Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as top-of-the-table WSL clash finishes goalless

The WSL title race remains tantalisingly poised after the table-topping clash between Chelsea and Arsenal finished 0-0.

The compelling encounter between the league’s top two featured everything but a goal, and leaves the Gunners two points clear of the Blues, although Emma Hayes’ side have a game in hand.

Calls for Arsenal to start both Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius were answered by Jonas Eidevall, and the Gunners’ new setup worked a treat in the first half, with the former pulling the strings in midfield and the latter stretching the Chelsea backline.

The Gunners enjoyed the better of the opening 45, with the best opportunity of the falling to Miedema, who clattered the post with a half-volley.

Chelsea burst out of the blocks in the second period and a frantic 45 minutes ensued. Caitlin Foord saw a goal-bound effort well blocked by Jess Carter following a free-flowing Arsenal move, and moments later there was chaos in the Arsenal box as Ji So-yun’s effort was spilled by Manuela Zinsberger.

Leah Williamson was fortunate to not concede a penalty in the dying stages as Niamh Charles’ cross appeared to strike the Arsenal defender’s arm in the box, but Chelsea’s protests were waved away as the game finished goalless.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Anne-Katrin Berger (GK) – 6/10 – Comfortably held onto Maanum’s second half effort in the only save she was forced into all evening.

Jonna Andersson (LB) – 7/10 –

Fired inches wide in the early stages of the second half. Did a decent defensive job up against Beth Mead.

Mille Bright (CB) – 6/10 –

Run a little bit ragged by Blackstenius in the first half but, as with the whole team, improved in the second half.

Aniek Nouwen (CB) – 6/10 –

Struggled to contend with the movement of Blackstenius in the first half, but improved in the second half.

Jess Carter (RB) – 8/10 –

Had a really good battle with Foord, following on from her impressive display against Lauren Hemp last time out. Produced an important block to deny the Australia international in the second half.

Guro Reiten (LM) – 6/10 – Missed a big chance for Chelsea in the second half, lacking a little bit of composure and firing straight at Zinsberger.

Sophie Ingle (CDM) – 6/10 – Struggled to contend with Arsenal’s fluid midfield three in the first half. Man-marked Miedema in the second half, limiting the Dutch international’s influence.

Erin Cuthbert (CM) – 6/10 –

Her usual energetic self, but did see Chelsea overrun by Arsenal’s dynamic midfield in the first half. Forced off with injury just before the hour mark.

Fran Kirby (RM) – 5/10 –

Blazed a half chance over during the opening exchanges. Unable to have her usual telling impact on the game, replaced in the final 10 minutes.

3. Forwards

Pernille Harder (ST) – 6/10 – Singlehandedly carved out a big chance for Kerr in the second half, from which the Australian striker should have scored

Sam Kerr (ST) – 6/10 –

Should have opened the scoring early in the second period, but failed to make contact with Harder’s cross. Full of running all evening but unable to add to her goal tally.

Arsenal player ratings

6. Midfielders

Lia Walti (CDM) – 6/10 – Fired a half chance from the edge of the area over following a slick Arsenal move.

Kim Little (CM) – 8/10 –

Heavily involved due to her willingness to collect the ball off the back four and her reading of the game, frequently intercepting loose Chelsea passes. So efficient in possession and ridiculously good in tight spaces.

Vivianne Miedema (AM) – 6/10 –

Deployed in the number 10 role from the start, utilising her ability to drop deep, receive the ball and kickstart attacks. Clattered the post with a sweetly struck half-volley in the first period. Instrumental in the first half, quieter in the second. Forced off with injury late on.

8. Substitutes