Chloe Kelly’s Role: Why She Isn’t an Automatic Starter at Arsenal or for England?

The Challenge of Consistency

Chloe Kelly’s 2025-26 season has seen her score six goals and register five assists, yet she’s only made nine starts in the Women’s Super League and Champions League. Despite these contributions, her presence on the pitch has become sporadic, raising questions about her role in both club and country.

Arsenal’s recent focus on a Champions League semi-final against Lyon highlights the club’s search for a reliable match-winner. However, Kelly’s availability has been limited, with her relegated to the bench after scoring on the opening day of the campaign. This pattern has continued, as she missed much of the season due to a persistent knee injury, spending over four months sidelined.

Highlights in International Competitions

On the international stage, Kelly has made a lasting mark. Her extra-time goal at Euro 2022 secured England’s first major title, and her penalty in the subsequent final helped retain the trophy. These moments solidified her status as a pivotal player for the Lionesses, yet her club performance has not mirrored this consistency.

In 2024-25, she started just one match for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League, prompting her to seek a new challenge. Her move to Arsenal in January 2025 initially looked promising, with her starting nine of the team’s 14 remaining games, including the Champions League final victory over Barcelona. But recent setbacks have disrupted this momentum.

Comparisons with Teammates

When comparing Kelly’s impact as a substitute to her teammates, the disparity is stark. Stina Blackstenius, who has been a regular substitute for Arsenal, has scored six goals in 24 appearances since Kelly’s debut. This contrasts sharply with Kelly’s one goal and two assists in similar roles, underscoring the challenge she faces to secure a starting spot.

Her effectiveness as a starter is evident, with 87.5% of her goals coming when she begins the game. This statistic places her ahead of most players in the squad, though competition remains fierce. Alessia Russo and Beth Mead, for instance, have been instrumental for the Gunners, with Russo scoring 26 goals since Kelly joined and Mead maintaining a key role on the right wing.

England’s Dependence on Kelly’s Versatility

While Kelly’s bench appearances for England have yielded five goals, her contributions as a substitute remain crucial. With 58 caps since Euro 2022, 40 of those have come off the bench, a record unmatched by any other player. This underscores her value in high-pressure scenarios, even if her starting role is less assured.

“She thrives in pressure moments,” says England’s record goalscorer Ellen White. “She is a world-class talent with unbelievable technique. But we have possibly the best attack in world football—with Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Jess Park, and Chloe Kelly. It seems to be working pretty well at the moment.”

As Arsenal prepares for the Champions League semi-final, the team’s reliance on substitutes like Blackstenius and Russo has shifted focus away from Kelly. Her journey from Euros hero to bench-bound player reflects the demands of maintaining a top-tier position in a competitive squad.

Key Match: Arsenal v Lyon

Arsenal v Lyon Women’s Champions League semi-final, first leg: Sunday, 26 April at 15:30 BST. Watch live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. Stay updated with live text on the BBC Sport website and app.