Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Arsenal suggests they have recovered some of the resilience and confidence that faded when they lost the Women’s Super League title last season. The result extended their unbeaten league run to 12 matches and left them two points behind leaders Manchester City, making Chelsea credible title challengers again.

After an unconvincing opening draw with Aston Villa, Chelsea have won three matches in a row and kept three consecutive clean sheets, going 315 minutes without conceding. Against Arsenal, they defended calmly under pressure and followed manager Sonia Bompastor’s plan; Alyssa Thompson scored after Keira Walsh’s shot was parried. Walsh’s midfield partnership with Lexi Potter, Thompson’s form and new signing Melvine Malard’s pressing have also strengthened the side, while Arsenal sit seventh, seven points behind City.