Emma Hayes believes her Chelsea side showed the professionalism of champions after a 2-0 victory away to title rivals Arsenal.
Two Fran Kirby goals were enough for the visitors, with the England striker scoring once in each half as she tries to convince Hayes she is worth a start when the two teams meet again in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 14th.
But Hayes was also quick to point out the work of Drew Spence, who caused Arsenal a lot of problems all game as Chelsea won the battle in the middle of the park.
Hayes said: “We worked hard on our shape and our discipline, making sure the players put in performances to make it hard for the opposition and we did that.
“To not concede a goal against a top team and top strikers is great.
“In derby games you have to win those battles and we did that, we dominated centrally. I thought Drew Spence was immense.
“Overall the spine of the team did their job. It was a professional performance and I think that’s what champions have to be: not always be at your best, but deliver the key moments at the right time, defend well and importantly keep clean sheets.”
Kirby’s opener came after a mix-up in the Arsenal defence, as she nipped in ahead of Sari Van Veenendaal and then capitalised on a defensive error to prod home.
And despite a number of chances at either end, it was the diminutive striker who made the game safe nine minutes from time, lashing home after a goalmouth scramble following a corner.
Arsenal’s Fara Williams admitted that it was a blow for the team, having already gone down to fellow title contenders Manchester City.
She said: “We have to remain upbeat, we’re only three games in. But it’s disappointing that we’ve lost against Man City and now Chelsea.
“The first mistake didn’t help us and the mistake for the second goal cost us the points.
“Against the top teams we can’t make these mistakes.
“We’ve been working on set-pieces for ages but individual mistakes happen in the moment. We have to get over that and try and fix it.
“Most of the goals we have conceded this season are from individual mistakes and it’s costing us already.
“I think the gap [between Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal] is marginal. If it wasn’t for individual mistakes the gap would have been closer.”
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Source – www.fawsl.com
Images – tgsphotos.co.uk
