This week’s FAWSL fixture of the weekend was the highly anticipated clash between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women. The two heavyweights went head to head in what was expected to be a tight encounter between two sides who many would say haven’t hit their stride just yet. Chelsea have been winning games without being too convincing while Arsenal have had a shaky season so far.
Their loss against Manchester United Women last week summed up their season. Sunday’s game ended up in a draw which Arsenal Women will feel hard done by after arguably being on top of the game.
This tactical analysis will look at the tactics that both managers applied in this game and how they wanted to set out. Using analysis, we will examine the nuances that gave Chelsea the draw against Arsenal.
Lineups
Starting with Arsenal, they made three changes from their game against Manchester United Women last week with Kim Little, Jill Roord and Leonie Maier back in the starting eleven.
Emma Hayes made no changes and started with the same team that beat Everton Women last week. This meant Sam Kerr was still on the bench with Bethany England and Pernille Harder starting once again.
Arsenal Women’s block and press vs Chelsea’s attacking tactics
Arsenal Women showed early on how they were willing to play with their game plan around being a more counter-attacking side by allowing Chelsea to have possession. Starting the game in a 4-2-3-1 style system, they wanted to use Roord’s box-to-box running whilst having Little and Lia Walti creating a base to stop Chelsea’s wide forwards and midfielders playing in the central areas. Arsenal knew what Chelsea wanted to do, with their style of play clear since the first game week. By allowing them possession, they are forcing Chelsea to create and can almost dictate where the ball will be played. Stopping Chelsea’s front four was of utmost importance but it’s in midfield where the key battle was.
