Chloe Kelly, the player who scored England's decisive goal in the Euro 2022 final, finds herself competing for a starting spot rather than commanding one at Arsenal. Despite contributing six goals and five assists this season, she has started only nine times in the WSL and Champions League. The Gunners face Lyon in a Champions League semi-final on Sunday, with Kelly's role uncertain.

After her Euros heroics, Kelly was integral at Manchester City but injuries derailed her progress. She moved to Arsenal in January 2025 and started nine of her first 14 games, including the Champions League final victory over Barcelona. A knee injury then kept her out for four months, and since returning she has alternated between starting and the bench.

The statistics reveal a stark contrast. For England, Kelly has five goals as a substitute since 2022, including her Euro 2025 semi-final winner. At Arsenal, however, she has managed just one goal and two assists from 14 bench appearances. Team-mate Stina Blackstenius has proven far more effective as an impact player, scoring six goals from 24 substitute appearances. Competition is fierce: Alessia Russo has 26 goals since Kelly arrived, while Arsenal invested nearly £1m in Olivia Smith last summer.

Kelly started and scored in the first leg of Arsenal's quarter-final against Chelsea but was on the bench for the return. With Beth Mead unavailable for personal reasons against Lyon, an opportunity may arise - but the numbers suggest she thrives when given a starting role from the outset.