Defeat at Stamford Bridge hits WSL title hopes and casts doubts over their killer instinct on and off the pitch

It’s the hope that kills you. Also conceding 21 shots on goal including six big chances: to be fair, that kills you. Also leaving Lauren James one-on-one with your defender, who inconveniently isn’t actually a defender: that also has a tendency to kill you. Also, the needless red card for lipping the referee. Also, not taking your own chances. Also, going into the game seven points behind in the first place. Regrettably, all fatal.

Arsenal will grouse and Arsenal will grumble. Arsenal will sigh over small details and mutter deep-state conspiracies about refereeing standards. But Arsenal are also done. Chelsea’s first league double over them since 2019-20 also marks the factual end of what we technically, and generously, have to call their challenge for the 2024-25 Women’s Super League title.