Barclays WSL
Manchester United Halt Chelsea’s Winning Run in Thrilling Draw
Manchester United ended Chelsea’s 100% start to the Barclays Women’s Super League season with a hard
fought draw in torrential conditions at Old Trafford. Marc Skinner’s side, who had taken just one point from
their previous 11 league meetings with the reigning Champions, earned a deserved point thanks to Anna Sandberg’s
superb volley, which cancelled out Wieke Kaptein’s early opener. Despite a late siege, bolstered by substitute Sam Kerr, Chelsea couldn’t find a winner as they failed to win a WSL match for the first time since March. United also had chances to snatch victory, with Ella Toone missing opportunities either side of half time, Jess Park’s dipping volley going close, and Fridolina Rolfo’s deflected effort clipping the bar.
Late Beney Strike Lifts Manchester City Past Arsenal
Iman Beney’s stoppage time goal secured Manchester City a vital 3-2 win over title rivals Arsenal, moving them within a point of leaders Chelsea. City twice went in front, with Khadija Shaw’s header giving them an early lead before Mariona Caldentey’s fine equaliser. Arsenal substitute Chloe Kelly, facing her former club, levelled late on, but Beney’s cool finish past Daphne van Domselaar sealed the points. The defeat leaves European champions Arsenal winless in three and five points adrift of Chelsea, denting their title hopes. City meanwhile, buoyed by the result and their form since an opening day loss to Chelsea, showed their resilience in a crucial victory.
Tottenham Climb to Third with Win Over Brighton
Cathinka Tandberg’s third WSL goal of the season earned Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, lifting them to third in the table. Jessica Naz’ low cross evaded the Brighton defence, allowing Tandberg to tap in at the back post. Controversy arose early when Brighton’s appeals for a penalty were waved away after Toko Koga appeared to handle the ball. Despite Eveliina Summanen’s fierce freev kick being saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tottenham held firm for the win to keep up their impressive start to the campaign.
Aston Villa Stun West Ham with First Win
Aston Villa claimed their first WSL victory of the season, defeating winless West Ham United 2-0 with stunning strikes from Kirsty Hanson and Lynn Wilms. Hanson broke the deadlock on the hour, arrowing a shot into the top corner after a neat move with Wilms, who then doubled the lead with a sublime free kick. Villa, who hit the post through Chasity Grant, could have won by more, with Anouk Denton’s block denying Rachel Daly a tap in. West Ham, despite an early chance spurned by Shekiera Martinez, remain rooted to the bottom with no points from five matches, their worst ever WSL start. Villa rise to eighth with five points.
London City Lionesses Sink Liverpool with Late Penalty
Elena Linari’s 89th minute penalty secured London City Lionesses a 1-0 win over Liverpool, who remain pointless so far this season. Linari smashed the spot kick in off the crossbar after Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe had fouled Nikita Parris. London City dominated, with Parris heading over in the first half and Borggrafe surviving two errors, including a double save from Grace Geyoro. The late penalty condemned Liverpool to a fourth straight defeat, leaving them second bottom, while London City, with their first WSL clean sheet, climb to seventh.
Leicester and Everton Share Spoils in Late Draw
Noemie Mouchon’s 81st minute equaliser earned Leicester City a 1-1 draw against Everton at the King Power Stadium. Ornella Vignola’s fourth goal of the season had put Everton ahead, but Mouchon, returning from a long term injury, struck with her first touch to rescue a point. Leicester were the brighter side in a goalless first half, with Hannah Cain and Emily van Egmond linking well, but Everton nearly led through Katie Robinson’s effort, saved by Janina Leitzig. Vignola’s composed finish gave Everton the lead, but Mouchon’s late strike ensured both sides, now on four points, sit eighth and ninth respectively.
Leading goalscorers:
4 - Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea);
4 - Melvine Malard (Manchester United);
4 - Khadija Shaw (Manchester City);
4 - Ornella Vignola (Everton);
3 - Frida Maanum (Arsenal);
3 - Cathinka Tandberg (Tottenham Hotspur);
2 - Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal);
2 - Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City);
2 - Isobel Goodwin (London City Lionesses);
2 - Olivia Holdt (Tottenham Hotspur);
2 - Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea);
2 - Chloe Kelly (Arsenal);
2 - Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City);
2 - Nikita Parris (London City Lionesses);
2 - Alessia Russo (Arsenal);
2 - Ella Toone (Manchester United);
(League goals only)
