12 October 2019

Chelsea vs Arsenal: The reasons why it is one of the most anticipated Women's Super League games of the season

Chelsea and Arsenal have won five of the eight Women's Super League titles since the division was formed in 2011.

It is no surprise then that Sunday's showdown between the two London sides is tipped by many to provide a strong indication of where the league will end up come May.

So, while we ponder what will happen at Kingsmeadow, let's take a look back at some of the brilliant and thrilling matches the two have played out over the past few seasons.

Chelsea 0-5 Arsenal - Women's Super League (October 14, 2018)

We start with the thrashing the current champions gave Chelsea last season in front of an expectant Blues crowd.

The 2017 WSL winners were unbeaten in 17 months in the league going into the clash, but completely capitulated to put The Gunners well on their way to a third title.

Kim Little dispatched a penalty to give the visitors the lead after 20 minutes before doubles from Jordan Nobbs and Vivianne Miedema put the game well and truly to bed.

It was the stand-out performance of the 2018/19 campaign and will undoubtedly be playing on the minds of those Chelsea players who endured what was a dismal thumping just 12 months ago.

Arsenal 1-3 Chelsea - 2018 FA Cup Final (May 5, 2018)

This was and remains the record attendance for a Women's FA Cup Final, played in front of 45,423 Blues and Reds supporters.

Chelsea were closing in on the title and would eventually go on to win it as Arsenal had to settle for third.

The FA Cup Final could well have been an opportunity for the north Londoners to try and steal a psychological advantage on the league leaders heading into the last few matchdays of the league season.

But it wasn't to be as a brace from Ramona Bachmann and a Fran Kirby strike gave Emma Hayes' side a 3-1 victory and a second FA Cup for the club's trophy cabinet.

It was also some revenge for the Blues, who were beaten two years earlier at Wembley by their city rivals.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea - 2016 FA Cup Final (May 14, 2016)

Arsenal have won the Women's FA Cup 14 times - six more than any other side - and coupled with the men have lifted the trophy on an incredible 27 occasions.

This was one that they really had to work for though, with Danielle Carter's curling effort the difference between the two sides.

Despite the Gunners having numerous opportunities to put the game to bed - three of which were spurned dreadfully by Asisat Oshoala - the game remained separated by just one.

And they were nearly made to pay for it near the end when the ball fell to Ji So-Yun in the area, but she blazed her effort high and wide.

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox