Guro Reiten scores stunner as Chelsea raise game to defeat Arsenal in FA Cup semi-final

There has been very little to separate the best two teams in England this season but this was another occasion to demonstrate that Chelsea have a clear edge over Arsenal in this particular rivalry.

Emma Hayes’s side are into another FA Cup final after raising their level when they needed it most. Guro Reiten’s stunning opening goal was the moment of quality this semi-final desperately required and from there Chelsea were emphatic in displaying why they are the champions of England and leading the Gunners in the race to defend their title.

They will face a resurgent Manchester City in the final at Wembley, having already won there this campaign in claiming last season’s delayed FA Cup final with a commanding 3-0 win against Arsenal. Chelsea were perhaps more forgiving this time around and Arsenal in the end were grateful for it.

Chelsea gave Arsenal a chance after making a slow start at Meadow Park and Jonas Eidevall’s side will regret not building on their opening dominance. The Blues looked rattled in the face of early pressure but were rather let off by an inaccurate Arsenal performance. They became frustrated after struggling to break Chelsea down and yet again failed to get their attack to fire in a big game this season.

Reiten’s goal from all of 25 yards was the turning point here and came just moments after Beth Mead missed Arsenal’s best chance of the match at the other end. Chelsea didn’t look back – with Ji So-Yun adding an excellent second soon after in the second half. It could have easily been more while Arsenal failed to land a shot on target.

This was the fourth act of Chelsea and Arsenal’s rivalry this season. Separated by just one point in the Women’s Super League table, Arsenal got on the front foot with