Arsenal took control of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Chelsea, winning 3-1 in the first leg at the Emirates.
The Gunners – current holders of the European title – have been near-perfect in north London this season, and have lost just once in 21 games under Renee Slegers at the ground.
They were in good form heading into the game too – unbeaten in seven across all competitions, a run that started against Chelsea in January when they won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge – and the form book went in their favour.
Chelsea had the better of the opening 15 minutes – twice hitting the post through Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James – but Arsenal went ahead against the run of play as Stina Blackstenius nodded home a Katie McCabe free-kick.
Just after the half-hour, Chloe Kelly dazzled again on the big stage with a super goal. She was unmarked over on the left-hand side before arrowing a thunderous effort under Hannah Hampton, who will disappointed not to stop her England team-mate’s effort.
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Arsenal and Chloe Kelly celebrate a goal against Chelsea in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg
Chelsea should have pulled a goal back later in the half. Veerle Buurman rose above Laia Codina at the back post to nod the ball home, but as the Arsenal defender fell to the floor, the referee blew her whistle for a foul and ruled the goal out. VAR checked it and agreed with the on-field decision, although it looked to be incredibly soft.
The Blues needed their big players to step up in the second half – enter James. She pulled a goal back for Chelsea in stunning fashion in the 66th minute as a corner was cleared her way. She looped a sumptuous effort into the back of the net, making it look easy with a nonchalant finish.
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Alessia Russo’s impressive finish gave Arsenal a 3-1 lead over Chelsea
But the visitors’ hope was somewhat extinguished 10 minutes later as Alessia Russo scored her eighth goal of the Champions League campaign – the most of any player. She was found in the middle of Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze by Blackstenius before turning and hitting a brilliant effort past Hampton.
Chelsea had another goal ruled out late on. Kadeisha Buchanan bundled the ball home, but in the process, caught Anneke Borbe in the midriff with a high foot, and the goal was again ruled out for a foul – this time understandably.
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Stina Blackstenius celebrates heading Arsenal into a 1-0 lead against Chelsea in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg
It gives the Gunners a big advantage heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday April 1. Chelsea, meanwhile, have a huge task on their hands as they continue their search for that elusive Champions League title.
Team news headlines
Arsenal made three changes. Smilla Holmberg, Taylor Hinds and Olivia Smith drop to the bench, with Emily Fox, Katie McCabe and Beth Mead coming back into the XI.
Chelsea made five changes. Sandy Baltimore, Lucy Bronze, Kadeisha Buchanan, Naomi Girma and Lauren James came back into the XI.
Lexi Potter and Chloe Sarwie are on the bench alongside Wieke Kaptein and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, while Aggie Beever-Jones misses out through injury