Niamh Fahey admits Chelsea’s pressing gameplan worked to perfection as the Blues moved one step closer to their first FA WSL 1 title with victory over Arsenal.
Vicky Losada turned the ball into her own net after eight minutes and from there Chelsea never looked back, with Gemma Davison’s second-half penalty opening clear daylight between the two teams.
Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea
FA Women's Super League 1
Meadow Park, Borehamwood
Sunday 23 August 2015
With three games remaining the Blues are three points ahead of second-place Sunderland in FA Women’s Super League with BT Sport 1, though Ireland international Fahey is not about to take anything for granted.
“It’s a massive confidence boost, especially considering it was so tight going into it,” said Fahey, who moved to Chelsea from Arsenal over the winter. “This was a huge six-pointer and a massive result
“We knew Alex Scott might not play but they made one or two changes. It didn’t change our game, we had our plan with the high press and I think that really worked well.
“Our mission was to press from the outset and I don’t think Arsenal were able to solve it and it allowed us to get on the front foot early in the game.
“We’re five points ahead of Arsenal with three games to go, so who knows. A lot can happen, but we’re not thinking of anyone else.”
Jilly Flaherty heads towards goal for Chelsea's opener
The Blues started on top, as a punch from Sari van Veenendaal landed in front of Davison who launched it back at goal.
England striker Eniola Aluko helped the ball on and though it was cleared, from the resulting corner Losada put Gilly Flaherty’s header through her own goal.
The Gunners tried to hit back with a one-two between Losada and Natalia, allowing the latter to get clear, but her effort was tame.
Chelsea continued to control the tempo, with Ji So-Yun and Drew Spence missing good chances to double the lead.
Arsenal started the second half positively but Chelsea still had the better of the chances, with record signing Fran Kirby narrowly firing over from 18 yards.
Eniola Aluko of Chelsea holds off Arsenal's Danielle Carter
England’s Kirby was dangerous throughout and she drew a penalty after a lunge from Emma Mitchell, which Davison converted.
Katie Chapman had the chance to make it three, but Marta Corredera cleared off the line before Chelsea completed a confident display.
It represents a big blow to Arsenal’s own title chances, but goalkeeper Van Veenendaal says her team will not be waving the white flag.
“We weren’t good enough, we didn’t keep the ball long enough and in the second half, we were better, but not good enough overall,” said the Dutch international.
“But it’s not over because we have three more games. Perhaps we can look at our league position after the last game, but not right now.
“We let them play too much and they had a higher level of pressure and we lost too many duels, and they created more chances.
"We kept losing the ball after two or three passes and it’s difficult to create chances and to make goals when that happens. We have to learn from this game."
Arsenal: Sari Van Veenendaal, Emma Mitchell, Casey Stoney, Vicky Losada (Carla Humphrey 77), Natalia Pablos Sanchon, Danielle Carter (Jordan Nobbs 64), Marta Corredera, Jemma Rose, Dominque Janssen, Lotte Wubben-Moy (Chioma Ubogagu ht), Jade Bailey
Subs not used: Emma Byrne, Vyan Sampson, Rachel Yankey, Chloe Kelly
Bookings: Jade Bailey, Dominque Janssen
Chelsea Ladies (4-2-3-1): Hedvig Lindahl, Hannah Blundell, Gilly Flaherty, Niamh Fahey, Gemma Davison (Laura Coombs 87), Eniola Aluko (Ana Marques Borges 75), Ji So-Yun (Millie Bright 83), Claire Rafferty, Fran Kirby, Katie Chapman, Drew Spence
Subs not used: Marie Hourihan, Jenna Legg, Jodie Brett, Atlanta Primus
Bookings: Katie Chapman, Claire Rafferty
Attendance: 1,517
Referee: Ashvin Degnarain
