Arsenal missed out on a win that would have reduced the gap to WSL leaders Chelsea to two points due to two controversial refereeing decisions, and were held to a 1-1 draw with the Blues, preserving the away team’s 33-game unbeaten record in the process.
Arsenal, who had been behind Alyssa Thompson’s lob during an early period of Chelsea’s dominance, took control of the game and looked to have leveled the score just after the break with Stina Blackstenias’ shot from a corner.
After a long delay, referee Mel Bergin ruled that the Swedish forward had handled the ball, even though replays showed there was no contact.
Sky Sports’ Courtney Sweetman-Kirk said: “It’s very frustrating. It’s the abdomen and upper thighs.”
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Replays of Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius’ shot seem to suggest the handball may have been misjudged.
“The hand went back and that got the referee’s attention, but there are no excuses. It was a big goal that was disallowed for no reason.”
Alessia Russo relieved some of the tension building around the Emirates in the closing stages when Hannah Hampton missed her first-time shot at the near post, bringing the hosts level, but there was still drama.
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Arsenal forward Alessia Russo scores a late equalizer against Chelsea in the WSL.
Russo turned provider and fed Frieda Mahnum in behind the visiting defense, beating Hampton in a game that looked like a late winner until the substitute Russo was denied an offside flag, but it looked like the call was wrong again.
Arsenal’s normally reserved head coach Renee Sleggers was booked for lashing out during an emotional crisis, extending Chelsea’s WSL unbeaten run to 33 games and leaving the Gunners with a five-point deficit they must overturn to catch up with them at the top of the league.
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Alyssa Thompson’s tip-in put Chelsea ahead.
Christiansen: Officials have huge influence on Arsenal’s title hopes
Sky Sports’ Jizzy Christiansen at Emirates Stadium:
“From a referee’s standpoint, how can she see (handball)? The player closest to her is Lucy Bronze, and she is the most experienced player on the planet.
“The fact that the referees are supported is something that has been highlighted over the last few seasons. If you look at today’s game, the crowd, the stadium, the size, Arsenal are doing everything well. There’s a spotlight on the pitch, the players have to support and the referees need to support as well.”
“The people involved today had a huge impact on Arsenal’s ability to win the title this season.”
“Frustrating” Sleggers: “I’d like to see VAR”
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Arsenal women’s head coach Rene Sleggers has said she supports the introduction of VAR in the WSL after Arsenal were denied victory over two controversial refereeing calls at home to Chelsea.
Arsenal manager Rene Sleggers told Sky Sports:
“We were very surprised. There’s not a single player claiming the ball and you’re watching it from behind. I’ve only seen the ball from one angle and it doesn’t look like a handball. That’s frustrating, of course.”
“The angle[of Ma’anum’s goal]was really hard to see. If you watch it on video and look back, it was hard for me to see, so it was really difficult for the referee on the pitch.”
“It’s a game of momentum changes. Chelsea were ahead of us at the start of the game, but we came back and showed great mentality and quality.
“Certain decisions are very big decisions because it’s such a small difference. It’s out of our control. But if you ask me now if I support VAR, I would say yes.”
Bompastor: “The game should have ended before half-time”
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastre told Sky Sports:
“Analyzing the game, we created a lot of chances in the first half and could have ended the game, and although we scored one goal, it wasn’t enough to destroy their hopes.
“They survived, but I think the second half was more difficult. Like I said, we didn’t control the ball, but I’m really proud of our team’s performance.”
“I thought the players showed great resilience on the pitch. Everyone defended and tried to protect the goal. Defensively I thought we were pretty good.”
