WSL roundup: Arsenal shock loss to West Ham, City close gap on league leaders Chelsea
The Women’s Super League (WSL) returned this weekend with some serious drama – including a shock West Ham win over Arsenal and a shock sacking of Brighton’s boss Melissa Phillips.
‘Arsenal shock loss to West Ham’
West Ham 2-1 Arsenal
- Chigwell Construction Stadium
- Attendance: 4,172
Despite a commanding first-half performance from Arsenal, they could not secure all three points, suffering a shocking loss to struggling team West Ham. The unexpected 2-1 loss means Arsenal’s hopes of winning the WSL title are now even further out of reach as league leaders Chelsea and second-place Manchester City both secured wins at the weekend. Arsenal are only three points behind City but have a poor goal difference in comparison.
The good news for Arsenal is that captain Leah Williamson got her first start since returning from her ACL injury. The England skipper played for the first 45 minutes before being subbed.
This defeat marks Arsenal’s third loss in the WSL this season, a worrisome statistic as previous champions have never suffered more than two losses. What adds to the concern is that all three defeats were against teams Arsenal should be capable of defeating – Liverpool, Tottenham, and now West Ham. Jonas Eidevall expressed disappointment, stating, “We’re really disappointed with that. It’s a frustrating lesson starting the second half as slow as we did, but we need to focus on the things we can control – the upcoming games.”
For West Ham, who came from behind, the win marks their first WSL victory over the Gunners. It moves them into 9th place and further away from the relegation zone.
‘New Brighton era starts with defeat’
Brighton 0 – 2 Manchester United
- Leigh Sports Village
- Attendance: 4,060
All attention was focused on Leigh Sports Village as Brighton made their debut under the leadership of Mikey Harris. Harris, Brighton’s new interim manager appointed just three days ago following the shock sacking of Melissa Phillips, witnessed a match where early on, not much appeared to have changed for the Seagulls.
They pressed well, as they have throughout the season, but posed minimal threats. Ultimately, they were defeated 2-0 by Manchester United, managing only two shots on target, both credited to Elisabeth Terland.
Despite the victory that brings them within four points of the Champions League spots, United’s Marc Skinner faced persistent pressure, and similar offensive challenges persisted.
The team struggled to create opportunities at times, posting one of their lowest expected goals (xG) of the season. Skinner, however, can be grateful for Nikita Parris’s stellar form, as her two goals brought her season tally to eight.
‘In-form Man City continue to dominate’
Manchester City 2-0 Leicester
- Joie Stadium
Manchester City, along with Chelsea, are the most in-form team in this campaign, extending their impressive winning streak to seven at the Joie Stadium. Gareth Taylor’s side faced a resilient Leicester and, at times, the performance was not particularly beautiful, but they worked hard and managed to secure a 2-0 victory.
Whilst golden-boot chaser Khadija Shaw didn’t score this match, she was dynamic during the game and provided a crucial assist.
England teammates Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly provided the goals as City were finally able to break down the Foxes’ stubborn defence towards the end of the game. Both goals were remarkable – Hemp opting for an acrobatic finish, followed by Kelly scoring directly from a corner two minutes later.
City remain in second place, hot on the tails of Chelsea. They face Chelsea in their next league match in 11 days – and could be the game that determines the title.
‘Bristol City come from behind to secure draw’
Bristol City 2-2 Aston Villa
- Poundland Bescot Stadium
- Attendance: 2,190
Bristol City’s Carrie Jones demonstrated a masterclass in finishing with a spectacular 25-yard goal to equalise 2-2 at the Bescot Stadium against Aston Villa. After a poor clearance from Villa midfielder Kenza Dali, Jones unleashed a powerful shot into the top right-hand corner, leaving goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar helpless.
Bristol City’s manager, Lauren Smith, expressed little surprise at Jones’s striking prowess, stating, “When Carrie picks it up, sets herself… it’s only going one place. She’s clinical in those areas.”
In contrast, Aston Villa lacked clinical precision. Despite enjoying 72% possession and taking 36 shots compared to the visitors’ four attempts, they struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Despite the pressure from Carla Ward’s team, Bristol City held their ground, culminating in two crucial goalline clearances at the end of the game.
Bristol City still sit at the bottom of the table on just 6 points – 5 points behind the next best team. The good news for Bristol, is there goal difference is not wildy worse than the other teams in the relegation battle, and if they can defend better – and with more impressive goals like Jones’s – there is a path away from relegation for Bristol.
‘Controversial penalties and cards’
Chelsea 3-0 Everton
- Kingsmeadow
- Attendance: 2,013
Everton’s midfielder, Clare Wheeler, found herself in the spotlight during Everton’s 3-0 defeat to WSL leaders Chelsea at Kingsmeadow. The Australian international conceded two penalties on either side of half-time – the first one was harsh as she cleared the ball before unintentionally catching Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Guro Reiten converted the penalty, giving the champions the lead.
The second penalty, after 72 minutes, was more straightforward, as Wheeler struggled to keep pace and clipped Mayra Ramírez, who impressed in her first start for Chelsea. The incident proved too much for Everton manager Brian Sørensen, who received a yellow card followed by a red one for dissent amid confusion regarding late substitutions he intended to make.
Chelsea remain at the top of the table with a three point lead, and a slightly better GD than second-place City.
Everton are in 10th place having lost their last four WSL matches – they will need to start winning again if they have any hope of avoiding the relegation battle.
‘Spurs drop points again’
Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool
- Prenton Park
- Attendance: 1,979
Liverpool managed a late goal to secure a point at home, with Spurs failing to keep a clean sheet again. In added time, Marie Höbinger skillfully manoeuvred past a challenge on the edge of the area, sending the ball past Barbora Votikova to secure a 1-1 draw. Despite the late goal, Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, including the defence. He remarked, “They defended very well as Liverpool didn’t get many chances, and the goal just came from a miscommunication, really. So, I’m happy with how we pressed and how we defended.”
Liverpool started the second period strongly, but for all their possession and territorial advantage, they did not test Barbora Votikova and were then stung by Bizet’s fortuitous goal against the run of play. Liverpool found the equaliser in the 90+1 minute – but Spurs continued to push for a winner, which did not come.
Liverpool are in 5th on 19 points, and Spurs sit in 6th, also on 19 points (but a slightly worse goal difference).