LONDON, Apr 13 (SW) - After Arsenal's big win against Everton they went into they're game against nearest challengers Charlton knowing even a draw would give them the title.

The early part of this game was quite dour with a lot at stake for both teams. Play for long periods was bogged down in the mid field. The first real chance fell to Bertelli whos shot brought out a good save from Emma Byrne. Then at the other end Ludlow sent in a header which Charlton keeper Pauline Cope managed to touch over the bar. Then Arsenal hit the woodwork with a shot from Jayne Ludlow. The breakthrough came after twenty minutes however, when a clash between Lianne Champ and Gemma Ritchie the Charlton player went down holding her face and as the play raged on Sanderson found Ludlow who sent a pass through to Kelly Smith who took a few touches to control the ball before sending in a low shot past Cope. Smith nearly had another a few minutes before the break but her shot was blocked. The ball bobbled about in the Charlton area before falling to Rachel Yankey who's shot came off the crossbar. The ball fell once again to Kelly Smith but she could only head the rebound wide.

Arsenal got more chances early in the second half Fay White latched on to a chip from Asante was touched over by Cope. Arsenal coninued to press forward. Rachel Yankey charged into the area her progress halted only be some despeate defending
Charlton tried to push out of their area and set up some attacks. They forced a series of corners. Then Sarah Snare,who had come on as a substitute in the first half, lashed a shot wide. With 75 minutes gone Eniola Aluko took the ball on the edge of the area and as she turned to go forward she was up ended conceeding a penelty in the process. Casey Stoney stepped up to take the spot kick but Emma Byrne made a great save diving to her left to take the ball at the second attempt. She then had more work to do when Amanda Barr broke through sending in a powerful shot which Byrne managed to touch wide. Charlton continued to push forward but Arsenal were always ready on the break and with a few minutes remaining a surge forward won a free kick halfway into the Charlton half. Kelly Smith knocked the kick out wide for Rachel Yankey to run on to. Yankey took a touch to control the ball before lashing it into the net.

And so Arsenal were champions once again. It had been predicted that this years championship might go to the last game before being decided. But not so in fact fixtures will stretch into May with only the runners up stop for grabs. Arsenal of course have an FA Cup final to look forward to.

Arsenal - Charlton 2-0 (1-0)

Goals: 21. Kelly Smith 1-0, 87. Rachel Yankey 2-0

Attendance: 750