Arsenal Women lost 3-1 away to title rivals Chelsea in front of 32,000 fans at Stamford Bridge.

Sjoeke Nusken netted a brace after Lauren James' goal in a miserable first half for Arsenal, who were dominated by Chelsea's counter-attacking intensity.

In a second half where Arsenal seemed to accept that the game had been lost, Kim Little netted with four minute remaining in what was only a consolation goal.

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 5.5/10

Looked to have at first made a good save to deny Lauren James’ powerful strike, but the ball looped up and into the net. Did she do enough, or react quick enough? Made a number crucial saves in the second half to prevent the scoreline turning ugly.

Steph Catley 3.5/10

Her next game will be her 100th for Arsenal. Challenged by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd at the Emirates in December and had her work cut out again by the Swede. Allowed Lauren James too much room to fire in the opening goal and was hooked at half time.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 4/10

A shadow of her recent impressive performances.

Leah Williamson 4.5/10

Let Sjoeke Nusken get away from her to turn in Chelsea’s second goal, and her appeals for offside were turned down.

Katie McCabe 4/10

Booked for a foul on James towards the end of the first half to the delight of the home fans. Got into good positions but her crosses lacked accuracy.

Lia Walti 5/10

Tried to keep things ticking over as Arsenal looked to recover after a calamitous first half.

Victoria Pelova 4/10

Caught on the ball in the lead-up to James’ goal, giving away possession. Given no time at all in midfield by Erin Cuthbert and co.

Caitlin Foord 4/10

Never really got into the game as Arsenal were blown away in the first half. Often left Catley isolated in defence.

Kim Little 5.5/10

Dropped alongside Walti after Maanum replaced Pelova, to try and give Arsenal some control in the midfield. A sweet strike to pull a goal back late on.

Beth Mead 4.5/10

One of many Arsenal stars who were nullified by Chelsea.

Stina Blackstenius 4/10

Preferred to Alessia Russo upfront, despite Russo scoring a brace in the reverse fixture, and this was proved to be the wrong call. Russo replaced Blackstenius at half-time.

Alessia Russo (Sub, half time) 5.5/10

Caused Chelsea problems and used the ball well in tight areas.

Emily Fox (Sub, half time) 4/10

Returned from the Gold Cup and perhaps should have started, but the USA’s Gold Cup winner struggled one on one and made mistakes after replacing Catley.

Frida Maanum (Sub, half time) 5/10

Saw very little of the ball as Chelsea controlled the second half. Some nice moments but not enough as Arsenal fell to defeat.

Cloe Lacasse (Sub, 56’) /10

Replaced Foord but swapped to the left wing as Mead played on the left, and didn’t get into the game.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, 72’)

Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Sarah Bouhaddi, Katie Reid, Laia Codina.