Arsenal endured their second defeat of the week, falling 2-1 to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Saturday. 
Early goals from Mayra Ramirez and Sandy Baltimore secured Chelsea’s 2-1 victory at Emirates Stadium, pushing them to the top of the WSL and dealing a blow to Arsenal’s title hopes.
Despite Chelsea’s postponed match against Manchester United the previous week, the Blues now lead the table with a perfect nine points from three games. Arsenal, with five points from four matches, sit sixth in the 12-team league.
Manchester City, who face Liverpool on Sunday, hold second place with seven points after three games, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United follow with six points each.
Chelsea struck early when Colombian striker Ramirez found the net in the fourth minute, taking advantage of Arsenal’s flat-footed defense. Just 12 minutes later, fullback Baltimore extended Chelsea’s lead with a header from a Lauren James cross, silencing most of the 45,860-strong crowd.
Arsenal’s response came two minutes before halftime, with Caitlin Foord scoring a stunning solo goal from a tight angle, bringing the Gunners back into contention. Arsenal improved in the second half, with substitute Stina Blackstenius narrowly missing a chance to equalize when her shot hit the crossbar late on.
Chelsea reacted by bringing on Nathalie Bjorn and Ashley Lawrence to secure the result, preserving new coach Sonia Bompastor’s perfect league record.
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