Katie Chapman knows a thing or two about winning big games, and the former Chelsea Women captain believes taking our chances will be key when the Blues host London rivals Arsenal at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.
Chapman lifted two FA Women’s Super League titles, two FA Cups and the Spring Series as Chelsea skipper during a trophy-laden career that includes a further eight FA Cup winners’ medals, two more league titles and the UEFA Women's Cup while representing five other clubs – including today’s opponents.Now a club ambassador and regular at Kingsmeadow, Chapman spoke exclusively to the official Chelsea website about today's huge clash and what it will take for Emma Hayes’ side to get the better of the reigning Barclays FA WSL champions.‘In terms of game, it’s a big game. I think in terms of the league it’s a game that we need to win,’ said Chapman, following a Chelsea Foundation event to celebrate International Day of the Girl.‘The players will need to stick to the game plan that Emma prepares for the team and obviously the chances we’re creating need to turn into goals. I’m hoping it will all come good on Sunday and a few of the chances we create on Sunday will turn into goals.‘You’ve got to make sure you’re ready mentally and tactically, I’m not saying the games are not hard because they are, but these are the ones you have to be on it if you want to win the league title.’
Having represented both Chelsea and Arsenal during her illustrious career, Chapman knows what the players will be going through as they prepare for the match. Both sides are currently unbeaten, with Arsenal currently top of the league following three wins from their opening three league fixtures, with the Blues hot on their heels in third with seven points.
And while the pressure will be on in front of a bumper crowd at Kingsmeadow, Chapman admits these are the games players live for.She said: ‘Every game between Chelsea and Arsenal is always huge because of the hype of it and the aura around it – for me I used to thrive on those big games when I played.‘When you look at the top teams in the league, those are the games you play for and have to be your best at. It will be a really interesting game, Chelsea have had a good run of games and so has Arsenal so it’s going to be quite close but I’m hoping for a Chelsea win obviously.’Tickets for Sunday's clash against Arsenal are priced at £9 for adults and £1 for juniors (aged under 20) and seniors (aged over 65) and can be purchased on the gate.
Read: Chelsea v Arsenal match preview