Arsenal Women’s Player Ratings vs Chelsea: Justice for the Gunners!

Ice-Cold Alessia Russo Comes Up Clutch After Cruel Stina Blackstenius Handball Controversy

If there was ever a game that summed up the drama, emotion, and sheer unpredictability of the Women’s Super League, this was it. Arsenal and Chelsea delivered a heavyweight clash filled with controversy, defiance, and one ice-cold finish from Alessia Russo that kept the title race alive — just.

In a 1-1 draw that had everything from questionable refereeing decisions to stoppage-time heartbreak, the Gunners showed immense character to claw their way back after falling behind early. Russo’s 87th-minute equaliser not only salvaged a vital point but also brought a sense of justice to a match that threatened to slip away from Renee Slegers’ side amid the chaos.

This wasn’t Arsenal at their fluent best. Far from it. But it was gritty, emotional, and full of the fight their fans demand. And after the cruel Stina Blackstenius handball call, Russo’s late strike felt like poetic payback.

Early Woes and Controversial Calls

Arsenal started like a team half-asleep, struggling to get out of their own half as Chelsea pressed relentlessly. Within minutes, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd clipped the post with a curling effort, a warning the hosts failed to heed. Moments later, Alyssa Thompson, Chelsea’s teenage sensation, weaved her way through Arsenal’s lines and curled a beauty past Daphne van Domselaar.

It was a goal that oozed class — but it also exposed Arsenal’s fragility. The home side looked disjointed, unable to cope with Chelsea’s pace and movement.

If not for the crossbar, the deficit could have been doubled. When Catarina Macario’s fierce strike slipped through Van Domselaar’s hands, the Gunners were lucky to see the rebound cannon off the bar.

Gradually, Arsenal began to settle. Around the 25-minute mark, they started stringing passes together and finding spaces between Chelsea’s midfield lines. But once they entered the final third, hesitation and poor decision-making let them down time and again.

The talking point came early in the second half — and it’s one that will be discussed for weeks.

In the 53rd minute, Blackstenius pounced on a loose ball after a corner and rifled home, sparking wild celebrations. But as Arsenal players hugged and high-fived, referee Melissa Burgin pointed to her arm, ruling the goal out for handball. Replays were, at best, inconclusive. There was no clear contact, no deliberate movement — just heartbreak.

Arsenal’s bench was livid. Slegers fumed on the touchline. The crowd erupted with boos. And yet, somehow, Arsenal found a way to keep going.

Alessia Russo Delivers When It Matters

When your attack misfires and frustration builds, you need someone who can stay calm amid the storm. Enter Alessia Russo.

The England forward had been largely quiet all afternoon, struggling to find service as Chelsea’s back line held firm. But true to form, when the chance came, she didn’t blink.

In the 87th minute, a half-cleared cross found its way to Russo just inside the box. She took one touch, steadied herself, and swept the ball past Hannah Hampton with ruthless precision. Ice-cold. Composed. Clinical.

The Emirates erupted. It felt like justice — a response to every cruel bounce and every questionable call that had gone against them.

And there was almost more drama to come. Deep into stoppage time, Frida Maanum thought she’d won it with a close-range finish after a slick passing move, but the flag went up for offside. Another debatable decision. Another groan of disbelief from the Arsenal faithful.

Still, the final whistle blew with Arsenal heads held high. They had battled back, refused to fold, and stayed within five points of the table-topping Blues — whose unbeaten WSL run now stands at 33 games.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Daphne van Domselaar

Daphne van Domselaar – 5/10

A mixed afternoon for the Dutch keeper. Could do little about Thompson’s curling opener, but she looked shaky dealing with Macario’s shot that almost slipped through her hands. Composed herself after the break, claiming crosses and communicating better with her back line, but she’ll know she rode her luck.

Emily Fox – 5/10

Chased shadows early on as Chelsea dominated the flanks. Improved slightly as Arsenal gained control of possession, but her attacking contribution was minimal. A learning experience against a top-class opponent.

Lotte Wubben-Moy – 6/10

Caught ball-watching for Chelsea’s opener, but redeemed herself with a couple of crucial blocks and interceptions later in the game. Her leadership shone in the closing stages as Arsenal pushed for the equaliser.

Stephanie Catley – 5/10

Steady without being spectacular. Lost a few duels and struggled when isolated against Kaneryd, but did enough to keep things stable when Arsenal were under pressure.

Katie McCabe – 6/10

The usual fire and fight. Threatened going forward, particularly against Lucy Bronze, but was also exposed defensively on the counter. Booked for a cynical foul and replaced just after the hour mark as Slegers looked for a spark.

Midfield

Arsenal v Chelsea FC – Barclays Women’s Super League

Beth Mead – 4/10

A frustrating performance. Her delivery from set pieces caused some danger — including the corner leading to the disallowed goal — but open play contributions were sparse. Seemed off the pace and was outshone by others.

Victoria Pelova – 6/10

Grew into the game. Struggled early on to impose herself but began dictating tempo midway through the second half. Calm under pressure and showed glimpses of her playmaking ability once Arsenal found rhythm.

Mariona Caldentey – 5/10

Uncharacteristically subdued. Her trademark sharp passing wasn’t quite there, and she often found herself crowded out by Chelsea’s midfield. Fought hard but lacked her usual spark.

Caitlin Foord – 7/10

By far Arsenal’s most dangerous attacker for much of the game. Her pace, close control, and willingness to take on defenders injected life into the attack. Deserved an assist for the work she put in on the left flank.

Attack

Arsenal v Chelsea FC – Barclays Women’s Super League

Alessia Russo – 7/10

For 86 minutes, she looked isolated. For one moment, she looked unstoppable. Russo’s late goal was everything Arsenal needed — poise, precision, and belief. Her link-up play remains underrated, even when service is scarce. Big players deliver in big moments, and Russo did exactly that.

Stina Blackstenius – 6/10

A maddening day for the Swede. Constantly caught offside and visibly frustrated. And when she finally thought she’d scored, the referee had other ideas. The “handball” call was harsh, and she can count herself unlucky.

Subs & Manager

Renee Slegers

Taylor Hinds – 7/10

Solid and reliable after replacing McCabe. Helped steady the back line as Arsenal took control and added a sense of composure defensively.

Olivia Smith – 8/10

What an impact. The record signing immediately changed the tempo, driving forward with purpose and flair. Her cameo reminded everyone why Arsenal invested so heavily in her talent. A starting role surely beckons.

Frida Maanum – 7/10

Injected energy and creativity after coming on. Her “winner” — disallowed for offside — was a cruel blow. Deserved better for her effort and composure.

Chloe Kelly – 7/10

Added width and intent, even if her finishing was wayward. Kept Chelsea’s defence occupied in the final minutes and gave Arsenal another dimension.

Kyra Cooney-Cross – N/A

A late substitution with limited time to make an impact, but offered energy in midfield.

Renee Slegers – 6/10

Tactically, she got things wrong at the start — Arsenal were too passive, too reactive. But her in-game adjustments, particularly the introduction of Smith and Maanum, changed everything. Her team showed fight and belief, even after another refereeing sting.

The Verdict: Arsenal Show Character in Chaos

This wasn’t a vintage Arsenal display, but it was a defiant one. For all their misfires in front of goal and shaky moments at the back, they refused to lie down.

Yes, the refereeing decisions will dominate headlines — the handball that wasn’t, the offside that looked dubious — but beneath the controversy was a team that showed grit and maturity under pressure.

Alessia Russo’s late strike may not have delivered three points, but it delivered something just as important: belief. Belief that Arsenal can still hang with Chelsea. Belief that the title race isn’t over.

As for Chelsea, their 33-match unbeaten run rolls on, but they were rattled. And for Arsenal, that alone is a small victory.