Arsenal beat Chelsea in five-goal WSL thriller at Emirates Stadium, with Vivianne Miedema on target

Published 05/09/2021 at 13:59 GMT

The Women's Super League is hoping to have a breakout season and Arsenal Women played their first league match at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, enjoying a 3-2 win over reigning champions Chelsea. Viv Miedema was predictably among the scorers for Arsenal, and also set up Beth Mead for a goal of her own.

Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal FC celebrates with team mates after scoring their team's first goal during the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women at Emirates Stadium

Image credit: Getty Images

Defending champions Chelsea lost their opening game of the Women's Super League season, coming off on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

Boosted by a new broadcast deal, the WSL is hoping to grow significantly in prominence this season and Arsenal hosted their women’s team at Emirates Stadium for the first time on Sunday afternoon for the visit of Chelsea.

Around 8,000 fans were reported to be in attendance to watch Arsenal come out on top of a classic encounter, with the inevitable figure of Vivianne Miedema opening the scoring on 14 minutes.

Premier League

Foden has 'gone up another level' - De Bruyne

an hour ago

Chelsea replied through Erin Cuthbert on 44 minutes but Arsenal were back in front just five minutes later when Beth Mead produced a tremendous finish following a through-ball from Miedema.

Mead soon had a second but a fantastic Pernille Harder drew Chelsea back to within a goal to set up a nervy conclusion.

But new Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall saw his side hold on for the win.

On Saturday, Manchester City put four past Everton to get their campaign off to an emphatic start, with Steph Houghton among the scorers.

Manchester United also claimed three points on the opening round of fixtures as Kirsty Hanson and Ona Battle gave them a 2-0 win over Reading on Friday night.

Women’s Super League results, match day one

Manchester United Women 2-0 Reading Women
Aston Villa Women 2-1 Leicester City Women
Everton Women 0-4 Manchester City Women
Tottenham Hotspur Women 1-0 Birmingham City Women
Arsenal Women 3-2 Chelsea Women
Brighton Women L-L West Ham Women

Transfers

Palace demand £60m for Man Utd target Olise - Paper Round

2 hours ago

Premier League

Foden and De Bruyne star as Man City hammer Brighton and move into second

2 hours ago

Premier League

‘We were very composed’ – Ten Hag hails Man Utd recovery after ‘unacceptable’ mistakes

Yesterday at 22:15

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me