Jonas Eidevall's side struggled from the off in a damning result that puts the Blues six points clear of their London rivals at the top of the table
It's difficult to decide what was the most bizarre thing about Arsenal's 3-1 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea on Friday night. Was it the way the Gunners were carved open with remarkable ease? Was it the constant errors from a team that had picked the Blues apart at will only as recently as December? Or was it the sock-related kit clash that delayed kick-off by 30 minutes?
The latter incident was perhaps a sign of things to come, with Arsenal totally unprepared for this meeting with the league leaders despite their hosts being the side ravaged by injuries. Chelsea had no Sam Kerr, no Mia Fishel and no Mayra Ramirez but, despite being ill in the week, Lauren James adapted perfectly to fill the void in the centre forward and ran Arsenal absolutely ragged.
There were just 15 minutes on the clock when the England star produced a strike too powerful for Manuela Zinsberger to stop, though she should have done after getting a strong hand to it. It was the first in a catalogue of mistakes from the visiting side, with James' superb play helping Chelsea double that lead six minutes later; Arsenal hesitant to press as Erin Cuthbert's strike was deflected in by Sjoeke Nusken. The versatile German grabbed another before the break, too, successfully directing another attempted strike – this one from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – beyond Zinsberger after a shockingly poor free-kick from Leah Williamson that kickstarted the Blues' counter.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall responded with a triple change at half time and, naturally, his team were more solid after the break, with Kim Little even able to add a late consolation – via a little help from Catarina Macario. But the game had already gone and the WSL title probably has, too. The Gunners sit six points behind Chelsea with just six games remaining.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Stamford Bridge…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (4/10):
Should've saved James' opener. Made amends with some good stops in the second half that kept the score down.
Katie McCabe (4/10):
Uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and surprisingly easy to beat at times.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (5/10):
One of the few players who didn't make too many errors. Completed all 48 of her first-half passes, incredibly.
Leah Williamson (3/10):
Terrible free-kick gave Chelsea the ball for their third goal. Just looked off it.
Steph Catley (3/10):
Had an absolutely nightmare trying to contain James. Off at half time.
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Lia Walti (4/10):
James breezed past her far too easily for Chelsea's second but she generally lacked support in her defensive duties. Often felt like she was running around trying to put out fires on her own.
Victoria Pelova (3/10):
Out-muscled too easily in the turnover that led to Chelsea's opener. Not great on the ball, either. Hooked at the break.
Kim Little (5/10):
The only player who looked capable of creating something for Arsenal. Created the consolation goal late on, with her effort deflecting in off Macario.
Attack
Beth Mead (3/10):
Struggled to get involved and was regularly stopped in her tracks when she ran at Chelsea.
Stina Blackstenius (4/10):
Pressed with energy and worked hard but was totally isolated. Taken off at half time.
Caitlin Foord (4/10):
Had some bright moments early on but then Chelsea completely took over. Off before the hour.
GettySubs & Manager
Alessia Russo (5/10):
Part of a triple sub at half time. Held the ball up well at times and had a rare shot for her team.
Frida Maanum (5/10):
Also on at the break and had some bright moments in possession and to get in good positions, but couldn't reverse the Gunners' fortunes.
Emily Fox (4/10):
Completed the trio of introductions at the interval but was exposed at times as she pushed on to make a difference.
Cloe Lacasse (4/10):
Replaced Foord before the hour in what was a strange change as the Australian seemed to be making in-roads when she came off. Lacasse, like the rest of the subs, struggled to make a huge impact.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (4/10):
Came on for Walti with around 20 minutes to go and kept the ball well but without creating anything meaningful.
Jonas Eidevall (3/10):
Difficult to tell what the game plan was for his side, who were second best from the off. Didn't create anything at all and were a mess at the back. Subs might've come at half time but they were too late to save the game. A nightmare performance and result.