WSL: Roundup of Super League action – Bunny Shaw & Lauren James hat tricks in action-packed weekend
Women’s Super League (WSL) returned this weekend, with hat tricks from Bunny Shaw and Lauren James, Arsenal got the job done and West Ham involved in a 7-goal thriller.
Lauren James shines at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United
Stamford Bridge, Attendance: 20,473
If you Chelsea fans were worried that Sam Kerr’s ACL injury would affect the Blues’ position at the top of the WSL table, you can rest assured that Lauren James has stepped up.
Scoring her second hat trick at the Bridge this season, in front of more than 20,000 fans, James led Chelsea to a statement 3-1 win over Man Utd.
With Kerr out for the rest of the season some were worried about how much Chelsea’s attacking threat would suffer. But James proved her clinical ability, showing off her skills in the penalty area.
James has 10 goals in 10 league games and if she keeps up this form, Emma Hayes has nothing to worry about. The Blues are hunting another WSL title, another FA Cup and their first Women’s Champions League (WCL) title.
Bunny Shaw continues flawless form
Manchester City 5-1 Liverpool
Joie Stadium, Attendance: 4,599
Manchester City continued its flawless form since returning from the winter break, and star player Bunny Shaw was once again in form as she scored her third hat trick in four league games, with City thrashing Liverpool 5-1.
Gemma Bonner opened the scoring with an own goal, a clinical Chloe Kelly penalty and a hat trick from Shaw gave City all three points – and furthers Shaw’s golden boot chances.
Shaw’s hat trick also meant she has equalled Vivianne Miedema’s record of most hat-tricks in a WSL season, the Arsenal forward having scored three in 2018-19.
City as a team were in control from the early stages – despite Liverpool getting an early goal. It was another wonderful team performance, with Shaw the team’s star girl, but plenty of talent and quality all over the pitch.
Clinton shines for Spurs in seven-goal thriller
Tottenham 3-1 West Ham
Chigwell Construction Stadium:1,293
Grace Clinton has proven to be a great loan signing for Spurs as she shone during a very wet and windy night at Chigwell Construction Stadium. She scored two goals in the dramatic 4-3 victory over West Ham. Since arriving at Spurs, the 20-year-old England player has delivered outstanding performances, showcasing significant development under the guidance of Robert Vilahamn, and his trustful approach.
It was a thrilling match with no lack of fighting spirit from either side in a pulsating encounter. West Ham – currently at the bottom of the table – showed their fight, coming back from being 2-0 down. Whilst it wasn’t enough to get a point, West Ham, with their three new signings, have something to build on.
Arsenal still chasing as Lia Wälti shines
Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Meadow Park. Attendance: 3,713
For Arsenal fans, the fear of a Lia Wälti transfer to Real Madrid has been swirling for weeks, but they have since been dismissed. And Gunners will be happy as she once again proved why she’s so important to this team. On Saturday, Arsenal took on Everton with Wälti in action as captain. Her positioning to the left of Victoria Pelova in central midfield is fundamental to Arsenal’s style.
Arsenal beat Everton 2-1 and Wälti proved she was one of the top performers in defence with a sleek ability to drive wide and support the attack. She provided the assist for Beth Mead’s winning goal with a beauty of a cross to the far post.
It was a must-win for Arsenal to keep their title hopes alive and in the end, got the job done, but it wasn’t as easy as Arsenal may have expected, with the Toffees proving to be well-organised and tough to break down.
Goals galore at Broadfield
Brighton 3-2 Bristol City
Broadfield Stadium. Attendance: 2,049
Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland secured her eighth and ninth goals for the season, with the Norwegian showing off her clinical best, becoming Brighton’s all-time leading goalscorer – after just two seasons at the club. Brighton bagged the win in dramatic style – a 95th-minute winner that broke the hearts of Bristol City.
For Brighton, they’re now out of the relegation battle – six points clear of the WSL relegation place. Bristol City were a tough team, coming from behind twice to bring themselves within seconds of securing a point, which would have lifted them off the bottom. But in injury time, Bristol sat deep, inviting pressure and were punished from it.
Bristol City host West Ham – who sit at the bottom of the table too – in a crucial game as both teams battle for WSL survival.
Villa back on track after poor start
Aston Villa 1-0 Leicester
Pirelli Stadium: Attendance: 1,064
Rachel Daly was on target for Villa as they beat Leicester 1-0 to lift the team up to 7th in the table. Daly scored the winning goal in the 16th minute, slamming home from inside the area after seeing her initial attempt blocked.
For Leicester, despite really good spells, they couldn’t capitalise on their chances. Manager Willie Kirk rued his side’s wastefulness “We’ve had more than enough clear-cut chances to get something from that game.” he said. The team are without a win in nine matches and will need to start converting chances soon if Kirk is not to go the way of the previous manager, Lydia Bedford, who went on a 16-game winless run before being sacked.
