At The Match: Arsenal end Chelsea's UWCL Dreams

0:00Less support through telehealth, but it feels overwhelming and rushed. Check out orderlymeds.com now. Orderlymeds.com was built to be different. Here, you connect with real doctors who take the time to understand your goals, review your eligibility, and guide you through a plan that's right for you. Orderlymeds provides access to proven GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and terzepatide, including both name brand options and personalized compound versions when appropriate. So you have choices backed by clinical oversight. not guesswork. It's a simpler, more supportive telehealth experience designed around people who want clarity, care, and confidence in a weight loss journey.

0:37And your medication is delivered directly to your home in discreet packaging. So your experience stays private from start to finish. Do your research. Ask the right questions. Then visit orderlymeds.com slash podcast for an exclusive offer. Again, that's orderlymeds.com slash podcast. Individual results may vary. Not medical advice. Eligibility required. See site for details.

1:03Welcome to Upfront and tonight we are heading to Stamford Bridge for one of the biggest games of the season. It's red versus blue. It's the champions of England versus the champions of Europe. The team that would love to win the Champions League versus the team that want to do it all over again. It's North London versus West London. It's Chelsea versus Arsenal.

1:35Tonight, we want to do something a bit different. Usually, we get to speak to one fan base at a time. But for a rivalry like this, you've really got to speak to both fan bases at the same time to get the full picture. And let's hope they're nice to each other. So we're going to head to the Wallham Green pub next to Stamford Bridge to meet the Chelsea Women Supporters Group. Rosie is going to be joining us and we're bringing a member of Arsenal Women Supporters Club with us. Pray for George. Let's hope he gets on OK.

2:07How do you feel about Chelsea's season so far? To be honest, it's the worst one we've had in a long time, but still second in the WSL. So, yeah, it's not brilliant. If that's your worst. Exactly. Do you know what I mean? The fact that everyone's sort of hating on Chelsea, but we're still second. I mean, I know there are games in hand. Don't come at me, Arsenal fans. You've got a trophy. Exactly. We've got one trophy at least. Hopefully two more. We're not getting the WSL, so... Stick with it. That's a bad season. I think a lot of clubs would be happy if that was their bad season. George, how are you feeling about Arsenal's season so far?

2:48Yeah, happy. Obviously, we didn't have the greatest start at the start of the season, but I think we're due a rebuild. but hopefully we win our game in town, we should secure second. Still champions of Europe, hopefully that will carry on and still got the FA Cup to play for, so can't complain too much really. Right, this one's for both of you, I'll come to you first Rosie, but what do you think has caused both teams to maybe fall short of Manchester City this season? Do you think it is a case of loading? Is it a case of needing a bit of rotation? Is it a bit of everything? Yeah, City have definitely benefited from not being in the Champions League this season.

3:26I think you can sort of tell that the Arsenal and Chelsea teams look a little bit tired. I mean, also part of it is Chelsea were just due to have a bad season. You can't be on top for that long and it not come to an end at some point. Obviously, Sonia Bonpastor, her first season, she won the treble, which is incredible. But you do have to sort of think maybe that was the foundations that were laid by Emma Hayes. so I think yeah people are starting to question Sonia but it was all due to come to end at some point Dynasties can only last so long right you're going to need to start a little bit of a rebuild George for Arsenal obviously finishing the season on quite a high last season winning the Champions League but then again a bit of a slow start and that's probably do you feel like that's maybe what's caused you to just drop away a little bit this season?

4:13Yeah I think obviously the slow start if you look at it obviously if we did win those games and the hands that we've got that only puts us potentially five points behind City. The Aston Villa game at home earlier in the season against United, you turn them into victories, you're actually not that far away. But I think that's been the story of Arsenal the last couple of years. But obviously going back to City, they had a lot of injuries, didn't they, last season and they've not got the Champions League, like Rosie said. It helps, it's a positive aspect for them. but I don't think Arsenal are that far behind really just need to turn those frustrating results into victories really For sure and I hate to say that there are some similarities between both of your fan bases but I'm going to because I do think at times both fan bases have had moments of discontent around the season You've both been fans for many years Rosie what do you make of the expectations and maybe the discourse around the club right now Do you think it goes too far?

5:18Do you think it's... Or do you like the debate, I suppose? I think there's always a line. Yeah, sometimes people on Twitter can go a little bit far in terms of criticising players. Every player is going to have a bad game. At the same time, no club is immune to criticism. So definitely criticism towards the owners, maybe the coach at some points. But there is a little bit of a line. Yeah, I think people can go a bit far sometimes. For you, George, you think there's been really high expectations now on the team, despite maybe not having a huge haul of trophies over the last few seasons? That expectation is still there.

5:57Yeah, apart from the Champions League. Don't forget the Subway League Cups as well, there's a few of them in there. Yeah, a few Conti Cups. I just think the high expectation, it follows when, and as Rosie will know, obviously being a Chelsea supporter, it follows the club generally. so obviously as Arsenal and Chelsea they have a high expectation they're very represented well in the media I just think that expectation stays high because ultimately at the end of the day you're in football to win trophies has them expectations been met with Arsenal? Probably not not on some of the grounds that we want domestically it hasn't I won't keep mentioning it Rosie as far but yeah I just think I think some of the expectations are high and are achievable but I do agree with what Rosie said some people just take it way too far I think people need to realise at the end of the day they're still playing football they're still human beings don't cross that line if just respect what respect who we're watching and yeah win or lose right like you support your club right you can't pick and choose yeah exactly and I think both teams in different respects.

7:12Obviously, Arsenal kind of setting the standards for a long time. Chelsea have now come in and done that. And it also then means that we as media, you know, you set those standards now and everyone kind of holds you to those standards. So I guess that can be a difficult one as well. Stamford Bridge, Rosie, has seen some pretty amazing nights in Europe. What's your favourite memory? Is it by any chance, can I guess, is it that Mara Mialda last minute penalty? Of course it is. 100%. Genuinely, that night, I think, I mean, I never lose faith in this team. That's something about me I will always believe in my team.

7:45But yeah, towards those last minutes, I was feeling a little bit shaky. Yeah, I think we'd all started to get a bit delirious, tired. It was very late at night. Yes, it was. I had school the next day. Oh, God. This was a few years ago now. But yeah, I was there with my mum. And when she scored that penalty, I mean, when LJ went down on the box, because we were all screaming, because we thought, oh, is this it? Is this it? Is this the moment? And even I was hugging strangers. It was just the atmosphere that night was crazy. I think we were all sleep-deprived, optimistic, yet also like, could this be it?

8:26But no, that night was just incredible. And George, I mean, there's a few at the Emirates, and I imagine some of them will be from last season, but there are a few that stick out when you went through that ACL crisis at Arsenal, and you were pulling out these unbelievable performances in the Champions League, you know, selling out the Emirates. Like, what moments took out for you? At the Emirates now. Oh, don't bring that in. By Munich, obviously when we did go through the ACL period, that was, I would say, that... To be fair, to put it out there, because my favourite player is Leslie Russo, so seeing a bag of hat-trick against Spurs, it's always a nice feeling.

9:08yeah I think there's been a few like because I'm registered blind so the atmosphere for me is really really important so that sellout crowd must have been on real, not the first one wasn't it yeah so they're quite important for me but I would say the journey that we went through obviously when we had all those ACLs and for that but even like the atmosphere what I love about the club is that Obviously, when we did lose to Lyon, no one came away from there thinking, oh, that's it, we're done. I was going to say, talk to me about how that atmosphere has maybe changed over the years for you. When those stadiums are sold out, particularly Champions League nights, that must feel incredible.

9:54Yeah, it's a really weird feeling to explain to people that actually have that visual opportunity to see. but hearing the atmosphere from all different parts of the crowd, even, for example, on Saturday, it wasn't a set-up, but to be at a ground where you're here in other parts of the stadium from where you're not sitting, you're sinning, I'm quite proud of it for other people because the way women's football has grown is absolutely amazing and that's credit to everyone, not just certain people. Rosie, I think tonight it's been said that Chelsea have done really well crowd-wise. I think it's a record crowd for a midweek Champions League match.

10:38I appreciate perhaps it hasn't reached the Arsenal's levels yet, but I guess that's something to strive for, right? And again, it's about setting standards and wanting to reach those standards yourself. Do you think you're on the way to doing that? I think definitely. There have been rumours that we're moving to Stamford Bridge next season, which I think is a little bit premature. We can't really just follow in Arsenal's footsteps without getting that crowd in first. Do you not think it's a build-it-and-they-will-come type vibe? I mean, maybe, but do you know what I mean? I think we played five WSL games at the Bridge last season and we're playing fewer this season, so we're sort of going backwards, which isn't really what you want to do when you're trying to get that crowd.

11:20But, yeah, I mean, Arsenal have always been really good with the tendencies since the Euros. Obviously, Leah Williamson, Perth Mead might have helped out a little bit getting those crowds to the Emirates. But, I mean, it's definitely something Chelsea need to work on. It's that difficult balance, isn't it, between having quite a small home ground in King's Meadow and making that jump. And it's very hard to find middle stadia, right? Exactly. And you want to be at the home of Chelsea. So perhaps it's just a case of taking a lead. But it'll be interesting to see if that does happen next season. OK, I'm going to ask you a question now.

11:52You have to be nice about each other. When you compare both clubs, both as fan bases, I guess, and as clubs themselves. What do you think you can learn from each other? Rosie, we'll start with you. I mean, we've already spoken about it. The fans, definitely. Getting those crowds in, but also the fans that are in the stadium need to be making that noise. And you shouldn't be outsung in your own stadium, really. Like, definitely at the bridge, that shed end is loud. And I think we really need to get those trance going. The club have tried by, like, putting the lyrics on the screen, but I think everyone knows the lyrics to Chelsea Chelsea because it's only one word.

12:31Come on, guys. Yeah, I think, I mean, a few seasons ago we were handing out songbooks. I'm not really sure what's happened to that, but definitely getting those chants in, building up that atmosphere so we're not out-sung in our own stadium. Absolutely. And George, from either, you know, fan base or club, what do you think you could also learn from Chelsea? Obviously, Chelsea, it's not really twisted. They've been a lot more dominant. perhaps that mentality? Yeah, it's that winning mentality, which we should have now, obviously. But I think it's different having a winning mentality in Europe and a winning mentality in the WSL.

13:08So hopefully that will change over the next season and a bit. Yeah, really. That wasn't that hard, was it? Being nice about each other? Don't answer that. OK, George, Rosie, thank you so much for joining us ahead of a very big game. We better get going because kick-off is not too far away and I want you guys to make sure you enjoy the atmosphere. So thanks for taking the time. Thank you very much. Thank you. Cheers. Would you like some of you? Oh, sure. We have Dan Gonsola. We have Fox. We have Ethan Mark. We have Steph Catley. We have Katie McCabe. We have Mariona. We have Kim Little. We have Alessia Rousseau.

13:50Olivia Smith. Katie Ford. We have Alessia Rousseau. OK, we're going to try and find some Arsenal fans at the Wolfpack. Apparently that is where they are hanging out pre-match. And we're going to see if we can find Farah Choudhury, the head of the Arsenal Women's Supporters Group. Let's see how we get on. Farah, I feel like I've talked to you a lot. Pre and post Champions League matches over the years. This is another big one, isn't it? Surely against Chelsea. It's never been done before. It's great for English football. It's great for all the English teams. It's amazing for the rivalry. but I'm really looking forward to tonight and I'm pretty confident.

14:27You're confident, okay, good. You're going in 3-1 up. You're not worried about the fact that Chelsea turned a 2-0 deficit in a quarterfinal against an English team last season? No, but I also saw them concede four goals against Villa. So it's worrying and I think they're pretty nervous and they've never been through this sort of transitional period in the last 10 years. So mentality-wise, I think Arsenal are going in pretty strong. So yeah, 2-0 I think today. OK, and just you touched on it there, the importance of this for English football. Like we have a lot of these milestones and we're still hitting them.

15:00And when we saw this draw happening, you know, I know us in the media, we're pretty much salivating at the prospect. It's delivering thus far. It's incredible. And this is this is what we need. And, you know, English football leading the way in so many areas. And this just makes it the quality, the in terms of like fan engagement, in terms of the number of attendance. I think Chelsea are going to have a record tonight with 16 ,000 plus. It's incredible. And I think that just shows where the English league is and where English football is. For a second leg quarterfinal, we know how much Chelsea won it.

15:34And there's only in the land and that's only us. And listen, the Champions League is not built for everyone, but that's why Arsenal have won it twice. So yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Fighting talk. You're going to be riling up our Chelsea fans listening to this one. Can I just ask you more broadly as well about Arsenal's season thus far? Maybe not having a great start, but you've kind of hit the ground running now, I guess, with 2026. And this is another important moment in the season, I guess, if you want to look at it as a successful one. Yeah, I mean, we always seem to hit form at this time of the season, which is a little bit frustrating.

16:07I would love it to be a little bit more consistent, but we find the form when needed. And Arsenal know how to win these type of games because they've been there so many times. and there just seems to be a sense of togetherness, a bit of resilience when it comes to this time of the season and they know how to win championships and they know what this tournament means. So much history with the club as well and with Renee, I think she's built for games like this and I'm really excited for them. We've never been in this position where we're leading in the second leg. We've always come from behind.

16:41So mentally, I think it's going to be a real good game because Chelsea are going to come in fighting. They have to score in the first 20 minutes, I think. But for us, we've never been in this position. So it's going to be an interesting one. But like I said, I am pretty confident. A London derby, two English teams, Champions League, record credit, Stamford Bridge. It's all in the balance. I mean, enjoy it. It's what Champions League nights are made of. Amazing. Away allocation sold out. Arsenal fans are in their numbers. They're already waiting to go right now. But yeah, we're ready for it. And this is what Arsenal is built for.

17:16And this is what the history shows. So yeah, really looking forward to a great game. So as mentioned, Arsenal fans have packed out the Wolfpack. And now they are going to get ready for the march. That has become a bit of a thing, home and away for Arsenal fans. Wherever they can do it, they will march or walk as a large group with a lot of songs to the game. So we're going to see if we can find that and join in. How are you? How are you? Singing I've got two, how are you? How are you? Singing I've got two, I've got two, I've got two, how are you? Please get your tickets out and ready for inspection.

17:59Producer Finn caught up with some Chelsea fans outside Stamford Bridge. What's your favourite memory watching Chelsea win in Champions League? Do you give one? That's a tricky one, because every time we come, they lose. Yes. It's a tough one, Barcelona. Carpenter goal against Barcelona. We were here for that. I'm actually a Kingsmeadow girl. Love Kingsmeadow. No, actually, best memory was two weeks ago when we watched them against Brighton, and we were about a metre away from everyone. My best memory of Chelsea game is watching Sam Kerr bury a header when she'd just signed at Kingsmeadow in front of the goal.

18:35When I was sitting in seats, I wasn't meant to be sitting in, and it was so good. Those were the good old days Do you prefer Kingsborough then compared to the bridge? I love the bridge But for me Kingsborough just has a special way about it I like the proximity How are you guys feeling tonight? Anxious It's a tough one Yeah I think it'll be tough I reckon we'll score some goals But I'm not sure we're going to do it I reckon two goals first half Put the fear of God in Arsenal but then they're capable of a breakaway goal because we'll be pushing hard. What's one thing you think you can learn from Arsenal?

19:13Is it like atmosphere at the bridge? Because obviously Emirates has created a vibe. Do you think that's something you can... I think we've got Basel. Platform Basel even more. That's not from them though. I think they're good at winding people up and bringing a bit more of that energy. Yeah, I think they just... Arsenal fans think they're very aesthetic and I think Chelsea's got a good aesthetic too. we've got drip too and I think more focus on that could be good so you've turned all of it into a backhanded compliment you need more of the casual wear the collection needs to improve and the layering could be improved too maybe free merch to really big fans massive ones just huge fans who love King's Meadow, who saw Sam Kersk or Hedda, those kind of fans You think that would help the entire world?

20:04Yeah, like decking them out. Yeah, yeah. If they look good. Fuki influences is what I'm trying to say. You sure can hear them. You sure can hear them. Steve Comeg Hal. Mountain Man. Six to nine with seven. And you say I can't even. Said. deixar to usted. 12, Luton Shuffman 25, 5 22, Lucy Sikhan 26, Kanishu Khan And number 13 is Kira Bush

20:58We are second football against the game And the game I'm going to begin 10 9 8 7 6 5 6 7 8 8 10 10 10 10 I'm out of breath I've just had to walk the whole way around the pitch From doing the team shots as the teams walk out Back just in time for kick-off here at Stamford Bridge Tell you what, the Arsenal fans are fierce and icy but I have got a whole row of Chelsea fans behind me, a whole stand so I reckon they're going to get pretty loud as this game goes on.

21:40We have had our first time wasting warning of the game 92 seconds in.

21:49Coming up to 25 minutes into this game, as expected, Chelsea have come out fast, definitely putting Arsenal under the cosh. haven't really fashioned any chances on target yet Arsenal have had two but it's kind of going as I expected of course now as I say that Arsenal are attacking

22:17half time here it is 0-0 and I think producer Finn might have accidentally predicted that as expected Chelsea came out strong in the opening in kind of 15-20 minutes or so Arsenal to weather a bit of a storm. But they definitely grew back into it. I think they've probably had more shots on target Arsenal, but less possession. Steph Cattley as well went off just before halftime with what looked like maybe a calf or a hamstring injury. Which means K-Mac, Katie McCabe, is back in centre-back, which seemed novel last week when it had to happen. I'm not sure Renee Sluggers would have expected to have to do it again.

22:52But we will see as she gets on in the second half.

22:58Less support through telehealth, but it feels overwhelming and rushed. Check out orderlymeds.com now. Orderlymeds.com was built to be different. Here, you connect with real doctors who take the time to understand your goals, review your eligibility, and guide you through a plan that's right for you. Orderlymeds provides access to proven GLP-1 medications like somaglutide and terzepatide, including both name brand options and personalized compound versions when appropriate. So you have choices backed by clinical oversight, not guesswork. It's a simpler, more supportive telehealth experience designed around people who want clarity, care, and confidence in a weight loss journey.

23:36And your medication is delivered directly to your home in discreet packaging. So your experience stays private from start to finish. Do your research. Ask the right questions. Then visit orderlymeds.com slash podcast for an exclusive offer. Again, that's orderlymeds.com slash podcast. Individual results may vary. Not medical advice eligibility required. See site for details.

24:23effective strategy but we've all seen what lj can do from distance as well another observation sam kerr can jump exceptionally high

24:34into the 77th minute now we've got a flurry of excitement in the 70 odd minutes uh it's like as soon as the clock hit 70 arsenal decided to venture upfield and have a little pop at goal there was a little bit of a flurry of activity around there and then chelsea come back a couple of times now since Sam Kerr having a shot save pinpoint right in front of DVD, but it turned out she was offside. So, yeah, definitely from about 17 minutes onwards, we've had a little bit of excitement. Chelsea realised they need to win this.

25:26Well, we have got some excitement in the 80th minute. Arsenal have the ball in the back then it threw Stina Blackstenius. But VAR is reviewing. So, we're about to hear now. You'll know from the fans. That is no goal for Arsenal. A let-all for Chelsea. Ten minutes to go.

25:49My God, that disallowed goal for Arsenal seems to have lit a rocket up Chelsea. It has been all them in the dying 10 minutes. And some last-ditch impressive defending as well from Arsenal. They have just had a shot. I don't know what happened. Cleared off the line? I think DVD tipped it onto the crossbar from a new skin header. It almost rolled across the goal line for Ruben Moy to clear. 88th minute.

26:19Goal for Chelsea, goal for Chelsea!

26:31Well, you know what that sound means. It means Chelsea have finally scored. I was starting to think the goals were cursed with it in the post from Beth Mead, rolling across the line from the header earlier for Chelsea, but they've finally gotten a goal back. We are already into the added five minutes of time. Do they have time to find one more?

26:58Full-time whistle has gone. It is Chelsea 1-0, Arsenal 0, but on aggregate Arsenal are through. 3-2. What a couple of encounters we've had between these two for the quarterfinals. Chelsea are out, Arsenal go marching on. Now I need to go find Sophie and see what she made of this fixture. All right, now it's time to relive all of the drama of I feel like that last 10 minutes with a very special guest, my wife, another half of Girls on the Ball. Sophie, thank you so much for joining us in the press box. I feel like from my voice notes, it didn't sound like the most exciting game until the final 10, 12 minutes, which is where we're going to start.

27:37We're going to start from the end, because there was a lot of action at the end. Chelsea were very close in the dying minutes they didn't do very much in terms of in front of goal for a good 75-78 minutes they did get one back in injury time but it felt like when Arsenal's goal was disallowed that it lit a rocket up them and suddenly all the action just came out in the dying 10 minutes Arsenal had to ride waves in this game and they were always going to have to especially when that goal was disallowed you could just feel the energy in the stadium just completely erupted and they suddenly had energy in their legs again.

28:16But yeah, no, I think they tried to pummel the goal. Arsenal did very well in staying pretty strong throughout. Yes, there were chances. Daphne van Domstel was absolutely ridiculous in between the sticks, making several saves as soon as she got player of the match just then. But yeah, I think Arsenal did just enough to manage the situation and Chelsea's goal came in the dying minutes and it was just too late for them to do anything about it. We're going to come back to that DVD save because Chloe was able to take a moment from her time in the box drinking champagne to drop a message into our WhatsApp group, which was very kind of her.

28:50But there were some contentious moments, a bit like at the end of the last game, where there should have been a red card. Katie McKay pulled Alyssa Thompson's hair and should have been sent off. And, you know, we've got Chelsea fans in our mentions telling us they were robbed. I don't think that sending off in the final 20 seconds was going to have changed the game. but needless to say, silly thing to do, stupid thing to do and she's very, very lucky she wasn't sent off. Yeah, I mean, seeing the replay, it was a definite red card. I didn't see it live at the time but then I watched it back and it was as clear as day.

29:21I don't know how VAR picked that up and I think that's been a fault across the two legs and actually across maybe some of the other games as well where the use of VAR hasn't been quite spot on, I think, by the referees and I don't know what that's down to whether it's because they're not used to it or whether it's just the systems in play. But it has to get better because you can't be missing challenges like that. I'm still adamant that Kadisha Buchanan should have been sent off in the first game. Chelsea should have had a goal. Yeah, and VAR didn't even look at it. The goal for Chelsea, I understand why VAR didn't disallow it in that first leg.

29:57But I just think there's two clear red cards that it's missed. and I don't understand why when the system is set up to be the way it is, why it's missed it completely. Agreed. And before people come in to us on our comments, you think Chelsea, it should have been given as a goal in that first leg, but you understand why VAR didn't intervene and that was a different story altogether. Speaking of red cards, Sonia Bonpastor got two yellows. I think the first yellow was the reaction to the McCabe challenge and then she didn't stop. God love her. She kept going on that sideline and she got herself a second yellow on her marching orders.

30:30Yeah, I mean, it was coming, but she got very animated when that McCabe, because it wasn't even given as a foul, when that McCabe foul happened. And she went off at the ref a bit and obviously got reprimanded for that. And then she was right because she didn't stop going. And I thought she was going to get herself a double booking from that. And the referee let it go. And then she got involved in the next time the ball went out, a free kick. I think she got involved, came onto the pitch a bit, and then got her second yellow. So it was like two things in quick succession as well. So she was just kind of asking for that trouble.

31:03Understandably, probably frustrated that the team kind of turned on the burners too late, I guess. Obviously, she was raging at what should have been a red card, but probably overall frustrated because you would have felt at the end there that Chelsea maybe had created enough. And we're going to come back to that Daphne van Domstelaar. She had a couple of very good saves. She had one, I think, from Sam Kerr at the top of the box. but that one you're talking about in the 87th minute was ridiculous. Fingertips onto the post. There was so much chaos that I saw a different person take the header to you and a different person clear the line for Arsenal.

31:38But all in all, it just felt like a breathless final 10 minutes and that moment summed it up. It did. I think it was all go forward in that final 10 minutes and Arsenal did have their chances as well. It felt like it was Chelsea wave after wave but when Arsenal countered, they had their opportunities. Beth Mead hit the post herself. She could have scored. They had the ball on the back of the net. Alessi Russo would have probably scored one of the goals of the season, but for a save from Hannah Hampton, she juggled it on the halfway line, marauded up the pitch, beat Sam Kerr, who was left flailing after her.

32:11It was quite funny to see the reaction from her. Entered the box, and then Hannah Hampton just made the same. Caitlin Ford had another opportunity where she just made the wrong decision. So Arsenal had opportunities on the counter-attack, but it was very much Chelsea because they had to. In that final ten, yes, especially. And I felt like in 70 minutes or so, Arsenal decided, you know what, actually, if we get a goal, we might not have to worry so much about defending. Blaxdenius had the ball in the back of the net and just to prove that there was VAR in the stadium and that it actually worked, it was ruled for offside.

32:40So it was checked and ruled out. It was a shame for Arsenal, I think, because it was a really lovely move. Beth Mead was at the heart of it. She started it, held the ball up really well. it came to Holmberg who crossed in but Steiner Blackstenius has touched it just before then she strayed just an inch offside and it was a lovely move but it would have definitely won the tie for Arsenal. I think now we maybe rewind a little bit to the start because as we probably both expected Chelsea came out quickly they came out with their foot in the gas they had Arsenal on the back foot in the early kind of 15-20 and probably expected Arsenal to have to weather a bit of a storm but Chelsea I don't believe at least in the first 35 minutes or so had no shots on target I didn't see it at um at halftime because the wi-fi wasn't working in the stadium neither were the monitors um but actually turning those chances into something you might look at that and think they were hadn't actually done that good good a job but there were you know shots flashing across goal you were starting to think as the night went on they were not going to be able to put it in the back of the net yeah Arsenal were always going to have a weather a storm and they were always going to try and protect their 2-0 lead and they were set up a bit more defensively Alessia Russo was sitting a bit deeper protecting that midfield area and she was doing a pretty good job out of possession as well with it um Alyssa Thompson had two big chances that she should have scored as she should have probably done in the first leg but um yeah she just had those uh they were set up more defensively yeah and they were set up not to concede as many with that in mind whereas Chelsea had to come out they had to come out fast they had to come out at them I said to you beforehand if Chelsea gets an early goal there they probably won it if Arsenal can hold on they until half time or later then I think they probably got it done and over the line so Chelsea did what they had to do and it was always going to be pressure for Arsenal I thought it was interesting that Sonia Bonpastro made a change to her centre backs and I was maybe a little surprised that Arsenal didn't look at that as something to perhaps attack early on but you could see very much that they for a team that's so good at pressing they weren't really interested in pressing Chelsea early on no I think they were just willing to wanting to keep the game to suffer a little bit tight and just try and defend and not not try and go too far at them I think that was probably the decision behind getting Caitlin Ford into the starting lineup because we know how well she can do the outer possession work we know the pace that she has and we remember in that final at Lisbon against Barcelona kind of the performance she put in kind of down that wing and protecting Katie McCabe a little bit.

35:08So I think that was the decision around that, and it was definitely more a defensive set-up. There were some changes then as well. It felt like Arsenal were bringing on all the defenders at one point, understandably, and Chelsea, conversely, were trying to bring on as many goal scorers as possible. It's a bit of a shame, I feel, that Katie McCabe hair pull has happened because it kind of overshadows a bit of a tactical battle that would have been discussed in a little bit more depth. But I think now that's going to be the headline across everything now. And look, it should be called out because it should have been a red.

35:43But it almost means we then don't get to speak about what you tweeted early on was kind of two titans taking lumps and swings and trying to get a foothold in this game. And it was an interesting tactical battle. And that's kind of going to be lost now. For the neutral, it was a thoroughly entertaining encounter. A couple more goals would have been nice. I could have watched another 90 minutes of that. I honestly could. I honestly think it would have been a good one. The last 10 minutes? No, of the whole game. Oh, wow. I think the whole dimensions of it, the ways one side would go and the other side would counter at them, and the way that they were moving around the park and kind of trying to counter the other one's moves.

36:17I think it was, if you like tactics, it's an absolutely fascinating battle. And one of them had to come out on top. It was really tight across both legs. I think even though Arsenal had a two-goal cushion from that first leg, I think it was really tight from the first leg. both legs have been thoroughly enjoyable games of football. It's what kind of we'd hoped for when this tie happened. And, you know, we saw moments from big players in both games, maybe more so in the first game. You think of that Chloe Kelly, you think of that LJ absolute worldie goal, which I said to you is one of the best goals I've seen live.

36:52And actually there were a couple of moments tonight where I thought I was watching Arsenal desperately trying to keep her as far away from the goal as possible. And I was thinking, you might want to keep her far away from the goal, She can't give her space because we've seen what she can do. She did it again at the weekend. So, you know, these are nights that are set up for big players like this to have big moments. And maybe we could have had a few more exciting moments during this game, but it was still all-round an enjoyable tie. Well, I do think someone cursed the goalmouths because at both ends on the pitch there were multiple hits on frame.

37:22So American. Put it in the upper 90. So, you know, there were chances at both ends and it just didn't feel like it was going to go in, did it? It was like there was that moment when Beth Mead had hit the post just after I think it was Sam Kerr's shot had been tipped onto the post at the other end. And you're like, my God, this is just not going to happen. There's not going to be a goal. Arsenal will go through, but this will be a nil-nil. When Chelsea did get that goal, did you think, oh my God, we might be going to extra time here at Stamford Bridge like it's happened before? Did you think they were going to?

37:51No? I thought it was too late. Did it remind you a little bit of the Barcelona game where it was almost like Arsenal said, we've had to game manage big games before and it was almost like that kind of mindset came in from every player it was like protect the ball keep Chelsea away from it keep it as far away from God as possible it just felt like that kind of mindset I think so and it was um I mean when you score in the 94th minute and there's only five minutes added on you're only going to get about 30 seconds I know that was done with all of this I mean I know there was a kerfuffle on the sideline that probably added another minute on but when you take a minute out of the plate it just kind disrupts it.

38:26I know there was a chance at the end there. Not really, didn't feel like it was going to turn in Chelsea. I think they just scored a bit too late. Yeah, that's probably, yeah. I think we'd said the early 20 minutes, even if they'd gotten one early in the second half, it just would have felt a little bit more open. But overall, Arsenal are going through to the semifinals again. Chelsea are missing out. It feels almost a little cruel for them, given the way their season has panned out a little bit. They have a trophy. They have that glorious league cup, that tasty trophy. And, you know, the league is probably slipping away.

38:58They're still in the FA Cup. Both teams are still in the FA Cup. You know, Arsenal on a on a buoyed by the wins and how they've been performing over the last few games. For Chelsea, they're going to need to get the emotions in check, wrap their head around this disappointment, because this is the competition they love so dearly and they so desperately want to win. And they need to refocus now for the FA Cup, because that is one of the most important trophies now for the rest of the season for them. It's the only one left for them to win. I think that's the really interesting part because I think so much of the season has been geared towards the Champions League.

39:27And the changes in formations and some of the mistakes that have happened and maybe the form that has dipped in the league. I think everything has been geared to winning this Champions League trophy. And now that they haven't done that, how do they recover? Because I do think for some of these players, it's probably their last couple of months in a Chelsea shirt. For some players who have been here a long time, there is going to be change at the club in the summer. I'm pretty sure of it. There's going to be a freshening up of personnel. And I just wondered, they've got a game on Monday now in the FA Cup against Tottenham.

39:58Yes, well remembered. I completely forgot every single team left in the FA Cup when you said that. So it's a London derby. Yes, Tottenham haven't been defending particularly well at the moment, but you just need to, it's the emotional side of the game, right? It's that mental side of the game where you have to realise and pick yourself up really quickly from this really big disappointment. moment and there are going to be questions asked I think wider about Sonia Bonpastor and what she's done at Chelsea I don't necessarily personally agree with them I think she's done enough to stay in the job and to have another you know transfer window to work with to try and build a squad in her in her stamp on the team yeah and try and go again this year but there will be noise it's just going to be inevitable this is a big football club they've won a lot of trophies and the noise is only going to get bigger and if they get knocked out of the FA Cup and they don't come home with that silverware I think then the noise will just get bigger I guess the release for them is that it's international break next week so yeah whatever happens they've got three weeks where they don't step away not think about it like quell the emotions um but this one will hurt for Chelsea it'll hurt even more that it was at the quarterfinal stage it'll hurt even more to be salt in the wound that it was Arsenal that knocked them out this is going to be a tough one to take and I think you're going to have your psychologists in you're going to be having those kind of honest conversations that need to happen within a dressing room to try and bring you back together refocus you and say let's get that FA Cup let's get to Wembley yeah and on the flip side I think for Arsenal this actually lifts some of the pressure I think getting to a Champions League semi-final in this season probably makes a season a success whatever happens from now in the Champions League they will want to get to an FA Cup final of course they will and there will be pressure on that side of things but if they can get Champions League football for next year, finish second and get that automatic place, and then they get to the semifinals.

41:48Far in the FA Cup. The pressure in that semifinal against Lyon, Wolfsburg, whoever it might be, we find out tomorrow. Then I do think the pressure gets lifted off them, even though they are the holders. Let's have a quick word about the fans before we finish, because we did speak to fans from both fan groups. I've said fan about 100 times. This episode is sponsored by fans. But we did speak to them beforehand. It's worth kind of touching on them because maybe it was because I was this side of the pitch for the walkouts, but those Arsenal fans sounded fierce loud, particularly at the beginning.

42:24But as you touched on then, after that disallowed goal, the Stamford Bridge came to life a little bit and it really lifted them. So we want a bit more of that, don't we, in these games? Yeah, I think the atmosphere was really good here. I think both sets of crowds bought it at different times. I did love at the beginning when they both joined in with the liquidator because they both agreed on a certain phrase in that song so it brought both sets of fans together what a nice moment gave a big raucous cheer to that one not me but like across the ground I think we know what Arsenal fans do home and away I think there were 3 ,000 of them here today they sold out their allocation yeah so they always bring the noise but I think the Chelsea what 13 ,000 or so of them that were here They also brought the noise and really cheered their team on, especially in those last moments.

43:11Yeah, and a record attendance here. Almost, almost 17 ,000. A record midweek Champions League attendance for Chelsea as well. So that's definitely worth a hat tip. But they will not want to hear again that song that was being chanted after the final whistle. European champions, you'll never sing that. That will be a bitter pill to swallow for Chelsea. But football can be cruel sometimes and it's time to regroup and go again. It's cliche as it sounds. It's cruel as though, because they just wanted... Arsenal won it. Arsenal won the one trophy they really wanted. And now they've knocked them out of the competition.

43:43I think Rosie said from Chelsea fan group that she'd rather win the Champions League than the domestic treble. And I said, well, that's easy to say when you've won the domestic treble. Because not many have done that either. So hold your heads high, Chelsea fans. It'll get better. OK, you said there that getting to a semi-final for Arsenal can be seen as a success. This is a... I mean, unless you're Barcelona. this is a very difficult Orléans trophy to win back-to-back. Do you think they can do it? Why not at this point? Why not? They're in really good form. I know they lost tonight, but they won the tie.

44:14They're in really good form. Before tonight, they were unbeaten in 11 matches. They don't concede many at the moment. They've got a break now with the international break before it restarts again. And if it's Lyon who come through, they will know they've done it before. So I think that would be a good one to have confidence through. Wolfsburg are always tough as well, but Wolfsburg aren't the force that they were either. Do you remember that tie in extra time in front of what? 60 ,000 people and they got knocked out in extra time. But they've been in this transition phase for the last two seasons.

44:46So I think Arsenal will not be complacent. And Rene Sleggis is always on about being humble and having your feet on the ground and getting the basics right. so I don't see why not and we've seen what they've done before in a Champions League no one gave them a chance last time round so you never know thank you for joining us on this episode of Upfront I'm back on Tuesday with Chloe hopefully if she drags herself out of the box drop us a message with your thoughts on today's episode or hit the comments on Spotify or YouTube we'd love to hear from you whether you're a Chelsea fan, an Arsenal fan or just a bit of everything like Chloe Morgan email us at show at upfrontpod.com and find us on Instagram at upfront underscore pod.

45:27See you next week.

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