Match report: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal

0 - 0

WHAT HAPPENED

We delivered a spirited and committed team performance on Friday night as we held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Kingsmeadow.

With a number of key players returning from injury, Jonas Eidevall named a strong starting XI with Stina Blackstenius leading the line, and Leah Williamson returning to partner Rafaelle Souza in defence.

After a handful of half chances, Vivianne Miedema was denied by the woodwork following a well-worked corner routine, before Blackstenius failed to take advantage of an inviting delivery from Caitlin Foord, who delivered an impressive performance on her 50th appearance for the club.

It was a dominant first-half performance, but for all of our efforts, we went in at the break level and Chelsea threatened after the restart.

Breaking forward in numbers, both Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby squandered at chances to take the lead, while Pernille Harder remained a constant threat on the counter.

At the other end of the pitch, Foord’s powerful goalbound effort was heroically blocked by Jess Carter, before a goalmouth scramble ensued with less than 10 minutes remaining, with Blackstenius and Williamson seeing their headers cleared off the line.

There was a late shout for a Chelsea penalty after the ball brushed the arm of Williamson inside the penalty area, but the referee allowed play to continue and our defence stood strong to secure a valuable point on the road.