Chelsea v Arsenal in WSL 'means something extra' - Guro Reiten
2025-01-24
Category: sports

Chelsea midfielder Guro Reiten says Women's Super League matches against Arsenal "mean something extra" because of the rivalry between the teams. Reiten, who is in her sixth season at Chelsea, has so far won the WSL title each year she has been at the club. With a seven-point lead at the top of the table, Chelsea are again in a strong position going into Sunday's derby with second-placed Arsenal at Stamford Bridge (12:30 GMT kick-off). But Reiten believes the games have added significance outside the battle for the title."They are the best games. To walk out at Stamford Bridge with the fans behind us so loud, it is an amazing feeling," the 30-year-old told BBC Sport. "There is extra pressure in those games [and] you never know what to expect. They are the games you love to win and hate to lose. It means something extra for everyone."England international Aggie Beever-Jones is also hoping Chelsea can extend their unbeaten run as they challenge on multiple fronts.The Blues have won 10 of their 11 WSL matches so far this season, only dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Leicester, external before Christmas."I want to bring home four trophies this year. We're in a good position to do that so hopefully we get there," added Beever-Jones. 
'I'm loving things here' - Baltimore
It has been a superb start to the season for Chelsea since changing managers in the summer with Sonia Bompastor stepping in after Emma Hayes' successful reign. Reiten says Bompastor has been "tough" and "demanding" but players know what is expected. "She has been very clear on what to expect from everyone in their different positions," said Reiten."You have to know your role but you also have to know the roles of the players around you. It's been very clear. "Sonia and Emma have one thing in common - they want to win games."As well as Bompastor's arrival, the club strengthened the squad with France international Sandy Baltimore among those to join and make a big impact. "I'm loving things here. Football-wise, I knew things would be really intense every weekend, but I'm loving it so far," Baltimore told BBC Sport."At the start it was quite tough given that it was a move from Paris to London and there was lots of paperwork to sort out. Now I have gradually settled in some more."I really love the game and I love football so I think you probably could say I have settled quite quickly. "Adapting to the English game has gone well. A lot of that is down to my team-mates and everyone at the club. They have made the transition easier for me."
'I understand what it means' - Slegers
It has been a more challenging season for Arsenal, with former manager Jonas Eidevall stepping down after their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in October. They had ground to make up in the WSL title race but under Renee Slegers - who was upgraded from interim to permanent manager this month - they have gone unbeaten in 12 matches and now sit second in the table. Asked how significant a win for Arsenal would be on Sunday, Slegers said: "Yeah of course and we go for the win. "We respect Chelsea for who they are and all the strengths they have. But for me, I care a lot about Arsenal so I want to do the best for Arsenal."Of course I understand what [the rivalry] means for fans and for certain players. It's going to be a game that will be tight. "There will be physical battles on the pitch and momentum will probably shift. It will be interesting to see who can capitalise when the chances are there."