Ooof! What a hit from Noelle Maritz.

The Villa full-back drifted inside and got into a good spot on the edge of the box and almost picked the top corner out from Missy Bo Kearns roll back.

Arsenal let off there as Katie McCabe mistakenly let the ball roll behind for a corner under pressure from Johanna Rytting Kanerd.

The Gunners were awarded a free kick seconds before though, so no harm done.

Ouch. That's a sore one for Lucy Bronze as she's left rubbing her shin after a late tackle from Caitlin Foord.

She's immediately back to her feet though. Her middle name isn't Tough for no reason you know!

Sanny Rudravajhala
BBC Radio 5 Live at Leigh Sports Village

Sunshine and smiles before kick off but it's been a pancake flat performance so far from United.

Villa deservedly lead through Miri Taylor's picture-perfect strike. That was her first ever Aston Villa goal and second senior goal ever - perhaps she should shoot more often!

Melvine Malard has been going through her warm up routine at the break, I think we'll see her soon to mix things up.

But for Natalia Arroyo's side, it's been so far, so good. They've only won once in the WSL this campaign... And United are unbeaten.

Hosts Arsenal get the game re-started in north London.

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport at Emirates Stadium

It's scary seeing the talent warming up for Chelsea at half-time.

Only the likes of Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter and Sandy Baltimore...

Arsenal may be a goal down but they are firmly in this contest.

If only they can convert their dominance in possession into big chances on goal.

That's the task that lies ahead of boss Renee Slegers in this second half. Well that and keeping Chelsea out at the other end.

Image source, Opta

The ball is back rolling at Progress with Unity stadium in Leigh.

Let's see what response United offer in this second half.

It was an uncharacteristically sluggish and slow first half performance from United, particularly in attack.

They had four shots at goal, hitting the target just once.

Marc Skinner won't be too worried just yet though, as his side are the leading goalscorers so far in the 2025-26 WSL campaign (19).

They just need to find that clinical edge.

Image source, Getty Images

As it stands Chelsea are on course to become the first team ever to win four consecutive WSL meetings with Arsenal.

Image source, Getty Images

Chloe Morgan
Former Crystal Palace goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It felt cagey towards the last five or 10 minutes there. But I think the first 10/15 minutes was very much dominated by Chelasea. Getting that early lead was absolutely incredible.

It's a very attainable lead if Arsenal get themselves back in the game. It has been frustrating for them, and they have had opportunities.

I would like to think there's so much to play for in the second half.

Peeeep. The referee's whistle calls an exhilarating first half to a close at the Emirates with Chelsea leading thanks to Alyssa Thompson's wonderful finish.

Image source, Getty Images

Miri Taylor's goal has Villa ahead at the break. Plenty of work to do for Manchester United if they are to keep pace in the early title picture.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea boss (now current USA head coach) Emma Hayes has been spotted watching on from the stands at the Emirates alongside Arsenal legend Vic Akers.

A reminder that if Chelsea avoid defeat today they would equal the club's (and the WSL's) longest unbeaten run, 33 games, set during Hayes' tenure with the Blues between February 2019 and January 2021 (W26 D7).

Agreed Joshua, as if Chelsea didn't have enough star quality already...

Image source, Getty Images

Stina Blackstenius mixes it up and comes short to receive the ball but as she turns away from Wieke Kaptein she is penalised for a foul on the Dutch midfielder, which prompts boos from some sections of the home crowd.

Arsenal are just ramping up the pressure as we near the interval. They've certainly had the better of this game since the Chelsea opener, albeit the Blues have looked potent on the break.

Image source, Getty Images

Not quite.

The initial delivery finds a United head in the box but Villa do well in the second phase, with Chasity Grant's cross forcing Jayde Riviere into a last second intervention to stop a Villa head nodding home at the back stick.