used Subs

Lisa Baum, Mariona Caldentey, Georgia Stanway, Geraldine Reuteler and Selina Cerci

Getting into the match we saw a very end to end game, but with Arzenal holding a lot of the possession. Early on we saw opportunities from Katie McCabe, Lisa Baum, Steph Catley and Melvine Malard. 

But Kim Little fired the first warning shots. Emily Fox was able to slide the ball through to Lisa Baum, taking on Katie McCabe. She drove to the box and passed to Little, who was able to turn and shoot, hitting the woodwork. 

Soon after, we saw Georgia Stanway pass to Lisa Baum; she received but was hit by a late tackle from Katie McCabe, gifting them a free kick.

On the counterattack, Alessia Russo was able to find Lisa Baum, who charged down the right flank. She was able to cross to find Mariona Caldentey unmarked. Taking the shot on the second touch, she hit the post, sending the ball out of play.

Anneke Borbe plays out from the back to Steph Catley, but Ellie Carpenter intercepts the touch. Catley goes for the tackle, but the ball is collected by Malard. She takes it into the box and slips it to Keira Walsh, who is able to get a shot off but is saved by Borbe. The ball lands for Alyssa Thompson, sending it into the top corner. Chelsea are in the lead; it’s 1-0.

Chelsea pressed for a second before the break as Malard’s driving run down the wing ended in a Borbe save and a corner. Standing over the ball in front of the Arsenal end, former Gunners star Katie McCabe made no effort to rush the delivery, calmly taking a yellow card for time-wasting while soaking in the reaction from her old supporters.

Early into the second half, Wieke Kaptein was able to lay the ball off for Ellie Carpenter. Taking it on the first touch, she crossed it to an open Malard in front of goal; she got a foot on it, but it wasn’t enough to end up in the back of the net.

Arsenal made their first substitutions of the match, seeing Chloe Kelly, Cailin Foord and Stina Blackstenius coming on for Lisa Baum, Mariona Caldentey and Georgia Stanway.

Soon after Chelsea made their first substitution, with Lauren James coming off for Sjoeke Nusken.

Steph Catley floated a dangerous ball over the top to find Stina Blackstenius, who managed to get a foot to it and chip it over the bar. Both the forward and keeper couldn’t pull back their momentum, colliding heavily with one another in the process, though Chelsea’s concern was quickly relieved as the flag was raised for offside.

Back-to-back subs come with Aggie Beever-Jones coming on for the Blues and Geraldine Reuteler and Selina Cerci for the Gunners. While Melvine Malard, Kim Little and Ona Batlle leave the pitch.

Arsenal saw plenty of the ball, but found no way through Chelsea’s stubborn low block. The Blues sat back, absorbed the pressure, and comfortably limited Arsenal’s chances.

With not long to go, Chelsea’s big names for the match leave the pitch, with Veele Buurman and Sandy Baltimore coming on for Alyssa Thompson and Katie McCabe.

5 Minutes of additional time were announced, but the game was done. London is blue, with the game finishing Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal.

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WSL

Arsenal beat Brighton 1-0 on the opening weekend of the WSL

Screenshot

photo taken from @bhafcwomen on X

On Sunday the 6th, Arsenal travelled south to Broadfield Stadium to take on the Seagulls in what was a cagey and frustrating fixture. Brighton pushed for an equaliser but ultimately the Gunners did enough to secure a crucial 3 points.

The game kicked off with high intensity and both sides quickly matched the oppositions energy. The first real chance came early on with a great piece of vision from Chiamaka Nnadozie who spotted Kiko Seike charging forward and released the ball, which opened up a positive spell of play for Brighton.

Shortly after, Arsenal WSL debutant Lisa Baum, received the ball down the left wing and thundered an incredible strike off the crossbar and into the back of the net; 1-0 to the Gunners. This goal advantage ignited the travelling side and their loyal fans, who thrived off this momentum and continued to force pressure up front. 

Brighton soon responded and were awarded a few free kicks from promising positions, however the players struggled to connect with these crosses into the box. Instead, they found most success through Japanese forward, Kiko Seike, who was causing trouble on the wing for Ona Battle in their 1v1 moments.

Equally, Arsenal also had opportunities to add to the scoreboard. Olivia Smith’s swinging corner in the 27th minute was met by Steph Catley who headed the ball into the hands of Nnadowzie. Mariona Caldentey also had a go herself, releasing a long-range shot, again saved by the strong hands of Brighton’s keeper.

The first half drew to a close with some scrappy moments and fouls for both teams. It was interesting to see the battlesforming all over the field, which were starting to shape the game. 

The home side came out the tunnel looking fired up for the second half, creating a set-piece opportunity in the final third early on, looking in much more control all over the field, offering increased crosses in the box and pressing high. 

In the opening 45, although Arsenal wasn’t able to capitalise on their advantage, they looked to have more of a grasp of the game. In comparison, after half-time the Gunners were more vulnerable and unable to hold on to possession. However, on the counter, they looked dangerous at times especially through new signings Lisa Baum and Georgia Stanway- standouts from the match. The Brighton backline, specifically Manuela Vanegas did a great job of keeping the relentless Alessia Russo out of the game as well as their other attacking threats. 

Lacking creativity up front, Renee Slegers substituted onto the field Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord. The duo had their bright moments but similarly couldn’t efficiently break down the Albion’s defence, which summed up Arsenal’s attacking performance of the game. 

In turn, Brighton utilised the valuable playmaker of Fran Kirby who intelligently picked up the ball centrally on several occasions, then drilled the ball out wide to Seike. Much to the frustration of the players and fans, they weren’t able tosignificantly challenge goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez and find the back of the net.

After a break in momentum (due to substitutions and Lia Walti going down with an injury) the game did pick up in the closing moments with both teams pushing at either end, but the scoreline remained 1-0.

 

Brighton: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Manuela Vanegas, Moeka Minami, Maisie Symonds, Madison Haley, Kiko Seike, Lia Walti, Fran Kirby, Caitlin Hayes, Marisa Olislagers, Charlie Rule

Substitutions Used: Emilie Joramo, Olivia Garcia, Emily Murphy, Olaug Tvedten, Sophie Peskett

 

Arsenal: Misa, Emily Fox, Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little, Olivia Smith, Lisa Baum, Ona Battle, Alessia Russo

Substitutions Used: Chloe Kelly, Cailtin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, Smilla Holmberg, Frida Maanum

Goal Scorer: Lisa Baum

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WSL

Arsenal Women look to the future after Seven Signing Summer

By Millie Poultney

Image via @Alessia on Instagram

Following on from their Champions League victory two seasons ago and the Gunners lifting the  Champions Cup earlier this year, Arsenal Women’s trophy cabinet remained mostly sparse for  the 2025/2026 season. They started the summer transfer window with the clear intention to  build on their previous successes and strengthen an already high achieving team. While the  squad has added quality in several areas with key, high profile signings, it is clear that the  departure of the likes of Katie McCabe and Beth Mead will reshape the overall performance and  drive of the squad. With the 25/26 team placing second overall for the domestic league and  qualifying for the Champions league semi final: the key question in everyone’s minds is can the  new signings help to redress the gaps that these departures leave, so that the Gunners can  touch Silverware this season.  

The club kicked off their summer by signing 27-year-old England midfielder Georgia Stanway,  who came on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Not only did Stanway see the German side  through to winning all four league titles during her time at the club, she was also a strong,  consistent starting member of the Lionesses squad that won back to back European trophies in  2022 and 2025. Aside from this international experience, Stanway arrives at Arsenal having  competed in the national division and winning the WSL title with the Citizens in 2016.  

The number 4 is not the only midfield addition this summer, with 27-year-old Geraldine Reuteler  signing just a week later on the 8th of July. The Swiss international arrives from Eintracht  Frankfurt, where she demonstrated her versatility across a number of different positions,  operating impressively not only in midfield but also performing strongly up front as well. While  competing within the Bundesliga, it was recorded that Reuteler provided her team with seven  goals and six assists during the 2025/6 season, further demonstrating her capability of creating  opportunities for fellow teammates. Both player arrivals at the club are set to provide Renée  Slegers with dynamic yet versatile options in the midfield as they join Gunners’ veterans  including captain Kim Little.  

Re-introducing herself back into the WSL and hoping to continue her winning streak at  Barcelona, 27-year-old defender Ona Batlle joins the Gunners on a free transfer from the  Spanish side, where she made 114 appearances and scored 14 goals over her three seasons  there. In a recent interview, Renée Slegers labels her as a “full back with strong intent”. Batlle  will be greeted in North London by a familiar face in the form of midfielder Mariona Caldentey,  having played alongside the Spanish forward at Barcelona and internationally. Batlle has the  potential to be extremely helpful when creating chances for Caldentey, as they are well  acquainted with each other’s style of play. 

Arsenal’s recruitment has also not been limited to just strengthening their defence and midfield,  it is clear that the club’s main aim is to increase the capabilities and talent of the team as a  whole, not just for this season, but to lay down the foundations for years of future success.  During this particular transfer window, Arsenal Women have brought in two more significant  additions between the posts: 27-year-old Misa Rodriguez, who arrives with a considerable level  of experience both at club level from Real Madrid, and internationally for Spain, and 18-year-old  Dane Isabella Damm who joins after spending time at Arsenal on trial last season. The contrast  of the two new signings has highlighted the importance Slegers places not just on strengthening  the current squad, but also in building for the future.  

To complete the new signings, the Gunners have also expanded their current line of attack by  introducing 19-year-old young talent Lisa Baum who has joined the club off a free transfer from  the Bundesliga side R.B Leipzig, where she made 26 appearances and scored six goals in her  single season with the club. Her arrival further underlines the Gunners’ willingness to build up  important figures for the club’s future success.  

However, while the new arrivals have strengthened the likelihood of future trophies within this  team, this summer’s window has also seen notable and unexpected transfers including the  departure of left back Katie McCabe in mid-May. After eleven years at the club having made  over 305 appearances, the Irish international leaves behind a gap that includes not only skill  that might not be possible to replicate, but also a lasting legacy. The 30-year-old has joined  Chelsea Women’s Football Club on a three-year contract with an option to add on an additional  season.  

Another significant loss comes in the form of the attacking midfielder Beth Mead. Mead joined  the North London side in the January 2017 window, and since then has established herself as  one of the most reliable attackers in the national league, and during the 2021/22 season had  the most assists in the WSL as well as being the third highest goal scorer in the national  League, winning her The Golden Boot. Mead joins Manchester City on a free transfer from  Arsenal, on a three-year deal with the Citizens. Laia Codina also left for West Ham United and  Victoria Pelova signed with rival North London side Tottenham Hotspur.  

Overall, the transfer window has been a strong one for the Gunners with a new generation of  talent arriving, despite legacy players departing the club. It is now up to Renée Slegers and the  wider Arsenal team to prove that their rebuild can translate into success on the pitch for the next  season and many more to come.  

Categories
WSL

London is Red: Arsenal Reassert Capital Dominance with 2-0 Triumph

Chelsea Starting Lineup

Hannah Hampton (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Millie Bright (C), Erin Cuthbert, Guro Reiten, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, Sandy Baltimore, Weike Kaptein, Sam Kerr, Lucy Bronze                                     

Chelsea Used Subsitutions

Keira Walsh, Lauren James, Aggie Beever Jones, Johanna Rhytting-Kaneryd, Sjoeke Nusken

Arsenal Starting Lineup

Anneke Borbe (GK), Emily Fox, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Cately, Mariona Caldentey, Beth Mead, Kim Little (C), Katie McCabe, Caitlin Foord, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius

Arsenal Used Subsitutions

Victoria Pelova, Smilla Holmberg, Laia Codina, Taylor Hinds

Arsenal opened the match aggressively, missing a close-range chance in the first minute immediately after Chelsea were ruled offside. The hosts responded in the 7th minute as Millie Bright found Sam Kerr to set up Alyssa Thompson, but the Arsenal recovery defense quickly closed down the shooting angle.

In the 11th minute, Hannah Hampton was forced into a reaction save to prevent a Lucy Bronze own goal following a dangerous Beth Mead cross. Two minutes later, Thompson’s low ball across the box was cleared before Erin Cuthbert could connect, with Katie McCabe intervening to end the Chelsea attack.

Soon in beth mead received a booking after catching the leg of Erin Cutherbert sending her down. 

With Chelsea chances from Sam Kerr and Sandy Baltimore nothing found the back of the net.

Stina Blacksteius sends the ball to Beth Mead, who sends it back towards the Swede. She gets a head on it but hits the post, sending it out for a goal kick. With 4 minutes added time, neither side were able to find a goal in the first half, Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal.  

Back after the break, Beth Mead receives the ball from Stina Blackstenius on the edge of the 10-yard box. Taking a touch, she slots it into the bottom left corner. Just after the break it was 0-1 to the Gunners. 

After the Goal Chelsea look to repsond with subsitutions, seeing Keira Walsh come on for Sam Kerr and Lauren James on for Guro Reitren. Soon After Alyssa Thompson running down the wing and taking a shot on goal, just too far to the right. 

Beth Mead receives the ball and squares it for Mariona Caldentey on the edge of the box. She takes a touch, driving into the box and places it in the bottom right corner before Hannah hampton can react. It’s 0-2 to Arsenal. 

Subsitutions saw Aggie Beever Jones come on for Weike Kaptein and Johanna Rhytting-Kaneryd on for Millie Bright. A change in formation to become more attacking. Soon after, Arsenal made their first substitution of the match seeing Victoria Pelove come on for Beth Mead. 

Shortly thereafter Emily Fox collects the ball drives the ball down the flank, taking a shot just outside the box, which is tipped over the bar by Hannah Hampton. 

Both teams made quick substitutions Erin Cuthbert coming off for Sjoeke Nusken and Smilla Holmberg coming on for Mariona Caldentey.

Stina Blackstenius had a chance breaking down the left flank and found herself one-on-one with Hannah Hampton. She shot, but was denied by the keeper. 

The last ten minutes was all chelsea pushing for a goal. With chances from Aggie beever Jones, Lauren James and Erin Cuthbert. 

Arsenal made two substitutions to see the match out with Laila Codina coming on for Katie McCabe and Taylor Hinds on for Emily Fox. 

With 5 Minutes of Added time Chelsea pushes to get one back, but the damage has already been done. At the end of the London Derby, it’s 2-0 to Arsenal

Categories
WSL

Arsenal Women: Summer transfer window overview 2025

By Emma Nicholls

After Arsenal’s Champions League glory last season, they had a surprisingly quiet transfer window although they had a handful of key moves in order to strengthen the squad. 

Young Gunners Cecily Wellesley-Smith and Jessie Gale both committed their futures to the club by signing their first professional contracts. 

After a highly successful loan spell throughout the second half of last season, Chloe Kelly has rejoined Arsenal permanently. The forward, who rediscovered her love for the game back in North London, will add attacking depth and experience ahead of the new season. 

Arsenal dipped into the WSL market, signing Liverpool duo Taylor Hinds and Olivia Smith.

Olivia Smith, a 21-year-old midfielder arrives for a record breaking fee. Smith also holds the record for being Canada’s all time youngest player after making her debut for the national team at the age of 15 in 2019. 

Taylor Hinds makes a return to the Gunners after 8 years away. Having joined the  academy in 2010 at just the age of 11. She continued to impress at the club and broke into the first team during the 2017/2018 season before moving on to develop her career. Now back as a Jamaican international, the versatile midfielder will bring maturity and resilience to the squad. 

Arsenal also added experience between the sticks, with the arrival of German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe who joined the club from Wolfsburg. 

Departures:

Alongside the arrivals, Arsenal also saw several outgoings. 

Michelle Ageymang and Rosa Kafaji have been loaned out to Brighton while Laila Harbert has joined Portland Thorns on loan. 

Following successful loan spells at London City Lionesses, Teyah Goldie and Freya Godfrey have now made their moves permanent.

Laura Wienrother has also completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, after impressing during her loan spell. 

Meanwhile, Lina Hurtig has signed  for Fiorentina and Amanda Illestedt has signed for Frankfurt. 

Although it’s not yet confirmed, it’s looking increasingly likely that Lia Walti will join Italian side Juventus before the transfer window closes, bringing a close to her seven year spell at Arsenal.

Chloe Kelly playing for Arsenal Women against Brighton. Photo: Charlotte Neal for Constancy Sport