West Ham Women 0-0 Arsenal Women: Gunners lose more ground on WSL front-runners Chelsea in title race

Match report & highlights as Arsenal were cast further adrift in the WSL title race after being held to a goalless draw at stubborn West Ham; Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep the Gunners at bay; Jonas Eidevall's side are five points shy of leaders Chelsea

By Laura Hunter

Monday 6 February 2023 10:53, UK

Arsenal were made to pay for failing to land any of the strikers they identified as January transfer targets as they were held to a goalless draw by resolute West Ham - the first time the Hammers have taken WSL points off their London counterparts.

Jonas Eidevall's side caused a stir before the transfer window closed with their pursuit of Manchester United's Alessia Russo. Both bids were reported to be world-record fees, the second of them around £500,000.

But they could not prize United's star striker away from Manchester, before then drawing a blank in their first WSL encounter since the window slammed shut - also the first time they have failed to score in the league in nearly 12 months.

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was the hero for Paul Konchesky's side, who were unfairly denied a first-half penalty when Rafaelle clumsily upended Dagny Brynjarsdottir, which was missed by all the officials.

The visitors came on strong in the second period, registering a total of nine shots on target, but couldn't create anything clear-cut with quality in front of goal at a premium. "We need to tweak a few things," Leah Williamson admitted post-match.

Arnold denied Stina Blackstenius on multiple occasions, while Frida Maanum also squandered a plethora of chances, as Arsenal lost more ground on front-runners Chelsea in the WSL title race - they are now five points adrift, but hold a game in hand.

How misfiring Gunners fell further behind

Arsenal suffered yet another blow.

The north Londoners were the only team with a 100 per cent WSL away record this term - winning all four games, until coming up against a robust and stubborn West Ham.

Any team would feel the effects of losing forward pairing Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, who were jointly responsible for the majority of Arsenal's goals, but failing to fill the void is beginning to haunt the Gunners.

Lina Hurtig created the most presentable opening of the first period when getting to the byline and picking out Blackstenius centrally, who blazed aimlessly over the bar from 10 yards (26).

Williamson then lofted a clever pass into the path of Frida Maanum on the move, who was thwarted by a superb low save from Arnold at her near post (30).

Blackstenius' effort was rebuffed with an outstretched Arnold boot in the second period (65), while Rafaelle was also denied after a clever corner routine, as Arnold pushed the defender's volley impressively clear of danger (75).

The real winners of the weekend were Emma Hayes' Chelsea, who outfought Spurs to reclaim their spot at the top of the table, with nearest rivals Manchester United - and latterly Arsenal - both dropping points.

Eidevall: Can't fault performance

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall:

"It was one of those days. We deserved to win the game today, from an opportunities perspective but if you don't score it's going to be even.

"I can't fault our performance. We had great energy and momentum. If we keep that I have high belief for this team. We had a good balance between going centrally and in the wings.

"It's about controlling and attacking with balance. We forced them to have 10 players behind the ball, we forced them back. But we are lacking the final bit of quality in order to score. That's how football is. I would be worried if we didn't create opportunities.

"We have good quality. The reason why we needed another forward [in the January window] was to deal with a hectic spring schedule. But I believe in these players."

Williamson: Hard to take 'frustrating' result

Arsenal midfielder Leah Williamson:

"Sometimes it's harder to take when you play well. It was there for us. It's frustrating but we haven't got time to dwell on it. When you have such high standards, naturally we're disappointed.

"We know what we need to work on - the final third we need to tweak a few things. Learnings for us, definitely.

"We dominated the whole game. It's really annoying. Those inches in the final [were lacking]. It gets more and more competitive. I think it'll go down to the last game again - which will be good for Sky, not so much for my mum and dad's heart."

Konchesky delighted with 'fantastic' point

West Ham manager Paul Konchesky:

"It was fantastic today. The girls had to put a big shift in. The first point we've taken off that club.

"It's a big confidence boost for the team. My mum was here - she nearly had a heart-attack. It was great to have a big crowd here.

"It's a massive opportunity for me to manage this club because I'm a huge West Ham fan. The positivity goes towards my team and my staff."

What's next?

It's a mega weekend of WSL action up next! Manchester City host Arsenal on Saturday February 11, live on Sky Sports Football, kick-off 12.30pm. West Ham, meanwhile, have a free weekend.

But if you're interested in more live action you can delve into Manchester United's trip to Spurs, live on Sky Sports Football, on Sunday February 12 from 11.30am, kick-off 12pm.