Arsenal Ladies were defeated 2-0 at home on Thursday by Chelsea Ladies and are now in danger of being out of the title race after just three games.

Here are the goals

The opener by Fran Kirby:

And the second goal by Fran Kirby:

There is a handball appeal but, according to the Laws of the Games, this is clearly NOT a handball, even if she did gain advantage from it.

Here are the social media reactions from the players and coaching staff.

The manager is spot on, very honest in his appraisal of the game

Defender Jemma Rose, who could have done better on the first goal:

https://twitter.com/jemmarose19/status/723413116269133824

Defender Casey Stoney also was not really happy:

Same reaction from the Arsenal captain Alex Scott :

Forward Danielle Carter also was not a happy bunny:

https://twitter.com/DC15_x/status/723251915493113856

Midfielder Fara Williams was interviewed post game and agreed with her teammates:

“We have to remain upbeat, we’re only three games in. But it’s disappointing that we’ve lost against Man City and now Chelsea.

“The first mistake didn’t help us and the mistake for the second goal cost us the points.

“Against the top teams we can’t make these mistakes.”

The title challenge is already in serious trouble, three games into the season, which is a big disappointment.

“We’ve been working on set-pieces for ages but individual mistakes happen in the moment. We have to get over that and try and fix it.”

“Most of the goals we have conceded this season are from individual mistakes and it’s costing us already.”

You certainly wonder if the individuals who perform badly, not only in defence but also in midfield and attack, will be sitting on the bench in the next game and those who performed well will be given a regular spot in the starting 11.

“I think the gap [between Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal] is marginal. If it wasn’t for individual mistakes the gap would have been closer.”
Although the gap between the top two teams is currently three points, Arsenal have already played an extra game and that gap could grow to six points.
In a short 16 games season like the FA WSL, it is a big ask to get six points back from a top team.
Arsenal Ladies are now relying on Chelsea and Manchester City to slip up at some points, otherwise they will not be able to win the League.