Maria Thorisdottir's direct shot with five minutes left meant that Arsenal's suite of eleven straight league victories was definitely broken. In front of over 4000 spectators, Arsenal had taken an early lead through Danielle van de Donk.
Beth England acknowledged after just over an hour before the exchanged Norwegian could decide. Magdalena Eriksson with the captain's armband on his arm and Jonna Andersson played the entire match.
The win means that Chelsea are unbeaten after four rounds and are second in the Women's Super League, two points behind Manchester City.