Arsenal stunned champions Chelsea at Emirates Stadium with a remarkable 4-1 win to move level on points at the top of the WSL.

Beth Mead put Arsenal in front after eight minutes but Joanna Rytting Kaneryd equalised four minutes later.

Two goals in three minutes from Amanda Ilestedt and Alessia Russo saw Arsenal go 3-1 up before half time. Russo won and scored a penalty in the 72nd minute to seal all three points for Jonas Eidevall’s side.

FULL TIME: ARSENAL 4-1 CHELSEA! The Gunners have stunned the champions and move level on points with Emma Hayes’ side at the top of the WSL ??? pic.twitter.com/QyL5YVPNAL

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) December 10, 2023

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 8.5/10

Made an excellent save from Fleming moments after Arsenal went 1-0 up. Will be frustrated to have been beaten at her near post by Kaneryd, but it was a precise finish. Her strongest performance of the season, denying Kerr headers twice towards the end.

Steph Catley 8/10

Able to make plenty of excursions forward. Stood off Kaneryd to allow her to get a shot away to equalise for Chelsea, but delivered the corner for Ilestedt’s headed goal.

Lotte Wubben-Moy 8/10

Part of a quite excellent Arsenal defence that kept the highest-scoring side in the WSL at bay for the most part.

Amanda Ilestedt 8.5/10

Dealt with the aerial threat of Sam Kerr, and showcased her aerial prowess when she headed Arsenal into a 2-1 lead.

Katie McCabe 8.5/10

Kept her place at right-back and did not let Chelsea’s attackers through- it was no wonder Lauren James swapped to play on the opposite flank towards the end of the first half.

Kim Little 8/10

Will make her 300th appearance in her next game for Arsenal. Played a pivotal role in Mead’s goal, wriggling through the defenders, and was influential before going off after picking up an injury.

Lia Walti 8/10

A quite brilliant assist for Arsenal’s third goal, spinning away from her marker and releasing Russo in behind from almost a left-back position.

Victoria Pelova 8.5/10

Was smart to lay the ball off to Mead, who put Arsenal in front. Found space around the edge of the box and was able to dictate play alongside Walti and Little.

Caitlin Foord 8/10

Stretched the Chelsea defence, with Arsenal finding plenty of joy out wide.

Alessia Russo 9/10

The former Chelsea striker (albeit making just one senior appearance for the Blues) battled with the impressive Niamh Charles. Took her first goal superbly, running in behind and dispatching the ball into the far corner, and was cool from the spot to win and score her penalty.

Beth Mead 8.5/10

Followed up her brace against West Ham with a goal for England in midweek, and gave Arsenal the lead in the 8th minute when she slammed the ball into the roof of the net- was never going to miss. Up to the task with her defensive duties too.

Frida Maanum (Sub, 62’) 8/10

Came on for Kim Little and was very positive in her passing.

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 76’)

Should have scored Arsenal’s fifth but blasted her shot high and wide.

Cloe Lacasse (Sub, 76’)

Noelle Maritz (Sub, 76’)

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Sub, 90+3’)

Subs not used: Sabrina D’Angelo, Jen Beattie, Laia Codina, Vivianne Miedema.