Arsenal 4-1 Chelsea
FA Tesco Women's Premier League
2pm, Sunday 18 January 2009
Boreham Wood FC
Arsenal kept up their charge for the title as they dispatched London-rivals Chelsea by the same margin of victory as this fixture produced last season.
It was a lively opening from both sides as Chelsea took the game to their hosts and Arsenal were thwarted by the visiting 'keeper. Eniola Aluko came close on two separate occasions for the Blues, while Siobhan Chamberlain had to be at her best to deny Kim Little and then Karen Carney.
It was the home side who took the lead as Kelly Smith opened the scoring after 27 minutes and three minutes later the lead was doubled as Karen Carney struck to put Arsenal firmly in the driving seat.
As the Gunners pressed their advantage it was a mistake that led to a third goal, as Alex Scott crossed from the right and Chamberlain failed to hold the cross and it dropped into the net.
Chelsea showed resolve to come back into the game through Dunia Susi as the forward took a long ball past Emma Byrne and showed great composure to score from a tight angle.
Alex Scott made the result certain with six minutes remaining, latching on to a fine cross from Rachel Yankey to slot home.
Goals
Arsenal
Smith 27, Carney 30, Chamberlain og 53, Scott 84
Chelsea
Susi 61
