WSL: Arsenal stage major comeback in West Ham thriller as Chloe Kelly shines in first start | OneFootball

A whirlwind London derby saw Arsenal take three points away from an almighty clash with West Ham at Meadow Park. The seven-goal thriller saw the Gunners bounce back in emphatic fashion from 2-0 down inside just 12 minutes.

Loan signing Chloe Kelly made her first start for Arsenal since 2016, following her winter loan move from Manchester City. The Lioness sparked the comeback for Arsenal, followed by goals from Katie McCabe, Leah Williamson and Mariona Caldentey.

Starting XIs

Arsenal

Van Domselaar; McCabe, Catley, Williamson, Fox, Little, Wälti, Maanum, Caldentey, Russo, Kelly.

West Ham

Szemik; Hanshaw, Tysiak, Saez, Nyström, Smith, Brynjarsdottir, Siren, Piubel, Asseyi, Martinez.

Chloe Kelly sparks Arsenal comeback

Arsenal almost took the lead instantly following a weak backpass from Verena Hanshaw, which saw Alessia Russo through on goal. Her effort however was blocked by Belgian defender Amber Tysiak. Despite this quick start from Arsenal, it was West Ham who broke the deadlock.

In the seventh minute, Tysiak, on her return from suspension, headed home from a corner. This marked the first goal Arsenal had conceded under Renée Slegers from a side outside of the top four. Minutes later, Tysiak scored from yet another corner, after Arsenal had failed to clear the ball.

Chances were few and far between for the Gunners in the first half, due to a strong defensive display from the Hammers. However, just before half time, McCabe whipped in a wicked cross which Kelly smashed home.

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Mariona Caldentey thrives under pressure

Heading into the second half with momentum on their side, the Gunners quickly took the lead through substitute Stina Blackstenius. However, the goal was quickly ruled out for offside. The disappointment continued to grow throughout Meadow Park, as Shekiera Martinez added a third for West Ham in the 51st minute.

Sensing a change was needed, Slegers brought on both Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord to inject some energy onto the pitch. The substitutes delivered, as moments after coming on, Foord was involved in Arsenal’s second goal. Her cleared cross landed at the feet of McCabe who powered home from an impossible angle to restore the one goal deficit.

Sensing a rattled West Ham defense, the home side quickly won a corner, which Kelly delivered superbly. England skipper Williamson headed home for her second of the season. With Meadow Park in full voice, it felt inevitable that Arsenal would deliver the winning blow. It was World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey who did so.

A handball given against Kirsty Smith awarded the Gunners a penalty, which the Spaniard tapped home under extreme pressure.

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West Ham had several opportunities to equalise in the final moments of the match. However, a great save from Daphne van Domselaar saw her tip Anouk Denton’s effort over the bar in the 89th minute. Furthermore, another great stop in added time, paired with a goal line clearance from Beth Mead, secured Arsenal the victory.

Up Next

West Ham host Manchester City in a midweek clash, as they try to build on their strong performance tonight. Arsenal, however, will be in action next weekend in an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool. Arsenal will hope to remain in the hunt for a trophy which has evaded them for nine years.

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