Matildas Abroad Review: Foord scores for Arsenal; Kerr picks up assist in Chelsea's win

Caitlin Foord got on the scoresheet for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Liverpool; while Chelsea recorded a 3-1 win over Brighton to move to second place. 

Read the review of the midweek Matildas Abroad action below!

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Fresh off their Conti Cup victory over the weekend, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord's Arsenal defeated Liverpool 2-0, with Foord getting on the scoresheet. 

Jonas Eidevall made two changes to the side that defeated Chelsea over the weekend, with Laura Wienroither and Victoria Pelova coming into the Starting XI. 

Stina Blackstenius scored the opener for Arsenal, and Frida Maanum sent in a perfect ball that found the striker who finished her attempt from just inside the box, making it goals in back-to-back games for the Gunners.

Foord doubled the home side's advantage just before the break, Blackstenius's attempt at goal was originally saved by Liverpool's keeper Rachael Laws who deflected the shot straight at Foord who headed it home. 

Caitlin Foord of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Frida Maanum after scoring the team's second goal during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Meadow Park on March 08, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Caitlin Foord of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Frida Maanum after scoring the team's second goal during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Meadow Park on March 08, 2023, in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

 Arsenal ran away 2-0 winners on the night, this being the exact same scoreline as the last time both sides met in the WSL back in October. 

Catley did not appear in the matchday squad with head coach Eidevall talking to media after the game about her exclusion, ‘It’s a non-contact foot injury. She’s definitely out on Sunday, after that we don’t know.’

Next up, Sam Kerr's Chelsea bounced back from their Conti Cup defeat, beating Lydia Williams' Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1.

Emma Hayes made seven changes to the side that was defeated by Arsenal over the weekend, with Kerr still getting the nod up top for the Blues. While Williams started for the Seagulls. 

Sam Kerr of Chelsea is challenged by Zoe Morse of Brighton & Hove Albion which results in a penalty during the FA Women's Super League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kingsmeadow on March 08, 2023 in Kingston-upon-Thames, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Sam Kerr of Chelsea is challenged by Zoe Morse of Brighton & Hove Albion which results in a penalty during the FA Women's Super League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kingsmeadow on March 08, 2023, in Kingston-upon-Thames, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Chelsea had the chance to open the scoring just 12 minutes into the game after Kerr was brought down in the box, with Williams guessing the right way but Guro Reiten's shot was too powerful, giving the Blues a 1-0 lead. 

Jess Carter doubled the advantage just minutes later, Brighton was unable to clear a corner and the shot was poked home by the defender. 

Kerr provided the assist on the next goal, playing the extra pass through to Swedish international Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who finished into an empty net, scoring her first goal for the club. 

Brighton clawed a goal back through Danielle Carter but was unable to warrant a comeback against the defending champions.

Chelsea moves to just one point away from first place, with a top-of-the-table clash scheduled for this weekend against the Blues and Manchester United.