An interesting stat also emerged late in the game. We’ve lost only one of 18 WSL matches played on a Wednesday – and that was our opening game in the competition, way back in 2011, coincidentally against Arsenal. It’s fair to say the fortunes of both clubs have changed considerably since then, as we maintain our advantage in the race to retain our WSL title and the Gunners contemplate a 12-point deficit to the Blues.
Before the first international break of 2021, there is still one more fixture before plenty of our players head off with their respective national teams. Bristol City, who we’ll meet again next month in the Continental League Cup final, host us on Sunday in a rearranged game that was called off last month due to snow. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1) Berger; Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson (c), Andersson; Ingle, Leupolz (Cuthbert 62); Kirby, Ji (England 74), Harder; Kerr (Reiten 82)
Unused subs Telford, Blundell, Carter, Fleming, Charles, Spence
Scorers Harder 48, 58, Kirby 90
Booked Leupolz 22, Ji 43
Arsenal (4-3-3) Williams; Maritz (Nobbs 76), Williamson, Wubben-Moy, McCabe; Van de Donk, Walti (c), Roord; Evans, Miedema, Mead
Unused subs Stenson, Zinsberger, Patten, Maier, Gut
Booked Williamson 89
Referee Amy Fearn
Let’