Myles Lewis-Skelly (derecha) protesta tras ser expulsado por el árbitro Michael Oliver (centro) en el partido ganado por el Arsenal ante el Wolverhampton en la Premier League. En Wolverhampton (Inglaterra), el 25 de enero de 2025
Darren Staples
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El joven defensa del Arsenal Myles Lewis-Skelly escapó a una suspensión de tres partidos después del éxito del recurso presentado por su club contra la tarjeta roja que recibió el sábado en la Premier League, anunció el martes la Federación Inglesa de Fútbol (FA).
El lateral izquierdo de 18 años fue expulsado en el final de la primera parte tras cometer una falta ante el Wolverhampton.
El árbitro no verificó la acción en vídeo, algo que enfadó mucho al entrenador del Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, pese a que los londinenses terminaron ganando 1-0.
Arteta insistió en que la acción de Lewis-Skelly no merecía la roja porque no era peligrosa ni cortó una ocasión manifiesta de gol.
La comisión independiente que estudió el recurso decidió la anulación de la tarjeta roja y, por lo tanto, de la suspensión de tres partidos que conllevaba.
Lewis-Skelly podrá por lo tanto jugar con el Arsenal ante el Manchester City y el Leicester en la Premier League, así como en la vuelta de semifinales de la Copa de la Liga ante el Newcastle.
En la Premier League, el Arsenal es segundo, a seis puntos del líder Liverpool, que tiene un partido disputado menos.
Arsenal logra que se anule la tarjeta roja a Lewis-Skelly
El Arsenal ha logrado un importante triunfo fuera del terreno de juego al conseguir que se anule la tarjeta roja que se le mostró a Lewis-Skelly durante el último partido. El joven jugador había sido expulsado por una supuesta falta grave, pero tras revisar las imágenes, se ha determinado que la decisión fue injusta y que Skelly debería haber seguido en el campo.
Esta victoria es un gran alivio para el Arsenal, que ha estado luchando por mantenerse en la cima de la tabla de clasificación. Ahora, con Skelly de vuelta en el equipo, el club podrá contar con su talento y habilidades para los próximos partidos.
La afición del Arsenal ha mostrado su alegría por esta noticia, demostrando una vez más su apoyo incondicional al equipo. Sin duda, esta anulación de la tarjeta roja es un impulso de moraleja para el club, que seguirá luchando por alcanzar sus objetivos esta temporada. ¡Vamos Gunners!
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Keith Hackett has been left stunned by the latest developments on Michael Oliver in the wake of the controversial red card he showed to Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the referee should be taking time off after the incident to reflect, rather than continuing to work such a packed schedule.
Oliver has been the subject of a huge amount of scrutiny after leaving many stunned for sending the Gunners left-back of for a challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty on Saturday.
Despite that, the referee is set for a quick return action in the wake of what happened in that clash between Arsenal and Wolves.
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On Wednesday night (29 January), Oliver is set to be in Spain to take charge of Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Serie A side Atalanta.
Hackett though does not agree with the official taking charge of a match, particularly one as high profile as that, so soon after what happened at Molineux.
Speaking to Football Insder, the former referee said:
“Are our top referees getting worked too hard?
“I would suggest that they are and in particular our two UEFA Elite Referees Oliver and [Anthony] Taylor.
“I suggested after Oliver’s howler that he should be stood down for a couple of weeks in order to receive some operational advice. Instead he travels to Spain to officiate Barcelona.
“He returns to Heathrow Friday morning. Then travels to his home in Newcastle. Then it’s off to Ipswich to officiate the weekend’s Premier League game!!”
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card against Wolves has become a major talking point (Credit Imago)
While Barcelona are already guaranteed a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, Atalanta may still need a result to avoid the knockout round play-offs.
Arsenal themselves are also in Champions League action with a trip to Girona, where only defeat and a major goal difference swing would see them miss out on an automatic place in the last 16.
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Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has expressed his shock at the steps taken by current referee Michael Oliver after his controversial decision to show a red card to an Arsenal player in a recent match.
In a post-match interview, Hackett stated that Oliver’s decision was “harsh and unnecessary” and that he was surprised by the lack of hesitation in reaching for the red card. He went on to say that Oliver’s actions could have serious repercussions for the player and the team, and that he should have shown more restraint in such a crucial moment.
Hackett, who has been critical of refereeing decisions in the past, called on the authorities to review Oliver’s performance and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future. He also urged referees to show more empathy and understanding towards players in high-pressure situations, and to think carefully before making such game-changing decisions.
The incident has sparked a debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning Oliver’s judgement and calling for greater accountability from referees. Only time will tell what the consequences of this decision will be, but one thing is for sure – Keith Hackett is not impressed.
Arsenal have reportedly had an audacious bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins rejected, but a second offer is expected to be lodged before the transfer window closes on Monday.
The 29-year-old England international, a boyhood Arsenal fan, has three years remaining on his current contract, giving Villa leverage in any negotiations.
Adding to that, Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa are unimpressed with the timing of the approach given it comes just hours before their crunch Champions League showdown with Celtic.
After losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to long-term injuries, Mikel Arteta has made it clear that his squad needs attacking reinforcements to compete with Liverpool for the title.
With Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak out of reach this month, credible links to other targets have been scarce.
It makes an attempt to recruit a big name from a Premier League rival all the more surprising. Time will tell whether interim Sporting Director Jason Ayto can pull off a late deal that is likely to cost more than £60 million.
Meanwhile, Villa striker Jhon Duran has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia. Given the potential departure of Duran, it remains to be seen if Villa will sanction Watkins’ sale.
In a recent report, it has been revealed that Aston Villa has rejected a bid from Arsenal for their star striker Ollie Watkins. The Gunners were reportedly keen on bringing the 25-year-old forward to the Emirates Stadium, but Villa has made it clear that Watkins is not for sale.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, Villa remains steadfast in their decision to keep hold of Watkins, who has been a key player for the club since joining from Brentford in 2020. The striker has impressed with his performances and goal-scoring ability, leading Villa to believe that he is an integral part of their squad.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will come back with an improved offer for Watkins, but for now, it seems that Villa is determined to keep hold of their prized asset. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Arsenal could be about to enter talks for the marquee signing of the January transfer window, according to a report – with Aston Villa reportedly being approached for striker Ollie Watkins, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his striking ranks before the window closes next week.
Arsenal have recently lost Gabriel Jesus to a season-ending knee injury, and with Eddie Nketiah being sold to Crystal Palace in the summer, it means that only Kai Havertz is capable of leading the line in the current market. The club’s search for a striker is no surprise – however a shock link to Watkins could see one of the Premier League‘s most stunning January transfers of all time, with a report claiming that it will take a fee of £60million to land the England star.
There hasn’t been an agreement or a decision just yet, but talks with Villa and the player’s representatives are advancing, with Arsenal aiming to land the forward before Monday’s deadline. Villa, if they do lose Watkins, would look to bring in Joao Felix – but only before Watkins’ possible departure. Crucially, the Villans hero is thought to want the move.
Having been at Villa for the past four-and-a-half years, Watkins has been the club’s best out-and-out striker for some time. Already registering 10 Premier League goals at the club this season, he notched 19 in all competitions last season when the Villans finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League. And, with 69 goals and 31 assists marking his century of goal contributions in the Premier League inside just 169 games, Watkins is no doubt one of the league’s top strikers at present.
His talismanic nature means that the Gunners could look to spring a surprise on Liverpool in the title race, currently sitting just six points behind the league leaders albeit having played a game more – and Watkins’ decisive nature in the final third could prove vital for Arteta in the second half of the campaign.
According to recent reports, talks between Arsenal and Aston Villa are said to be advancing in a potential deal for striker Ollie Watkins. The Gunners are reportedly willing to pay around £60 million to secure the services of the talented forward, who has expressed his desire to make the move to North London.
Watkins, who has been in fine form for Villa this season, scoring 14 goals in the Premier League, is seen as a key target for Arsenal as they look to strengthen their attacking options. The 25-year-old has impressed with his pace, movement, and finishing ability, making him a coveted asset for many top clubs.
It is believed that Watkins is keen on the prospect of joining Arsenal and playing under manager Mikel Arteta, who has reportedly identified him as a key target for the upcoming transfer window. With talks progressing between the two clubs, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be finalized in the coming weeks.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that the club can secure the signing of Watkins, as they look to bolster their squad and mount a stronger challenge in the Premier League next season. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing transfer story.
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the England international and the club have now moved for the 29-year-old.
It is understood Arsenal have made an initial offer for Watkins which has been rejected but an improved attempt is expected.
Watkins still has three years to run on his existing deal at Villa Park and is a key player for Unai Emery’s side.
However, a move to Arsenal may appeal to Watkins, who has admitted he grew up as an Arsenal fan.
Whilst playing for Brentford, the forward said in 2020: ‘That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot.’
Arsenal have seen a shock bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins rejected by the club
Mikel Arteta’s side are keen to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window
Watkins found the back of the net during Aston Villa’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal
The 29-year-old played a vital role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final during the summer
Nevertheless, Emirates chiefs have identified the forward as the man they believe can ignite their title challenge as they look to haul down Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Villa, however, will believe they are in a strong position given Watkins’ contractual situation and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners can successfully pull off what would be one of the most eye-catching transfers of the January window.
Watkins has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances for Villa this season, one of those coming in the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.
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Arsenal make shock bid for Ollie Watkins: Aston Villa reject offer for star striker as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking force before the transfer window slams shut
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal have made a shock bid for Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins. The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking force before the transfer window slams shut, and have identified Watkins as a top target.
However, Aston Villa have swiftly rejected Arsenal’s offer for the talented forward, with manager Dean Smith determined to hold onto his key player. Watkins has been in impressive form for Villa since joining from Brentford last season, and has caught the eye of several top clubs with his performances.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to add more firepower to his squad, and sees Watkins as a perfect fit for his attacking system. The Gunners have struggled for goals in recent seasons, and Arteta is hopeful that Watkins could provide the cutting edge they have been missing.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make an improved offer for Watkins, or if they will turn their attention to other targets in the final days of the transfer window. But one thing is for sure – the Gunners are determined to strengthen their squad as they look to challenge for silverware this season.
The police have launched investigations into “threats and abuse” aimed at referee Michael Oliver and his family after Myles Lewis-Skelly‘s controversial red card in Arsenal‘s 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Oliver sent off Lewis-Skelly in the 43rd minute, with the Arsenal full-back deemed to have committed a serious foul play challenge on Matt Doherty.
The decision, which was supported by the VAR, received widespread criticism from pundits and supporters. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he was “absolutely fuming” about Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body in charge of refereeing in English football, issued a statement on Sunday evening to reveal that Oliver had been subjected to attacks.
“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture,” PGMOL’s statement read. “No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.
“The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has expressed their dismay and shock at the abuse directed towards referee Michael Oliver following his decision to send off Arsenal player Granit Xhaka in a recent match.
In a statement released by PGMOL, they condemned the abusive language and threats aimed at Oliver, stating that such behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in football. They emphasized the importance of respecting match officials and their decisions, regardless of whether fans agree with them.
The incident has sparked a debate about the treatment of referees in football, with many calling for harsher punishments for those who engage in abusive behavior. PGMOL has vowed to work with clubs, players, and fans to ensure that referees are treated with the respect they deserve.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by match officials in the modern game, and the need for greater support and protection for referees. PGMOL has called on all stakeholders in football to come together to address this issue and create a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in the game.
When Matt Doherty took his touch past Myles Lewis-Skelly, it was obvious to everyone inside Molineux what would come next. The 18-year-old Arsenal full-back duly brought Doherty down to prevent Wolves from breaking into the two-thirds of the pitch left vacant by Arsenal’s entire team being within 30 yards of the opposition goal for Declan Rice’s corner kick.
Lewis-Skelly walked away from the scene with the calmness of a player content that he had delivered an exemplary professional foul and taken a cynical yellow for his team. When he turned around, red was the colour of the card that referee Michael Oliver was brandishing. The teenager’s face was a picture of bemusement, as if he had missed an incident while he was looking the other way.
But the red card was for him. Two minutes before half-time, Arsenal found themselves confronted by a familiar wave of injustice. This was the fourth time they had been reduced to 10 men in the Premier League this season and, while there was a sense of grievance around Rice and Leandro Trossard being sent off against Brighton and Manchester City respectively for perceived time-wasting, this was a mix of bafflement and rage that had no caveats.
Oliver had the red card knocked from his hand as Arsenal’s apoplectic players protested the decision. Rice turned to the travelling supporters with his hands out and laughed, presumably because the only other option would be to cry.
At first, the only rationale those inside the ground could comprehend was that Oliver had deemed Lewis-Skelly to be the last defender between Doherty and the goal, but replays showed Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri were covering. Doherty was also 25 yards from his own net when he got brought down, so it would have taken a vivid imagination to suggest Lewis-Skelly was denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
It seemed inevitable that the VAR team would recommend to Oliver that he take another look at the incident on the pitchside monitor. Instead, Darren England — who was the VAR when Liverpool’s Luis Diaz had a goal against Tottenham Hotspurruled out for offside early last season — checked and cleared the decision.
The Premier League confirmed that Oliver’s decision was based on the severity of the foul rather than its location on the pitch.
There has since been widespread disbelief and anger on social media over the decision, as well as the VAR’s role in upholding it.
On BBC Radio 5 Live, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said officials were setting standards at “a bar so low even a limbo-dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.
Premier League rules state that a tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play. The considerations Oliver had to weigh up in his mind here included the speed, intensity, force, degree of control and the point and extent of contact.
If the contact occurs on the foot, it is typically considered reckless and indicative of a yellow card, but if contact is high, full and forceful on the ankle or above, referees are to consider it dangerous and therefore worthy of a red.
Mike Dean, the former Premier League referee, was one of the few pundits to support the decision. He said on Sky Sports: “When you see a still image, you understand what he has done. He has put his studs down his leg for serious foul play. Scraped down the Achilles.”
Lewis-Skelly’s right boot did catch Doherty above the ankle but it looked like a tripping motion from the side rather than a high-paced impact from behind that could have done serious damage.
Miles-Skelly’s boot initially catches Doherty above the ankle…
… but the main contact was on his foot as the Arsenal youngster tripped him
This was the eighth red card Oliver has shown to Arsenal players in his career, more than any other team he has officiated.
He was not flavour of the month with Arsenal fans before this weekend, as he showed Gabriel Martinelli two yellow cards within seconds for interrupting a throw-in and then fouling the player in the same sequence of play, also against Wolves, in February 2022. Oliver also decided against showing Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic a second yellow for a late, lunging tackle from behind on Rice in October 2023, a decision referees’ chief Howard Webb said was incorrect.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright was so vexed over the Lewis-Skelly incident he posted a video on his Instagram account criticising the decision. “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game — and I’m not even talking Premier League — I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday League, knows that it was never a red,” he said.
“(Give a) yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing in the Premier League, the decisions, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are just the centre of attention for me.
“We can’t criticise too hard, simply because where are the refs going to come from? But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.
“When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so-called best league in the world? At the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it.”
Lewis-Skelly is now scheduled to be suspended for Arsenal’s next three domestic games, including the visit of Manchester City and the second leg of a Carabao Cup semi-final away to Newcastle. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who declined to speak about the incident post-match other than to say he was “fuming”, suggested the decision to show a red card was so obviously wrong that he hopes the club will not even need to appeal for that ban to be overturned.
When Arteta named his team to face Wolves, the absences of captain Martin Odegaard (illness) and fellow midfielder Mikel Merino (knock) were the latest examples of Arsenal being denied continuity this season. When Lewis-Skelly was sent off, the weight of evidence that this is a cursed campaign for the north London side grew even heavier.
With Liverpool 3-0 up at half-time at home to Ipswich in another of the day’s 3pm kick-offs, the possibility of Arne Slot’s side moving eight or nine points clear with a game in hand on Arsenal loomed ominously.
Arteta had to find a way to still attack despite the numerical disadvantage and at half-time he substituted Nwaneri who, alongside Lewis-Skelly yesterday, had become the first two English players aged 18 or younger to start together in a league game for Arsenal since February 1998.
The Spaniard made the unusual decision to switch to a 5-3-1 rather than the more conventional 4-4-1 or 4-3-2, bringing on Riccardo Calafiori to play left wing-back.
Arsenal dominated territory in the opening 15 minutes of the second half as Rice and centre-back William Saliba railed against the doom by taking it in turns to single-handedly drive their team upfield. Arsenal resisted the temptation to become passive and, after Wolves’ Joao Gomes was shown a second yellow for a late challenge which caught Jurrien Timber on the ankle, parity was restored.
That left them with 20 minutes plus stoppage time to find a winner and it was Calafiori who delivered it four minutes later, bending a terrific half-volley away from goalkeeper Jose Sa and into the far corner. His badge-kissing and sprint into the middle of a wild flash-mob scene by the away dugout, which saw every team-mate celebrating as if it was their strike, captured how Arsenal had embraced the adversity and found a way to channel anger into defiance.
Calafiori begins the celebrations that ended in him being mobbed (Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Arteta lived every action of the closing minutes. After conceding equalisers to Brighton and Manchester City to drop points on previous occasions this season when losing a man, he knew how important seeing through this victory was for belief.
It keeps Arsenal in the title race but also gave Arteta’s team and the fan base their first emotionally charged victory of the season. Yes, Arsenal have beaten big teams but until Saturday they had not enjoyed the release of unbridled joy that only comes from late winners or overcoming the odds.
GO DEEPER
The Briefing: Wolves 0 Arsenal 1 – Was Lewis-Skelly’s red card harsh? How did Arteta’s 10 men play?
Oliver’s full-time whistle delivered that outlet. An exhausted Kai Havertz had to be picked up from the ground but Rice found the energy to raise both hands in front of the delirious away supporters, who had kept their team going from their positions down the length of the Billy Wright Stand.
Even Arteta allowed himself an impassioned celebration before he bounded back across the pitch and down the tunnel.
It has taken until almost February but Arsenal have their first truly momentous victory of the season.
They will hope they look back on Lewis-Skelly’s red card as the moment they finally turned a speed bump into a ramp.
(Top images: Premier League)
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s shock red card in Arsenal’s recent match left fans and players alike stunned. The young defender’s reckless tackle saw him sent off in the first half, leaving the Gunners with a man down and facing an uphill battle.
Despite the setback, Arsenal showed resilience and determination as they fought back from the early red card. Manager Mikel Arteta made tactical adjustments, shifting players around to cover for the missing defender and maintain their shape on the pitch.
The team’s composure and discipline were on full display as they weathered the storm and continued to press forward. The attacking players stepped up, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the charge and scoring a crucial goal to level the playing field.
The defensive line also held firm, with the remaining players putting in a solid shift to keep the opposition at bay. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno made some key saves to keep Arsenal in the game and ultimately secure a hard-fought draw.
Overall, Arsenal’s ability to recover from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card and salvage a result speaks volumes about the team’s character and resilience. Despite the setback, they showed that they are a force to be reckoned with and capable of overcoming adversity on the pitch.
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No pressure, Renee Slegers, but any hope of slowing down Chelsea in their pursuit of a sixth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title rests squarely on your shoulders.
It’s only Matchday 12 of the 2024-25 season, yet it feels as though the race is already at a critical tipping point. The Blues have surged ahead, leaving the rest of the league trailing in their wake, and they now sit a commanding seven points clear of Arsenal in second.
If Arsenal lose to Chelsea on Sunday (7:30 a.m. ET. Stream live on ESPN+, U.S. only) that would stretch the gap to 10 points, and with just over half of the games played, that could prove insurmountable. Given Chelsea’s near-perfect form — they’ve dropped points only once in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City — the chances of them losing more than two games to give Arsenal a shot at closing the gap seem slim.
All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge, where the two powerhouses are set to clash in what promises to be a decisive moment. For Arsenal, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This match will decide the trajectory of their title challenge. For Chelsea, it could cement a potentially historic campaign.
Realistically, it can only be Arsenal
Manchester City‘s hopes of retaining a serious claim to the title have taken a heavy blow following their 4-2 defeat to Manchester United, leaving them two points behind their local rivals and Arsenal, both now tied on 24 points. With a mounting injury crisis further complicating matters, City now face the daunting task of hosting Arsenal on Feb. 2 — raising the stakes for the Gunners, who will be under pressure to extend their unbeaten streak.
Arsenal’s fortunes have been transformed since Slegers took charge in October following Jonas Eidevall’s resignation. In her interim spell, she led the team to an unbeaten run of 11 games across all competitions, and extended that to 12 with a commanding 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace in her first match as permanent manager. The momentum is certainly with Arsenal, but they’re not alone in the race.
While Arsenal remain the only team capable of realistically challenging Chelsea for the title, United are right in the mix, yet their inconsistency remains a serious concern. Despite being level with Arsenal, Marc Skinner’s side face a brutal end to the season, with tough fixtures against their closest rivals. While all other top three contenders face each other in the coming months — City host Chelsea on March 23 — United need to wait until the final stretch of the season.
United’s fate could be sealed by May, with matches against Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal all scheduled for their final run-in. Dropping points before those crucial games could be fatal to their title hopes, leaving them with no margin for error.
The Manchester clubs’ chances of closing the gap on Chelsea depend on Arsenal handing the Blues their first loss of the season, making the Gunners the only real team in a position to derail Chelsea’s momentum.
Arsenal’s defence can counter Chelsea’s attack
Arsenal’s struggles in recent visits to Chelsea are well-documented: they’ve failed to win any of their last five away WSL encounters, with their best result being a draw since their commanding 5-0 victory at Kingsmeadow in October 2018 under Joe Montemurro. It’s been nearly seven years since Arsenal last secured a win on Chelsea’s turf, but this time, the circumstances feel different.
“We are rivals, it’s a London derby. I think everyone involved, you can just feel it inside you,” Chelsea forward Guro Reiten told ESPN. “There’s something special about those games. It’s the games you love to win and hate to lose. And there’s been some crazy games between us the last few years. You never know what to expect.”
Both teams come into the match in good form. Chelsea remain unbeaten all season, while Arsenal have strung together that impressive 12-game unbeaten run of their own. Statistically, the Blues have dominated the offensive side, leading the league in goals scored (36), shots (220) and expected goals (25.3). Arsenal, however, have proven themselves a rock-solid defensive unit, ranking first for shots faced (81), expected goals against (6.7) and clean sheets (8). This clash is shaping up to be a true battle of dominance.
Arsenal defender Emily Fox has made it clear that Arsenal’s defensive game will be key if they hope to thwart Chelsea’s relentless attacking threats.
“Without a doubt, defensively, I need to be on top of it, whether it’s with my one-vs.-ones, or with set pieces, corners, crosses and second balls in the box,” she told ESPN. “So I think really just being on top of it.
“I feel like with Chelsea they can finish off of anything and kind of create something out of nothing. And so with that, just defensively being locked in all the time.”
Chelsea’s Reiten added: “We love playing Arsenal so it’s going to be a tough one. They have an unbelievable squad and have been very good recently, so it’s going to be challenging.”
She added that Bompastor has structured the squad to maintain focus on each upcoming match. “Every game is important though; you’ve got to prepare for every game the same. It doesn’t matter who you’re meeting,” Reiten told ESPN, emphasising that the team’s drive to win has been the key to their successful run.
“I’m not laughing or being funny [on the pitch], I want to win and I don’t care who is on that pitch. I want to win. I think every single one is like that.
“There’re going to be moments where you struggle, and you’re not playing as well as you want to, but you want to get it over the line. You need those three points and then we can work on how to improve the performance after. I think that’s been so special about us in the first half of the season; we’ve kept moving and kept moving.”
But the pressure is on Arsenal to deliver. To stand a chance of handing Chelsea their first loss of the season, they will need to be at their best, defensively and offensively. A win could be the catalyst to put real pressure on the Blues, perhaps even shaking their pursuit of a historic campaign and derailing their quest for an unbeaten season.
Girma will make Chelsea even stronger
The Blues are on track to smash the league’s points record following an impressive 31 points from a possible 33 at the season’s halfway mark. To equal the league’s record of 58 points, Chelsea will need to secure victories in nine of their remaining 11 games — no easy feat, but with their form this dominant, it’s well within their grasp.
Under former manager Emma Hayes, Chelsea went unbeaten throughout the 2017-18 WSL season, clinching the title in dominant fashion. Now, under new manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea have yet to taste defeat, not just in the WSL but across all competitions. It’s a remarkable streak for any team, especially in such a competitive league.
To put it in perspective, Arsenal’s historic unbeaten run in the 2006-07 season, when they achieved an unprecedented quadruple, stands as one of the finest accomplishments in domestic football. Playing 44 matches, they racked up 42 wins and two draws, a feat that now seems almost mythical.
For Bompastor to match or even surpass this achievement with Chelsea would be nothing short of extraordinary. It would require winning the elusive Champions League — a title Bompastor has already conquered both as a player and coach with Lyon. It’s the one prize that’s eluded Chelsea despite their domestic dominance. Add to that the League Cup and FA Cup, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
While Chelsea did complete a domestic treble in 2021-22, recent seasons have seen them struggle to reap success in the league, in Europe and in the cups simultaneously.
The level of competition has soared since Arsenal’s 2007 triumph, when they won the inaugural Champions League (then called the UEFA Women’s Cup.) The game is now fully professional for these clubs, and the level of competition has skyrocketed. Going unbeaten in a league in the modern game is almost unheard of; doing it across four trophy campaigns is near impossible with the growth of the women’s game.
But Chelsea’s chances of a complete sweep may be slightly more plausible with the expected signing of Naomi Girma, the United States‘ premier defender, from San Diego Wave FC. ESPN first reported Chelsea’s interest in the 24-year-old last week, and the central defender is set to become the first $1 million signing in the coming days.
Girma is a rare talent, and her arrival at Chelsea is a game-changer. With her exceptional skill, being calm under pressure and natural leadership, she will seamlessly strengthen a defence already brimming with world-class talent. As Chelsea target the final stages of the four trophies they’re chasing, her presence adds a crucial layer of stability and quality. But her signature will come too late to feature on Sunday.
Arsenal must win this crucial clash — and then secure victory over Man City a week later — to keep the pressure on in the title race, but it will be Slegers’ biggest test yet. With Chelsea’s dominance showing no signs of slowing down, Arsenal’s ability to deliver in this defining moment could determine the course of the season.
If the Gunners fail to rise to the occasion, the question looms: is there anyone capable of stopping this ever-growing, near-impervious Chelsea?
As the Women’s Super League title race heats up, all eyes will be on the upcoming clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal, currently sitting in second place behind Chelsea, will be looking to secure a crucial victory and close the gap at the top of the table.
With both teams boasting a strong lineup of talented players, this match promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of the top teams in the WSL. Arsenal will be counting on the likes of Vivianne Miedema, Kim Little, and Leah Williamson to lead the charge and secure a vital win.
Can Arsenal beat Chelsea and turn the tide in the WSL title race? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this match is sure to be one for the books. Don’t miss out on all the action as these two powerhouse teams battle it out for supremacy in the Women’s Super League.
In case you were not already aware, Chelsea agreed a $1.1million deal with San Diego Wave for USA defender Naomi Girma this week. Here’s what our very own Tom Garry had to say about the historic transfer…
Sonia Bompastor has just all-but confirmed the signing of Naomi Girma. The Chelsea manager told BBC Sport: “Yes, we will probably have to announce something about Naomi soon.”
Arsenal midfielders Lia Wälti and Kim Little spoke to Suzanne Wrack this week about this afternoon’s huge London derby, Jonas Eidevall’s exit and how things have changed under new head coach Renée Slegers.
Discussing Chelsea during her pre-match press conference on Friday, Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers said: “I’m very impressed with what they’ve been doing but what we want to do is take this game and approach it as any other game. The things we’ve been doing really well is being composed and calm about any opposition we play. Being humble, but also having a big belief in what we’re doing. We try to approach this game in the exact same way.”
Arsenal fans, you’ll be pleased to know that the visitors are wearing RED socks this afternoon. No last-minute dash to the megastore today!
Discussing Arsenal during her pre-match press conference earlier this week, Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor said: “Our mentality is to focus on the game and every game is just worth three points, it is no more than that on Sunday. So we focus on ourselves and our mentality is to make sure in every game we put ourselves in the right mentality to make sure we win the game. We don’t focus on the table, we take it game by game, and we are more focused on how we can perform the best on game day.”
Guro Reiten claims Chelsea are “not happy with where they are right now” despite remaining undefeated across all competitions. The winger discussed today’s derby with Suzanne Wrack earlier this week…
In case you somehow missed it, the last time these two teams met at Stamford Bridge there was one major talking point – socks.
Yes, Arsenal took white socks across London for the fixture, resulting in a kit clash. The match was subsequently delayed by 30 minutes and the Gunners had to wear Chelsea’s dark blue and black away socks purchased from the stadium megastore…
Hopefully we won’t see the same problem again this afternoon!
General view of black and blue Chelsea socks worn by an Arsenal player, after the game was delayed due to a kit clash Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images/Reuters
Arsenal starting line-up: Daphne van Domselaar; Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Katie McCabe; Kyra Cooney-Cross, Kim Little (C), Mariona Caldentey; Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo. Substitutes: Manuela Zinsberger, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laura Wienroither, Katie Reid, Lia Wälti, Frida Maanum, Rosa Kafaji, Stina Blackstenius.
Preamble
Hello, good afternoon and welcome to coverage of today’s WSL clash between Chelsea and Arsenal. It’s first vs third at Stamford Bridge this afternoon in one of the most highly-anticipated fixtures of every WSL season. Chelsea are still yet to lose a match this term and have only dropped points on one occasion. Meanwhile, Arsenal have enjoyed an outstanding 13-game unbeaten run following their 2-1 defeat to Sonia Bompastor’s side in October – the match that also marked the end of the Jonas Eidevall era.
The Gunners need a win today to close the gap to their London rivals – anything less and Chelsea will take a huge step towards the league title.
Let’s just hope that Arsenal’s backroom staff have brought the correct socks this time!
Kick-off is at 12:30pm GMT – join me!
The highly anticipated Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Arsenal is about to kick off! Stay tuned for live updates and commentary as these two top teams battle it out on the pitch. Who will come out on top in this exciting clash? Follow along to find out! #WomensSuperLeague #Chelsea #Arsenal #LiveUpdates.
Arsenal kept up their chase of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday after a 1-0 win over Wolves in which both teams went down to 10 men.
The Gunners missed a number of chances before teenage left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card for “serious foul play” after a trip on Matt Doherty just 10 yards outside the Wolves box.
Mikel Arteta’s team were furious but found a way back into the game when João Gomes was shown a second yellow card in the 70th minute and substitute Riccardo Calafiori swept the winner home just four minutes later.
The win keeps Arsenal six points off Liverpool at the top, though the Reds have a game in hand.
Positives
An incredible win against the odds, Arsenal held firm when they needed to and the move to bring on Calafiori from the bench was inspired. Arteta will be delighted with the fight shown from his players and it could prove to be a key three points at the end of the season.
Negatives
Once again, Havertz struggled up front and Arsenal should have been ahead before they went down to 10 men. And, once again, their discipline (19 red cards under Arteta’s leadership now) almost cost them. Although you would be hard pressed to find a red card given in a similar situation again this season — especially given that the VAR did nothing to overturn it.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Mikel Arteta, 8 — Sometimes you’re up against it and you have to hang on. Arteta wouldn’t have wanted to change his tactics after the sending off of Lewis-Skelly, but he made the right calls and the celebrations at the end of the game showed just how important this win was.
Player ratings
GK David Raya, 7 — Made a good save to keep Arsenal’s lead late in the game and showed how quick he is off his line to snuff out danger.
DF Myles Lewis-Skelly, 4 — A 43rd-minute red card for “serious foul play” after a trip on Matt Doherty just 10 yards outside the Wolves box was incredibly harsh.
DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 — He didn’t get his trademark goal from a set piece but the Brazil international kept things tight.
DF William Saliba, 6 — Back from injury, Saliba showed how important a player he is and helped his side keep a clean sheet with a number of key interceptions.
DF Jurriën Timber, 6 –The Netherlands international isn’t quite the same threat as Ben White down the right and often looks like he might get injured, but he was solid.
MF Declan Rice, 8 — Arsenal missed Martin Odegaard’s ability to unlock opponents but Rice did his best to try and fill the gap, either through well-delivered set pieces or by driving them forward from midfield.
MF Thomas Partey, 8 — One of the best players in the Arsenal team. His bite and experience in midfield helped keep things tight when down to 10-men and his versatility was key in filling the holes around the pitch.
MF Ethan Nwaneri, 7 — The 18-year-old didn’t do much wrong, as he rarely does.
FW Leandro Trossard, 7 — The Gunners should have capitalised from his deliveries but Havertz wasn’t able to make the most of having the ball put on a plate for him.
FW Gabriel Martinelli, 6 — Bright and quick, he put in a number of crosses and always looked a threat.
ST Kai Havertz, 5 — A poor day up front as the Germany international missed at least three decent chances and the calls for the Gunners to sign another striker grew louder.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
DF Riccardo Calafiori, 7 — We’re making an exception to give him a rating as the Italy international arrived after 74 minutes to fill in at left-back and scored the winner!
DF Kieran Tierney, 6 — No time to make a real impact after arriving for Martinelli on 87 minutes.
In a thrilling match against Brighton, Arsenal managed to secure a hard-fought victory thanks to a late goal from youngster Calafiori, who stepped up in the absence of Lewis-Skelly after his red card. Here are the player ratings for Arsenal in this crucial win:
Calafiori – 9/10: The hero of the match, Calafiori showed great composure and skill to score the winning goal. A bright future lies ahead for this young talent.
Lewis-Skelly – N/A: Unfortunately, Lewis-Skelly’s early red card meant he couldn’t make much of an impact on the game. A disappointing end to what could have been a great performance.
Smith Rowe – 8/10: Smith Rowe was a constant threat going forward, providing creativity and energy in the attacking third.
Gabriel – 7/10: Gabriel put in a solid defensive display, making crucial interceptions and winning aerial duels.
Ramsey – 6/10: Ramsey had a decent game in midfield, breaking up play effectively and distributing the ball well.
Lokonga – 7/10: Lokonga controlled the midfield and showcased his passing range, helping Arsenal maintain possession throughout the game.
Overall, it was a hard-fought victory for Arsenal, with Calafiori stealing the show with his late heroics. The team will be looking to build on this performance and continue their push for a top-four finish.
