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Football London
Football London
Sport
Laura Hartley

Chelsea on the brink of fourth consecutive WSL title in huge victory over London rivals Arsenal

Chelsea are in control of the WSL title race after a huge win over London rivals Arsenal as the battle of two of the biggest teams in the WSL kicked off a huge day for the league.

But things now rest on Manchester City to help Emma Hayes' side win the league today as they prepare to face rivals Manchester United.

Deadlock at Kingsmeadow was broken by Guro Reiten - who has been outstanding this season for Chelsea - who got her well deserved goal to open the scoring on 22 minutes.

Chelsea could've been four up at half-time but two chances in the first half were stopped due to Sam Kerr getting into offside positions twice, but the Blues continued to be dominant over Arsenal, and a stunning double save by Ann-Katrin Berger kept the Gunners out in the 26th minute.

It was a fitting moment for departing Magda Erikkson to tap home a second for Chelsea from a free-kick just five minutes before half-time on what was her final appearance at Kingsmeadow in blue.

The Blues' captain exits the club at the end of the season after six seasons under Emma Hayes, and she would get her 12th trophy with them if United fail to win against City.

It was an emotional game for Pernille Harder, who also played her final Chelsea match at Kingsmeadow after announcing her departure with Erikkson this week. She was substituted to a standing ovation as she left the field for a final time.

Arsenal, who have been plagued by injuries, seem to be running out of luck as the season comes to an end, as they couldn't pressure Chelsea enough and Katie McCabe missed a penalty in the 60th minute - summing up the end to their season.

Maunuela Zinsberger saved their day from going bad to worse as Lotte Wubben-Moy almost scored a devastating own goal.

Chelsea now need Manchester United to lose in the evening and final game of the day in the Manchester Derby and they will be champions once again.

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