Thompson Strikes as Chelsea Ends Arsenal’s Unbeaten Run

Alyssa Thompson was waiting when Arsenal finally made the mistake Chelsea needed. The United States winger scored the only goal in the 39th minute Sunday at Stamford Bridge, firing in the rebound after Anneke Borbe could only parry Keira Walsh's shot, as Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-0 in the Women's Super League. The result ended Arsenal's league unbeaten run, which stretched back nearly a year.

Arsenal controlled the opening stretch, and Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey both hit the woodwork before Chelsea broke through. The goal came from Arsenal trying to play out from a goal kick. Wieke Kaptein intercepted and found Ellie Carpenter, and after Melvine Malard laid the ball off, Walsh shot from the edge of the area. When Borbe parried, Thompson fired in from the left corner of the six-yard box. Arsenal pushed after halftime, but Hannah Hampton denied Lisa Baum early in the second half. Katie McCabe, jeered by the traveling Arsenal supporters after leaving the club for Chelsea in the summer, made a key block on a Chloe Kelly shot as Chelsea closed out the London derby.