The Women’s Super League delivered another weekend packed with drama, controversy, and statement performances. From Chelsea equalling a historic unbeaten record at the Emirates to Aston Villa shocking Manchester United, every game had a story to tell. Manchester City climbed to the top of the table, promoted London City Lionesses stunned Tottenham, and late goals defined matches in Liverpool and Dagenham. But once again, the spotlight wasn’t just on the football as renewed calls for VAR dominated conversations across the league.
Arsenal 1–1 Chelsea: VAR Controversy Clouds London Derby as Blues Equal WSL Record
Chelsea marked another milestone at the Emirates, drawing 1–1 with Arsenal to equal the WSL record unbeaten run of 33 matches, first set under Emma Hayes (2019–21). With Hayes watching alongside Arsenal legend Vic Akers, the stage was set for a tense London derby.
First Half: Thompson’s Brilliant Strike
Chelsea started brightly, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd hitting the post before Alyssa Thompson, on her first WSL start a day after turning 21, scored a sublime opener from the edge of the box. Chelsea dominated early, but Arsenal began threatening before halftime through Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead.
Second Half: Arsenal Fight Back Amid Controversy
Arsenal levelled through Alessia Russo’s 50th WSL goal, though replays suggested she may have been offside. Earlier, Stina Blackstenius had a goal ruled out for handball, and late tackles from Katie McCabe and Victoria Pelova on Chelsea players raised calls for VAR. A stoppage-time Frida Maanum goal was also disallowed for offside, sparking furious reactions.
Arsenal’s Renee Slegers and Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor called for technology in the women’s game to ensure fairness. Russo and Erin Cuthbert expressed frustration at controversial decisions, while pundit Izzy Christiansen criticised officiating as “abysmal.”
VAR in the WSL: Needed, But Not Simple
Introducing VAR faces financial and infrastructure barriers, with not all grounds equipped for full implementation. A “VAR-light” model is being explored, but proper referee training and investment remain crucial. Meanwhile, UEFA competitions already use VAR and semi-automated offside technology.
Fans blamed Chelsea, but the real problem lies with WSL governance, which has prioritised branding over officiating and infrastructure. Without investment in referees and technology, controversies like this will continue to overshadow the game.
Aston Villa End Manchester United’s Unbeaten WSL Start with 1-0 Win
Manchester United’s perfect start to the Women’s Super League ended as Aston Villa claimed a 1-0 victory at Leigh Sports Village, thanks to Miri Taylor’s first-half volley. The strike, coming in the 35th minute, capitalised on a weak punch from United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce following a corner.
United, WSL leaders in goals scored with 19 from seven games, struggled to break down a disciplined Villa defence and registered just one shot on target in the first half. Anna Patten blocked Ella Toone’s effort in the 64th minute, and Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo similarly thwarted late chances for super sub Rachel Williams.
Villa, known this season for their draw-heavy start, produced a disciplined performance and continued their strong set-piece record, scoring five goals from dead-ball situations, the joint-highest in the league. Georgia Mullett and Kirsty Hanson had early opportunities, but Taylor’s decisive finish sealed Villa’s first win over United in 11 WSL meetings.
United head coach Marc Skinner acknowledged the flat performance but remained optimistic. “We’re playing better football than we’ve ever played,” he said, adding that the defeat would not be overemphasised ahead of a crucial week, which includes a Champions League clash with PSG and a derby against Manchester City.
Villa manager Natalia Arroyo praised her side’s performance: “No one expected us to win here, but these three points allow us to dream bigger. Our confidence is growing, and we want to keep climbing the table.”
Standings Impact:
- Manchester United dropped to third with 17 points, three behind leaders Chelsea.
- Aston Villa rose to sixth with 10 points, marking a strong statement for the season ahead.
Taylor’s strike ensured Villa’s gritty, tactical display triumphed over United’s free-scoring but subdued side, ending the champions’ unbeaten run and underlining the competitiveness of the WSL.
Everton v Manchester City
Manchester City boosted their Women’s Super League title hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, moving top of the table. Chelsea’s draw with Arsenal the previous day opened the door, and Andrée Jeglertz’s side took full advantage.
City began strongly, dominating early possession before Vivianne Miedema opened the scoring in the 21st minute, calmly slotting past Emily Ramsey after running onto an incisive through ball from Iman Beney. The goal extended Miedema’s record as the WSL’s all-time top scorer, moving her to 90 goals.
Everton responded well and levelled before the break when Kelly Gago flicked Toni Payne’s cross beyond Ayaka Yamashita with an audacious finish that left the City goalkeeper motionless.
The visitors regained control after the interval, and Khadija Shaw restored City’s lead in the 55th minute with a powerful header from Leila Ouahabi’s cross. Everton went close to equalising again when Ornella Vignola struck the post and Yamashita produced a brilliant save to deny substitute Hikaru Kitagawa late on.
The win marked City’s seventh successive league victory, putting them one point clear of Chelsea at the summit. Everton’s defeat saw them drop to 10th, only four points above the relegation play-off zone.
Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz told BBC Sport: “It’s essential for us to win. Not a perfect game, definitely not, but it says something about the team that we managed to win anyway. These games, where you don’t play the most beautiful football but still get the result, are the ones that matter at the end of the season. Everton caused us problems with their overloads in midfield, but we managed to hold on.”
On being top of the table, Jeglertz added: “It’s nice, of course, but there are no medals in November. We have to stay focused on each performance. We’ve had a great autumn so far; we need to keep going.”
City striker Khadija Shaw reflected: “It was a difficult game. Everton made it hard for us, and we made it hard for ourselves at times, but the difference was our mentality. This season, it’s all about getting the job done. We focus on ourselves and on winning games, and that mentality is what’s keeping us at the top.”
London City Lionesses v Tottenham Hotspur
London City Lionesses claimed a statement 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Hayes Lane, with Freya Godfrey scoring twice in an impressive performance that lifted the promoted side into the top half of the Women’s Super League table.
Godfrey opened the scoring just eight minutes in, finishing from close range after Wassa Sangare kept Kosovare Asllani’s corner alive. Spurs equalised when Saki Kumagai and Cathinka Tandberg fouled Drew Spence, who converted the resulting penalty with a powerful strike down the middle.
London City regained their lead early in the second half as Godfrey turned provider, crossing for Nikita Parris to finish from close range on her 200th WSL appearance. Tottenham levelled again through Eveliina Summanen’s precise free-kick from 20 yards, but two late goals sealed victory for the hosts. Amanda Nilden’s own goal in the 81st minute made it 3-2 before Godfrey added her second soon after with a fine solo effort from the edge of the area.
Manager Jocelyn Precheur praised his side’s performance: “One of the biggest satisfactions from today was how we closed the space defensively. Tottenham are an excellent team, but we stayed organised and took our chances. This win gives us the confidence and energy to keep improving.”
On Godfrey’s development, he added, “When she arrived last year, she lacked confidence. Now she’s showing her potential. I told her this is just the beginning.”
Tottenham manager Martin Ho reflected: “For large parts, we had better control and were the better team on the ball. But we defended poorly in key moments, and against good players, you get punished. We showed great spirit to come back twice, but we have to be better without the ball.”
London City forward Freya Godfrey told the WSL YouTube channel: “It was a fight today, more physical than tactical, but we adapted well. Playing with Nikita Parris is incredible; she’s someone I grew up watching. Assisting her in her 200th game was a real highlight. Nobody expected us to be competing like this as a promoted team, and we want to keep proving what we can do.”
Liverpool v Brighton
Liverpool were denied a first Women’s Super League win of the season as Brighton’s Rosa Kafaji scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at St Helens Stadium.
Beata Olsson gave the hosts the lead in the 26th minute, sliding in at the near post to meet Lily Woodham’s low cross. The Reds twice hit the crossbar through Fuka Nagano and Sam Kerr before the break, while goalkeeper Faye Kirby produced several crucial saves to preserve the advantage.
Brighton improved after half-time, with Madison Haley and Fran Kirby both going close. The Seagulls’ persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when substitute Kafaji turned in Nadine Noordam’s cross to level the match.
Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor said, “It’s frustrating not to see it out, but I have to credit the players. They played to the maximum today. We showed good progress, pressing and strong in possession, but we couldn’t get over the line. It’s a cruel game sometimes.”
He added, “We’ve got to reinforce the squad in January. This team needs help because we’ve lost players and haven’t replaced them, but there are a lot of positives to take.”
Defender Jenna Clark said, “We were solid for most of the game and created chances, so to lose it late on is hard to take. Everyone gave everything. It’s still a step in the right direction.”
Goalkeeper Faye Kirby, who was named player of the match, reflected: “We’re gutted to concede at the end. I try to do everything I can for the team, but I can’t do it without the girls. We fought hard, and that’s something to build on.”
Brighton manager Dario Vidosic said: “We’re frustrated we didn’t win, but we showed character. We created enough to get three points, and the goal at the end was deserved for our persistence. It’s a step forward.”
West Ham United v Leicester City
West Ham were denied their first win of the Women’s Super League season after a stoppage-time equaliser from Shannon O’Brien rescued a 1-1 draw for Leicester City in Dagenham.
After dominating much of the first half without finding a breakthrough, the Hammers finally took the lead in the 52nd minute. Anouk Denton’s low cross was met at the near post by Shekiera Martinez, who converted her first goal of the season.
West Ham looked set to secure all three points, limiting Leicester to a few clear chances and controlling possession through captain Katrina Gorry. However, in the seventh minute of added time, O’Brien was left unmarked at the back post to turn in Sari Kees’s cross and snatch a point for the visitors.
The result leaves West Ham winless after eight games, though they picked up their first point of the campaign. Leicester extended their own winless run to six matches but remain ninth in the table.
West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner said: “It’s a really tough one to take. We played well, created chances, and defended solidly, but to concede so late is heartbreaking. We need to be more ruthless in both boxes. The performance was there, the result wasn’t.”
The draw was another reminder of West Ham’s struggles in front of goal, with only three goals scored in their opening eight games. Despite the setback, Skinner praised her team’s work rate and organisation.
Leicester manager Rick Passmoor said: “We weren’t at our best but showed good spirit to keep pushing until the end. The players deserve credit for that. It’s a valuable point and we’ll take confidence from the finish.”
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