The Lionesses captain had a terrible day out, but she wasn’t alone, as Jonas Eidevall’s team faced their third consecutive game without victory.
Just minutes before kick-off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall told BBC Sport that his team’s set-piece defence needed to improve against a Chelsea side that excelled in such scenarios. When the Gunners conceded the opening goal from a corner just four minutes into what felt like a must-win fixture for their title aspirations and possibly their manager’s career, it was a clear hint that it was not going to be the hosts’ day – and it wasn’t, with a 2-1 defeat.
When an unmarked Sandy Baltimore added to Mayra Ramirez’s improvised finish to make it 2-0 with 16 minutes left, some in the spectators may have anticipated a mauling. Chelsea appeared sharp, dangerous, and capable of scoring practically every time they moved forward. However, Caitlin Foord’s goal right before halftime cut the score in half and provided Arsenal with a viable starting point for a comeback.
As the second half progressed, an equaliser became increasingly likely. While Chelsea’s level dropped, the Gunners improved dramatically, and Stina Blackstenius must have felt she’d levelled things up with five minutes left, only to see her shot hit the crossbar. It would’ve been a goal they earned, but in the end, the awful defending in the opening stages proved fatal, leaving Arsenal with only five points from their first four Women’s Super League encounters and Eidevall’s.
Daphne van Domselaar (6/10) is the custodian and defensive player. In the second half, he made an excellent save to deny Beever-Jones. I didn’t have much else to do. Emily Fox(4/10): Ramirez was lost far too quickly on the first goal. There was a lack of communication, particularly with Mead, but also throughout the back line.
Leah Williamson (4/10): She didn’t look like herself out there today. I made unusual decisions and was dominated by Ramirez. Lotte Wubben-Moy (5/10): Not as weak a link in the back, but still had some bad moments. Kate McCabe (6/10): Her sector of the pitch was more better protected than the other flank’s, despite the fact that the bar was low.
Midfielder Lia Walti (5/10): Worked hard and was effective on the ball, but did not do enough to make Arsenal’s possession more significant on a consistent basis. Kim Little (5 out of 10) Similar to Walti, he was accurate in possession and battled hard, but he didn’t transfer the ball quickly enough when it was needed. Mariana Caldentey (4/10): She struggled to create an impression in a central role.
