Chelsea vs. Arsenal: Ashley Lawrence expects ‘tough battle’

Chelsea and Canada defender Ashley Lawrence has said the upcoming London derby against Arsenal will be a “tough battle” and a “really good test” for her side after an unbeaten start to the season.

The Women’s Super League (WSL) champions have surged ahead at the top of the table, lying seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

For Reneé Slegers, now Arsenal’s permanent manager, it’s a must-win encounter. Defeat would see the gap stretch to 10 points with just 10 games remaining in the season. However, Lawrence believes both teams are evenly matched heading into the clash.

“I think it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere,” she told ESPN. “Every time you play against Arsenal, if it’s home or away, the fans are incredible. And just playing at Stamford Bridge, it’s always a special occasion.

Chelsea’s 2-1 win in the reverse fixture in October was their first-ever win at the Emirates Stadium. The match also proved to be Jonas Eidevall’s last in charge of Arsenal, with the Swedish manager resigning days later.

“I would say that it’s going to be a tough battle when we look at the last time we played them, it was a close scoring result. But that just shows, again, on paper, you have the two teams and we’re pretty on par in terms of our level. It really comes down to the small details…