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:
Here's how @FranKirbyy gave @ChelseaLFC the lead against London rivals @ArsenalLadies #FAWSL https://t.co/fLxNAGYjCI
— The FA WSL (@FAWSL) April 21, 2016
And the second goal by Fran Kirby:
It's two for @FranKirbyy and two for @ChelseaLFC as the Blues take control of this London derby #FAWSL https://t.co/lEsdat4aUk
— The FA WSL (@FAWSL) April 21, 2016
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
Poor performance last night ,now is time to get up and learn from our own mistakes.
— Pedro Martínez Losa (@PedroMLosa) April 22, 2016
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:
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” Not good enough tonight but must learn and improve. Thanks for the support
— Casey Stoney MBE (@CaseyStoney) April 21, 2016
Same reaction from the Arsenal captain Alex Scott :
Not good enough tonight.Time to all step up + show character and work hard to put the wrongs right. We go again.Thank you to all our fans ⚽️
— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) April 21, 2016
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.