Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Alyssa Thompson scoring the only goal in the first half. The defeat deepens Arsenal’s difficult start and damages their bid for a first Women’s Super League title in eight years, while Chelsea gain ground in a derby that is a major fixture in the women’s game.

Arsenal began with energy and pressed high, but none of their eight shots was on target, and Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey both hit the woodwork. Chelsea’s goal came after Melvine Malard dispossessed Steph Catley; goalkeeper Anneke Borbe initially saved Keira Walsh’s attempt, but Thompson scored from the rebound. Katie McCabe, who joined Chelsea from Arsenal in the summer after 11 years as a Gunner, faced her former side for the first time; Arsenal manager Renée Slegers said she remained confident in her players.