Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal: WSL’s top two end goalless despite late drama

Arsenal maintained their two-point benefit over Chelsea on the top of the Women’s Super League desk after a dramatic draw at Kingsmeadow that someway ended goalless.

The Gunners virtually gained it late on when back-to-back corners have been scrambled off the road by Chelsea defender Millie Bright, drawing gasps from the three,330 followers within the floor.

But the drama didn’t end there as eight minutes of added time adopted, and through that point Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming had a purpose disallowed for offside, earlier than there have been enormous penalty appeals for handball by Leah Williamson from the hosts.

The encounter epitomised this season’s topsy-turvy WSL title race, with end-to-end motion till the final second of the match.

Emma Hayes was notably pissed off by Chelsea’s late penalty enchantment being denied, whereas Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall frantically waved away the notion Williamson had dealt with it.

“From our perspective it was a transparent penalty,” stated the Chelsea boss. “The complete stadium felt it was, even the Arsenal bench most likely did.

“The referee checked out Leah Williamson and requested did you handball it? Of course she stated she did not. We missed a giant determination.”

Eidevall informed Sky Sports: “It is the referee’s determination within the end. Maybe that would have been a penalty towards us, perhaps we should always have had a penalty earlier than and we would not have been in that state of affairs.”

Top two ship a thriller

This sport promised to be some of the thrilling of the season and it didn’t disappoint.

There was loads of spice on and off the pitch, with supporters taunting one another all through, whereas each managers have been animated on the touchline.

Vivianne Miedema struck the publish throughout a brilliant spell for Arsenal within the first half however Chelsea had quite a few possibilities after the break.

The guests threw their our bodies on the road at instances and Chelsea’s prolific entrance three – Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder – have been unable to take their possibilities.

While Chelsea have been denied a powerful penalty enchantment in stoppage time, there have been two spot-kick shouts from Arsenal both aspect of the break – each involving defender Jess Carter and Australian ahead Caitlin Foord, however neither got.

‘Tiredness confirmed in assault’

Chelsea have a sport in hand on Arsenal so there’s every part nonetheless to play for on this title race, whereas all eyes will likely be on Sunday’s derby as third-placed Manchester United will cut back the hole to Chelsea to at least one level in the event that they choose up a win over rivals Manchester City.

Hayes stated a draw with their London rivals was a good outcome, though she felt her group weren’t at their traditional attacking finest.

“The accumulation of video games confirmed in us tonight. I did not assume we have been free-flowing by our requirements going ahead, however we have been rock-solid defensively,” she stated.

“I believed we struggled within the first half – Arsenal’s finest moments when it comes to dominance have been within the first half. We created some huge possibilities which weren’t to be within the second half.”

Eidevall, whose aspect suffered a heavy defeat towards Chelsea within the FA Cup ultimate in December, stated his aspect needs to be “proud” of their show towards the league champions.

“It was one of many huge issues we talked about, being higher on the ball towards these top groups,” he stated.

“Chelsea tried to press us excessive at moments however we performed via that strain. That was actually pleasing to see.”

A draw maintains Arsenal’s benefit – though Chelsea can nonetheless overtake them ought to they win their sport in hand – however competitors decrease down the desk has already confirmed powerful for either side this season and there’s more likely to be additional drama within the title race.