Chelsea and Arsenal go head to head on Saturday for the second time this season and the game is must win for both teams, but for very different reasons.
The Gunners are chasing down the top two while their London rivals still have hope that they can win the league.
Chelsea finally out of their rut
After a disappointing start to the season, Chelsea seem to finally be out of their early rut.
The Blues have dropped points in four league games this year – a stark contrast from last season when they went invincible for a record third campaign.
There was only a two month period where Chelsea struggled this season. Dropping points to Manchester United wasn’t a huge disaster, but what came after the 1-1 draw was.
Sonia Bompastor’s team drew against Twente, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona in the space of five weeks.
If that wasn’t bad enough, relegation threatened Everton came up with a shock win against the Blues to put a dampener.
Since the Everton loss Chelsea have really kicked into gear, winning seven on the bounce in all competitions.
The Blues finally look back to their best and they are scoring freely once more. Chelsea have scored 31 across the last seven games – averaging 4.43 goals a game.
Beating Manchester City in the League Cup semi final was the cherry on the cake for Chelsea who advanced to their seventh final in as many years.
Chelsea and Manchester United will meet in the Women’s League Cup final after both clinched away wins in the semi-finals. 💪 👊 pic.twitter.com/qmQk9xOqiA
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 21, 2026
Arsenal looking to save their season
Chelsea aren’t the only ones have disappointed this season, as Arsenal have also struggled for form.
The Gunners appear to be enduring a ‘hangover season’ after winning the Champions League in 2025.
While they have only lost one league game so far this season, Arsenal have drawn five which has left them well behind the top two in the title race.
It is their record against the big clubs in England that has let Renee Slegers’ team down this year.
Arsenal have lost to Manchester City and dropped points against United (twice) and Chelsea. With no wins against any of the top four, it isn’t hard to see why Arsenal are struggling in the title race.
Unlike Chelsea there has been no turnaround for Arsenal and their 1-0 loss to United in the League cup semi final was the latest of a long string of poor performances.
Why Chelsea vs Arsenal is must win for both sides
Both teams are in desperate need of a win this weekend and anything but three points will be a huge disappointment.
For Chelsea, dropping points would see City extend their lead at the top of the WSL. If Arsenal can’t win then their title hopes will be over and a top two finish would almost be out of reach.
Arsenal’s record against the top teams in the league stands Chelsea in good stead for this weekend’s game.
The Gunners are also playing away from home and so their London rivals are certainly favourites to win.
Chelsea winning would increase the gap to seven ahead of Arsenal, while a win for the visitors would nearly cut their lead in half.
