Kelly relishes ´amazing´ Arsenal return after Spurs rout

Chloe Kelly was left to savour an “amazing” return to Arsenal as her side hammered Tottenham 5-0 in the Women’s Super League.

The England international was introduced as a 61st-minute substitute on Sunday, making her first appearance for Arsenal after a seven-year absence.

Kelly returned to the Emirates Stadium on loan last month after making just one WSL appearance this campaign, struggling for minutes and enjoyment at Manchester City.

The 27-year-old had previously said she “wants to be happy again” amid those struggles, and her delight was clear to see as the Emirates stood as one to applaud their returning academy product.

“It felt amazing in front of unbelievable support,” Kelly told BBC Sport after the thrashing of Arsenal’s fierce rivals.

“Since I stepped into this club, I have felt a warm welcome. What a game to do it in – the north London derby.

“I felt myself on the pitch. It’s been easy to walk into this dressing room with unbelievable players and the staff.”

A special afternoon at Emirates Stadium pic.twitter.com/Rgan6pYK6U

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) February 16, 2025

Kelly’s memorable comeback was almost capped with a late goal, though the crossbar denied her chipped effort.

“I thought it was going in,” she added before England captain Leah Williamson joked “and the shirt would have come off!”.

Indeed, Kelly has not enjoyed herself as much on the football pitch, since her iconic shirt-over-the-head celebration after scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium.

The Arsenal loanee remains intent on changing that, and proving herself once more back at home in north London.

“The challenge is always there and I am ready to fight for my shirt and I want to work hard to do so,” she added.

“It’s all about building relationships with those players that you play together with on the field. I have settled in really well and am building those relationships already. I am just having fun.”