Keira Walsh reveals Katie McCabe’s Chelsea team talk that helped inspire Arsenal win

Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in a fiery Women’s Super League clash, where Katie McCabe stole the headlines.

After her contract at Arsenal was not renewed, McCabe moved to the blue side of London, and yesterday’s match was the first against her former side.

Keira Walsh praised the Republic of Ireland captain for how she handled the animosity of the away fans, even crediting the win to a passionate team talk she gave before kick-off.

“I think she’s fitted in really well,” Walsh said, speaking after the match about McCabe’s arrival.

“Katie coming to us has added an extra edge and I think her physicality and mentality really ramped it up.

“I think every time she does a little team talk, we play quite well, so hopefully that continues.

“She did one against Manchester United as well and we won [5-0]. We played quite well, so I think it’s something she’s going to carry on doing.

“I think she’s just so passionate about the game and I think you can really feel it when she’s speaking.

“I think it gets the players going and definitely gets myself going, so hopefully she keeps doing it.”

When asked about the content of McCabe’s team talk, Walsh said it was about outfighting and outworking the opposition.

The victory ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run that stretched back to October 2025, with Arsenal now seven points adrift of Manchester City at the top of the table.

For Chelsea, they are now within two points on their quest to win back the title that they lost to Manchester City last season after a six-year consecutive streak.

The ‘extra edge’ added by McCabe’s switched allegiances was clear to see, with the 31-year-old booed throughout Sunday’s clash by the Arsenal away fans.

“I’m not surprised she handled it, to be honest,” Walsh added. “I think that’s just the sort of player she is.

“Her mentality, how she works every day, she wants to win every single part of every training session.

“We needed that a little bit more last year and she’s definitely brought that. I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing with her, she’s really smart.

“She’s got a great left foot as well, so she’s brought a massive part to our team.”