GW10: Chelsea's Winning Streak Comes To An End

Returning from international break, we're now on the final stretch of games before saying goodbye to 2025; just two game weeks for clubs to gain points, make statements, and prove their mettle.

ARSENAL V LIVERPOOl (2–1)

November saw two dramatic London Derbys each result in disappointing draws for Arsenal. Returning from international break and facing Liverpool at home in front of thousands at the Emirates, this was a must win game for the Gunners. However, getting those much needed three points was not the easiest task in the world.

While captain Kim Little and her vice Leah Williamson were back in the squad following injuries (the latter’s first time this season), there was a glaring new omission.

Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has been head coach Renée Sleger’s preferred choice between the sticks, but the Dutch international now finds herself struggling with her quad. Subsequently, she will likely remain unavailable until next year. With second choice keeper Manuela Zinsberger out with an ACL tear, it was time for summer signing Anneke Borbe to make her debut.

Although Borbe was unable to keep a clean sheet – In the 29th minute, Liverpool’s Beata Olsson became the first WSL player to score in four of her first five starts for her club – it was Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius that secured Arsenal’s crucial victory, with the former scoring against the side she left earlier this year.

It’s been a dispiriting first half of the season for Sleger’s and her squad, sitting at fourth in the league table. Though they must be hoping that being back in winning ways will give a push in momentum to reach the Christmas break without dropping any more points.

CHELSEA V EVERTON (0–1)

After 585 days, Chelsea’s historic unbeaten streak in the WSL has come to an end. And it was Brian Sørensen’s Everton, currently ninth in the league table, that broke the deadlock. The last club to defeat Chelsea in the WSL? Liverpool, back in May 2024.

Unsurprisingly, Chelsea held the majority of this game’s possession. But possession doesn’t necessarily translate into successful chances. All you need is one chance, and Everton got that chance after just twelve minutes of play courtesy of midfielder Honoka Hayashi. Regardless of their 18 corners, 28 shots, and 1 save, Chelsea simply could not get the ball in their opposition’s net. Thus, the streak is no more. But, as Lucy Bronze told us post match, “it was going to happen eventually.” She added, “it’s disappointing because we actually created a lot of chances. Everton scored from one simple attack, but that’s football.”

Barclays Player of the Match was awarded to the Toffee’s captain and keeper Courtney Brosnan who, along with her midfield, defense, and attack, put her body on the line to secure their three points. “We know the quality that Chelsea has and that they were going to be down our throats for most of the game,” Brosnan shared following their win. Now, the Merseyside club will shift their focus to hosting Arsenal next week in their final WSL game of 2025.

OTHER GAMES ACROSS THE WEEKEND

Manchester Untied V West Ham

2–1

Spurs V Aston Villa

2–1

London City Lionesses V Brighton

0–1

Leicester City V Manchester City

0–3