Welcome to Full Time, The Athletic’s women’s football column — a one-stop shop every Monday to discuss the big issues in the game in the UK and Europe.
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Many were expecting the Emma Hayes farewell tour to make a procession through the Women’s Super League, but it took an unplanned diversion this weekend. Chelsea saw their three-point lead at the top of the table slashed as Arsenal humiliated them in a 4-1 win in front of a WSL record crowd of 59,042 at the Emirates.
Arsenal started fast, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s equaliser for Chelsea only a brief interlude as Beth Mead, Amanda Ilestedt and Alessia Russo opened up a comfortable 3-1 lead at half-time.
Chelsea had set up with an energetic midfield of Erin Cuthbert, Sjoeke Nusken and Jessie Fleming but they were constantly overrun. Netherlands international Victoria Pelova was particularly impressive, helping force turnovers in midfield and playing in Caitlin Foord or Beth Mead down the flanks. For all of their pressure, Arsenal also took their chances, scoring three goals from three shots on target.
Russo scored Arsenal’s fourth goal from the penalty spot (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Hayes said afterwards that her side were “bullied” by Arsenal, but the Chelsea…
