Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal: Blues take huge step towards WSL title

Chelsea must wait to see if they will be crowned Women's Super League champions for a fourth successive season after victory over Arsenal took them within touching distance of the title.

Manchester United's dramatic stoppage-time win over bitter rivals Manchester City later on Sunday ensured the title race will go down to the final weekend, although it remains in Chelsea's hands.

Emma Hayes' side did their job superbly at Kingsmeadow, taking a first-half lead through goals from Guro Reiten and Magdalena Eriksson.

They were given a scare when Arsenal were awarded a penalty for handball by Sophie Ingle but skipper Katie McCabe dragged it wide from the spot.

That was Arsenal's chance to mount a comeback, coming shortly after Caitlin Foord had flicked an effort on to the crossbar.

Chelsea held on, using the fortress of Kingsmeadow to carry them to an 11th victory out of 11 at home in the WSL this season. 

• Reaction as Chelsea close in on title

It was captain Eriksson's final home game in a Chelsea shirt after it was confirmed this week she will leave at the end of the season and she raced over to celebrate with the fans after scoring their second.

She poked in Sam Kerr's header before half-time, after Reiten had superbly slotted in the opener with a half-volley 20 minutes earlier.

The Gunners, who had been unbeaten in three WSL fixtures against Chelsea under manager Jonas Eidevall, have all but mathematically secured their qualification for next season's Champions League.

Kingsmeadow fortress helping Chelsea to title

Magdalena Eriksson (left) and Pernille Harder made their final appearances at Kingsmeadow after confirming they will leave at the end of the season

Chelsea's achievements grow each year and they are so close to securing a Double after winning the FA Cup earlier this month.

Arsenal were considered Chelsea's final major challengers but a formidable home record - they have now won a record 15 WSL matches in a row on home soil - was always in the Blues' favour.

Their supporters arrived early, perhaps preparing for a day of celebrations, and had filled the stands long before kick-off.

Arsenal also had strong support in Kingston upon Thames with the rivalry between the teams being reflected in their chants.

It was the home support who were cheering loudest as the teams headed down the tunnel at the break with Chelsea deservedly 2-0 up after some slick attacking play.

Arsenal were not short of chances of their own - Stina Blackstenius was denied by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and Frida Maanum's powerful strike was tipped on to the post.

More chances came for the Gunners in the second half but Chelsea looked in control as they saw out victory.

Hayes' side were warmly applauded at full-time as they stayed to show their appreciation to the home support that has played such a key role in their title charge.

Chelsea's final game of the season is at bottom-of-the-table Reading on Saturday and they will guarantee the title if they equal or better Manchester United's result at Liverpool.

Injury-afflicted Arsenal unable to reach Chelsea's heights

Katie McCabe's missed penalty proved costly as Arsenal failed to mount a comeback

Arsenal have had some wonderful battles with Chelsea in recent seasons but this was more one-sided than it has been previously.

"We started off slow," Eidevall said. "We were not taking decisions quickly enough to escape their pressure.

"That part of the game was the part I was most dissatisfied with. It was great to see the players in the second half because they were fearless, brave and really tired."

Riddled with injuries to key players, including four players out with anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries, Arsenal always faced a tall order to disrupt a Chelsea side hunting more silverware.

"Champions of England, we know what we are" were the words being sung by the home supporters throughout and Arsenal have still not quite been able to reach the heights Hayes' side have since their last league title in 2019.

Instead, their aim has been to finish the season inside the top three and that is now all-but secure.

Even if they lose to Aston Villa next weekend, it would take an almighty Manchester City victory against Everton to overturn Arsenal's huge goal difference advantage of 11.

Champions League qualification is an achievement worth celebrating given the terrible injuries that have struck the Gunners this campaign.

"It's been tough of course with injuries," said Eidevall. "My mindset has been that we need to do everything to finish as high as possible.