Women's Super League: Why are Arsenal wearing black armbands against Chelsea? | OneFootball

A top of the table clash will unfold at the Emirates today, as Arsenal take on Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.

The Gunners are just three points behind Chelsea’s tally of 27, and a victory this afternoon would see the sides draw level.

While the Blues will still have a superior goal difference, Arsenal have a game in hand and could subsequently move about Chelsea at a later date.

The fixture has become one of the most intense rivalries in English women’s football, and today’s encounter should be no different.

Arsenal will be taking the opportunity to mourn a much-loved member of the club’s community, however, and will contest the match wearing black armbands.

Why are Arsenal wearing black armbands against Chelsea?

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall confirmed earlier this week that his team would wear black armbands to pay tribute to Beth Mead’s mother, June Mead, who died following a battle with ovarian cancer.

“I want to send my condolences to Beth and her family with the loss of her mother,” Eidevall said.

“It’s obviously something that has been taking a lot of energy for us as a team to have a player who goes through that. The players have asked to wear black armbands to honour that.”

Mead is currently recovering from an ACL injury, and will not play in today’s fixture as a result.

The Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner honoured her mum in an emotional tribute on Instagram.

“At 1am on 7 January, our beautiful, kind, funny mum and wife passed away after a long and brave battle against ovarian cancer,” Mead wrote.

“She was surrounded by myself, my brother and dad as she passed away peacefully.

“Our hearts are broken, there will be a piece missing forever but heaven has now gained a special angel. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

“I’m sad that you are gone, but I’m more grateful for the time we had together.”

Jordan Nobbs wearing a “For June” t-shirt while playing for Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur.