Russo doubles up as Arsenal thrash Chelsea to blow WSL title race open

Upon Emma Hayes’ announcement of her departure at the end of the season, Jonas Eidevall playfully hinted at making “life in the WSL as difficult and unpleasant” as possible for her. In front of a record-breaking Women’s Super League crowd of 59,042 at the Emirates Stadium, Eidevall’s Arsenal side produced a stunning 4-1 victory, leveling points with league leaders Chelsea and intensifying the title race.

Hayes is set to take up the vacant position as the manager of the US women’s national team. However, Chelsea’s hopes of a comfortable lead over Arsenal and a smooth path to a fifth consecutive title were thwarted by a lackluster performance against a determined Arsenal side led by Alessia Russo, who scored two goals.

Eidevall made two changes from the team that defeated West Ham 3-0, with the return of captain Kim Little and midfielder Lia Wälti. Chelsea also made two changes, with Sjoeke Nüsken and Jessie Fleming brought in by Hayes after being omitted from the starting XI in their 5-2 victory over Leicester. Sam Kerr returned to the starting lineup, while Millie Bright remained out and Melanie Leupolz was a late omission due to sickness.

Arsenal dominated the early stages, taking the lead after eight minutes through Beth Mead. However, Chelsea responded quickly, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scoring from a tight angle. Amanda Ilestedt then headed in Arsenal’s first goal of the season from a corner, and Russo extended the lead by calmly side-footing past the goalkeeper.

Frustrated by Arsenal’s success on their left side, Hayes made three halftime changes, bringing on Ashley Lawrence, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Fran Kirby. The adjustments had a positive impact, making the second half more even. However, Chelsea struggled to test the Arsenal back line effectively. Guro Reiten, making her first appearance since sustaining an ankle injury in October, was introduced in an attempt to provide more attacking threat.