Overview
- The match finished 1-1 at the Emirates after multiple disputed decisions, including a disallowed Stina Blackstenius strike for handball and a late Frida Maanum effort ruled offside.
- Arsenal’s Alessia Russo equalised despite a marginal offside in the build-up, while Victoria Pelova was shown only a yellow card for a studs-up challenge on Keira Walsh.
- Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers said the WSL needs VAR to deliver justice in tight games, and Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor voiced support for bringing technology into the league.
- Sky Sports analysis indicated the handball ruling on Blackstenius was likely incorrect, intensifying scrutiny of WSL officiating standards.
- With no commitment to full VAR, attention has turned to FIFA’s ‘VAR Light’ and the ‘Football Video Support’ trial as budget- and venue-friendly options, and the draw kept Arsenal five points behind Chelsea after eight games.