Football roundup: WSL – the latest from the Super League action this weekend
It’s been another action-packed weekend of football, with the Women’s Super League back in action and the return of the Premier League after the latest international action.
The WSL didn’t disappoint with the return of a much-loved star – who’s been out for almost a year with an injury and serious questions being asked about Villa – after a 5-0 thrashing.
There’ll be no WSL action for a couple of weeks as international duty comes calling.
The Super League will return on 4 November.
Lioness fans – England will take on Belgium on Friday 27 October and then again on Tuesday 31 October in the Nations League.
Here’s what’s been happening in the Super League.
Miedema returns! But Arsenal’s struggle in front of goal continues
Arsenal 2-1 Bristol City
Ashton Gate Stadium: Attendance: 12,008
The one and only Vivianne Miedema graced the pitch for the first time since rupturing her ACL last year. Much to the delight of Arsenal fans, who were happy to see the Dutch star slip straight back into being one of the best in the world as she threaded a pinpoint pass to Beth Mead. Miedema’s creativity and influence were once again on display, and for Arsenal fans, they’ll be hoping her return will be the turning point in what has been an uneven start to the season for the Gunners.
Katie McCabe scored both of Arsenal’s goals – the first being a spectacular long-range strike and the second a deflected shot inside the penalty area.
It’s Arsenal’s first win away. But they had a massive 79% possession, 16 corners, 25 shots – 10 of which were on target. But still only two goals.
Bristol City were outplayed throughout most of the match – but their one shot on target saw them score a goal. Finding a goal against Arsenal, and defending 10 shots on target is no easy task, but Bristol did well not to concede more than two.
Everton thrashing but signs of hope
Manchester United 5-0 Everton
Walton Hall Park – Attendance: 1,990
A lashing from Manchester United saw Everton’s losing streak continue, with the Toffees losing 5-0, they’re now in 10th with only one win to their name. But the dramatic score doesn’t tell the truth of the game as their performance wasn’t nearly as embarrassing as you’d think from conceding five goals.
Everton did get to enjoy a sold-out stadium, even if they couldn’t produce the goods.
Everton boss Brian Sørensen isn’t worried. “I’m not concerned about anything,” he insisted after the Man U loss. He’s calm and given their win over Liverpool, you can see potential with the club, but he must sort of Everton’s defence. He will no doubt be looking to strengthen that area in January – and must if he doesn’t want to risk hanging around the relegation zone.
For Manchester United, it was the perfect response to being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris St-Germain in midweek.
United were lively, clearly demonstrating they’ve put the CL disappointment behind them and are ready to focus on the league title race.
Aston Villa continues to disappoint
Tottenham 4-2 Aston Villa
Poundland Bescot Stadium – Attendance: 2,805
Despite all the pre-season hype, Aston Villa’s start to the new season has been poor. Their Saturday defeat to Tottenham marks their fourth straight loss.
They started off spritely with Rachel Daley scoring in the fifth minute from the spot. But just before halftime, Spurs had scored 2 and Villa were unable to recover.
Villa have Daly and with that comes huge expectation. She and the team will be expected to snatch all three points off Chelsea when the WSL returns after the break.
They struggled to get back into the game in the second half but did manage to pull a goal back in stoppage time.
Chelsea come from behind to beat Brighton
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
Kingsmeadow – Attendance: 3,647
Chelsea’s midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken was cruelly denied her hat trick after her third goal was credited as a Brighton own goal instead. It caused backlash online as fans argue she should have been awarded the third goal as it appears her shot was on target despite the deflection.
Nüsken may not have her hat trick but can take comfort in the role she played in helping Chelsea bounce back from going behind and securing all three points.
Chelsea haven’t appeared to be in their best form, with key player Sam Kerr a little rusty since the start of the new season – she sat out most of the World Cup with a calf injury.
But the latest game saw Chelsea return to their winning ways and they played a convincing game.
Man City go top of the table
Manchester City 1-0 Leicester City
King Power Stadium – Attendance: 2,447
Despite the loss, Leicester City can be proud of their performance on Sunday. Their intensity threw City off their game plan and though it ended in a loss, it was a narrow one. The Foxes adopted a 3-2-2-3 formation – leaving them narrow but highlighted the risks they’re willing to take.
“We said that we were playing a high-risk game of poker – high risks and high rewards,” Kirk told BBC Sport.
“We were just half a yard off being excellent. I don’t think ‘little Leicester’ are so little any more. We’ve made a statement in these opening four games.”
For City, the win sees them sit on top of the table on goal difference – with Chelsea nipping at their heels, City will be looking for all three points when they face Arsenal on 5 November following the international break.