Arsenal 4-3 West Ham: Kelly inspires comeback win on first start
Arsenal kept their slim hopes of lifting the Women's Super League title alive with a stunning comeback victory over West Ham on Sunday.
Chloe Kelly grabbed a goal and an assist on her first start back at Arsenal, with the Gunners coming from two goals behind to beat West Ham 4-3 in the Women's Super League.
The Hammers edged into a shock early lead when Amber Tysiak rose highest to meet Viviane Asseyi's corner kick, planting a firm header beyond the grasp of Daphne van Domselaar.
And, just four minutes later, Tysiak and West Ham had their second, with the Belgian defender's prodded effort sneaking in following a goal-line scramble.
Kelly pulled one back just before the break, finishing from close range after being picked out by Mariona Caldentey, only for West Ham to restore their two-goal lead in the second half.
Shekiera Martinez got the goal, brilliantly cutting into the box before planting the ball home, but Arsenal responded once again five minutes later through Katie McCabe's effort.
McCabe's goal started a remarkable six-minute turnaround for the hosts, who hauled themselves level when Leah Williamson turned a fine header off the bar and in, following Kelly's corner.
And the comeback was complete when Kirsty Smith handled the ball inside the area, with Caldentey stepping up and squeezing the spot-kick under the palms of Kinga Szemik.
The result moved Arsenal back up to third, eight points behind leaders Chelsea, who dropped points earlier on Saturday in a 2-2 draw with Brighton.
West Ham remain in ninth, six points clear of bottom club Crystal Palace in the standings.
Data Debrief: Gunners fire back
Renee Slegers' side have responded brilliantly to their defeat to Manchester City in the Women's Super League, scoring nine goals in their two subsequent games, though they were made to work for their victory at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium.
Arsenal have now won 11 of their 13 WSL meetings with West Ham, only holding a better win rate in the competition against Brighton (13/13) and Reading (12/14) amongst sides they have faced 10 or more times in the competition.
This win was inspired by Kelly, who ended the contest having completed more dribbles (three) than anyone on the pitch, while only Arsenal team-mate McCabe (five) created more chances than the 27-year-old (two).