Controversy reignites VAR debate in WSL as Arsenal draw with Chelsea and Alyssa Thompson shows her value | Football News

Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyzes the big talking points from the latest Women’s Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women’s game..

Arsenal stolen, but the implications are bigger

“We’re selling our game short,” Emma Hayes said. “I feel like second-class citizens.” It was four years ago when the former Chelsea boss – now head coach of the US national team – pleaded for the technology to be introduced into women’s football after he fouled a controversial goal in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in 2021.

In the meantime, the debate rages on, with no real progress, and will be highlighted once again by a series of questionable decisions in the latest clash between WSL heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea. This time around, it was the Gunners who were denied a genuine winner – a goal which would have reduced the gap at the top to two points. Instead, there are five left.

So, let’s look at the implications again.

The fine margins of a 22-game season mean titles hinge on microscopic moments. Stina Blackstenius digging into the roof of the Chelsea net after controlling the ball with her stomach – and not her hand, as officials wrongly decided – will undoubtedly go down as a defining event and a stain on the legitimacy of the league.

Don’t forget that this result has repercussions elsewhere too. Manchester City moved to the top of the table after narrowly beating Everton, but have every right to feel further behind. Any other contenders intent on beating Chelsea to the title for the first time since 2019 – the last time Arsenal won it – should also feel the same.

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers, usually reserved, was booked for her reprimands over the disallowed goal on the touchline and her reaction was justified. “We were very surprised,” she said after the match. “I don’t see any players asking for it.”

Most decisions made on a football field can be interpreted through the body language of the players. Not a single Chelsea player turned to the referee to save him from Blackstenius’ second-half goal. Lucy Bronze sank in dismay, accepting that the defense had not been good enough to stop the Arsenal striker from slamming past Hannah Hampton. Alas. Referee Mel Burgin saw things differently.

To top it all off, Frida Maanum was then denied by a marginal offside decision which to the naked eye looked even. In this particular case, it was Arsenal who were robbed, but in reality the discussion is league-wide. The petition documents are ready.

“If you asked me now if I was in favor of VAR, I would say yes,” Slegers added spontaneously. She is not the first to make her appeal. Sonia Bompastor is also pro-technology, citing the need to balance “one of the most beautiful games in the world” with refereeing of the same level. Manchester United boss Marc Skinner has already had his say.

“Today’s officials had a huge impact on Arsenal’s ability to win the title this season,” said Aerial sports expert Izzy Christiansen from the Emirates. “We need a massive push and acceleration towards the introduction of technologies.” Of course, the infrastructure needed to accommodate VAR and who pays for it are entirely different conversations.

The pressure was definitely on Slegers and she passed arguably the biggest test of her domestic credentials yet. This will give him courage despite injustice. The match followed the pattern that pre-match analysis suggested, as Chelsea started strong and Arsenal finished stronger, equalizing through Alessia Russo.

Slegers will not like the outcome but will have to accept it, with the only comfort perhaps being increased attention to the fight for adequate technology to elevate the women’s game in line with the progress made in the men’s game – which can only be seen as a good and necessary thing.

Aerial sports has been assured that the league is working with clubs, venues and relevant stakeholders to be ready for the rollout of VAR, whenever that may occur. This latest debacle suggests that it cannot come soon enough.

Thompson comes to life

Despite the controversy, there were several standout performances during the Arsenal-Chelsea clash and focusing solely on the referees would be a disservice to the quality of the referees.

Both scorers shone, with Alyssa Thompson impressive as she continues to acclimatize to the WSL with breathtaking ease. Her goal was a move started and finished by her, starting just before halfway and ending with a stunning lob over Daphne van Domselaar. His momentum will surely snowball from here.

“I’m happy she’s playing for Chelsea,” Bompastor said with a wry smile. The speed and agility she uses to slide with the ball are both huge assets for a team that likes to threaten by breaking down opponents. The way they went through Arsenal to create the entrance for the opening match was actually very similar to Arsenal. Thompson added this dimension.

“She was on fire,” Christiansen said in his post-match analysis. “She offered pace, power and a smart finish.”

Chelsea have now equaled their own record for the longest unbeaten streak in WSL history (33), although this latest draw is overshadowed by the fact that they probably should have lost. The bonds are building nonetheless as Bompastor continues to shape this side into something closer to his preferred style. Thompson is the 19th different goalscorer in the WSL under his leadership.

Aerial sports Rachel Corsie called Chelsea the “best quality” and “greatest depth” of all the challengers – strengths that have long been the case. Despite losing first place to Man City, they remain on track to defend their crown until the end due to the unique composition of players in their squad. Bompastor simply has an answer to every riddle. A solution for every problem.

Until that stops being the case, they surely remain the team to beat.

Read last week’s column

Last week’s column analyzed the relationship between Jess Park and Ella Toone at Man Utd and the areas West Ham need to address if they hope to avoid relegation.