GW13: Chelsea's First WSL Loss At Stamford Bridge

Let's cut to the chase. It was a London Derby weekend in the WSL after all.

CHELSEA V ARSENAL (0–2)

It’s potentially the biggest battle in the history of English football. Chelsea versus Arsenal. Blue versus Red. West versus North. Whatever the competition, whatever the stadium, this is the unmissable fixture of the season. When these two last met in the WSL at the Emirates in November, a dramatic draw sparked debates over unfair referee decisions and the introduction of VAR to the top flight of women’s football. It’s safe to say that upon reconnecting at Stamford Bridge both sides were ravenous for revenge. After all, no one wants to see London as purple for an entire season.

So far in 2026, Arsenal have failed to take precious points, dropped out of the League Cup, and find themselves plagued by injury, illness, and red card suspensions. However, on home turf having just advanced to the League Cup final and with numerous world class strikers on the bench, the cards were stacked in Chelsea’s favour.

A physical first forty five minutes resulted in zero goals and frustration from all fans in the stands. But then, just ten minutes into the second half, Beth Mead put Arsenal in the front followed only six minutes later by Mariona Caldentey. In doing so, Chelsea lost a game in the WSL at Stamford Bridge for the very first time and, perhaps more importantly, dropped yet further behind Manchester City in the battle for the title. In fact, the Blues now find themselves simply one point ahead of their North London rivals.

Post-match, Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze shared with us, “we knew it was going to be a difficult game, we knew we needed the points as do Arsenal.” Next week, Chelsea will come face to face with Manchester City at the Joie Stadium. “Everyone’s trying to chase City down, but now we can just focus on that game.”

LONDON CITY LIONESSES V MANCHESTER CITY (1–2)

It’s an obvious statement, but in football every game is a ‘must win’ game. However, some are a little more ‘must win’ than others. And in gameweek 13, it was imperative for Manchester City that they secured three points on the road against London City Lionesses as, following Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal, it would place them nine points ahead at the top of the league table.

And they did just that, although it wasn’t necessarily an easy ride. A first home game under new manager Eder Maestre and with several new winter transfer signings, London City Lionesses were keen to keep their opponents at bay. Even after Barclays Player of the Match Kerolin put Manchester City in the lead within 15 minutes, the London side gave it their all, hoping not to concede another.

It was a goal from London City’s Freya Godfrey mid way through the second half that really turned up the pressure for both squads. All square with just over twenty minutes of play remaining, the visiting side needed a big moment. It came, with mere minutes remaining, from Bunny Shaw in the wake of complete post-corner chaos in the box.

Not necessarily the cleanest winning moment, but does it really matter when it takes you so far into the lead of the league? Have Manchester City just confirmed their first WSL title since 2016?

OTHER GAMES ACROSS THE WEEKEND

Everton V Brighton

0–1

Aston Villa V Manchester United

1–4

Leicester City V West Ham

1–2

Liverpool V Spurs

2–0