THOR STRIKE A TITLE BLOW FOR GUNNERS

ARSENAL’S title defence was given a jolt by Maria Thorisdottir’s late Chelsea winner.

Emma Hayes’ Blues came back from behind to inflict a 2-1 defeat on the champions, who were prevented from going top.

It was the Gunners’ first WSL defeat since January, with Chelsea also victors.

Danielle van de Donk (right) gave Arsenal an early lead with a classy finish from inside the box. But Beth England levelled just before the hour after Fran Kirby had unselfishly squared.

And Thorisdottir

(top, celebrating), set up by fellow substitute Ramona Bachmann, curled home a beauty with just four minutes remaining.

Hayes said: “At half-time I told the players we had to be aggressive. I’d no doubt we were going to win.”

Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro added: “We played badly in the second half and got punished. We didn’t put away the chances we created, so we’re our own worst enemy.”

Chelsea claimed second behind Manchester City, who beat Birmingham 3-0 on Saturday thanks to Keira Walsh, Tessa Wullaert and Lee Geum-min.

Manchester United are fourth after a 3-0 win at Tottenham, where Kirsty Hanson and Jane Ross added to Ashleigh Neville’s own goal. United’s Lauren James was sent off for a second yellow, eight seconds after being named Player of the Match by Wales boss Jayne Ludlow. ON the day Coventry City paid tribute to the record label that launched Madness’ career, they suffered a crazy defeat.

Matty Godden missed five chances and Liam Walsh one, they had a penalty claim not given and an offside ‘goal’ ruled out.

Tranmere, in the bottom three at kick-off, had two shots and scored from one of them to win away for the first time this season.

It enabled Tranmere boss Micky Mellon to enjoy his three-year anniversary at the club.

“We kept fighting,” said Mellon. “We’re just trying to make a group of players who are at this level for the first time be able to consistently take part in it.”

Tranmere have gone from nonleague to League One since Mellon took over, while the stunned Sky Blues fancy their chances of making the Championship.

“It’s not the way we played in