WSL: Arsenal regret disallowed goals in 1-1 draw against Chelsea

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo struck late to grab a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, denying the Gunners a crucial win due to two disallowed goals.

The result leaves top-flight Chelsea, who are chasing a sixth straight league title, on 20 points after eight games, while Arsenal rise to fourth place with 15 points and are ahead of Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference, but their north London rival still has a game in hand.

Desperate for a win that would catapult them back to the head of the pack, Arsenal fell behind in the ninth minute when Chelsea’s American striker Alyssa Thompson scored with a brilliant chipped finish.

Stina Blackstenius thought she had equalized for Arsenal in the 54th minute and fired the ball home after a corner, but the goal was disallowed for handball. Television replays showed little evidence of any contact with the attacker’s hands or arms.

Arsenal finally managed to level in the 87th minute when Russo fired a first-time finish that Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton could not keep out, setting up a grandstand finish that attracted even more controversy.

Arsenal substitute Frida Maanum thought she had won with a cool chip past Hampton in the 90th minute, but the flag was raised for offside and again the goal was disallowed.

That decision prompted shouts of protest from the Arsenal fans in the crowd of more than 50,000, and at the final whistle another loud boos echoed around the ground.

In the other match of the day, Manchester United’s title challenge suffered a setback as they suffered their first defeat of the league season, losing 1-0 at home to Aston Villa. It remains third in the table with 17 points, while Villa is sixth with 10 points.

Published on November 8, 2025