Guro Reiten's late penalty saw Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-0 at Stamford Bridge as the Women's Super League champions went nine points clear of Manchester City.
Chelsea, who unveiled new world-record signing Naomi Girma just before kick-off in front of 34,302 supporters - a Stamford Bridge record - made a fast start as they looked for an early breakthrough against an Arsenal team that had not won a league game at the ground since 2018, with the visitors looking nervous in possession.
However, having ridden out that early storm, Arsenal started to grow into the contest, so much so that it was Renee Slegers' side who went in disappointed at half-time having not made the breakthrough.
Three gilt-edged openings went in quick succession as Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Emily Fox all went close, but a combination of poor finishing and excellent defending kept the scoreline goalless at the interval.
Sonia Bompastor brought on Maika Hamano at the break and the home side looked more assured in the second period, although they did not open the scoring until just six minutes from time after Arsenal skipper Kim Little brought down Lauren James - back after injury - with sub Reiten keeping her cool from the spot, unlike Katie McCabe who was sent off after picking up a second yellow for dissent.
The hard-fought victory gives Chelsea, who have won 41 of their last 43 home games - a run that started with a 3-0 victory against Arsenal back in February 2021 - breathing space at the top of the table.
As for Arsenal, Renee Slegers' team now slip 10 points behind their rivals as their 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions under the Dutchwoman - a record stretching back to their 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea in October - comes to an end.
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