This weekend of WSL action delivered some of the most dramatic, surprising and decisive moments of the season so far. The headline shock came when a defiant Everton Women ended Chelsea Women’s long-running unbeaten streak in league play, a result that immediately reshaped the title race. Meanwhile, Manchester City Women reinforced their grip on first place with a commanding win. Elsewhere, tight contests and late-game heroics from several clubs kept the chase down the table wide open and full of intrigue.
In west London, Everton stunned Chelsea 1–0 at Kingsmeadow. Their Japanese forward Honoka Hayashi scored in the 12th minute after a low cross from Toni Payne found her at the far post. Despite Chelsea dominating the rest of the match, piling up corners and shots, Everton’s back line held firm, and their goalkeeper produced several vital saves to preserve the clean sheet. The result ended Chelsea’s 34-match league unbeaten run and marked the first WSL defeat under their current manager, leaving them chasing from behind.
At Leicester, Manchester City delivered a ruthless 3–0 performance. Khadija Shaw broke the deadlock in the 74th minute by reacting quickly to a loose clearance. She then doubled the lead nine minutes later with a header, and substitute Kerolin wrapped up the victory deep in added time. The win extended City’s dominance in the league, putting them six points clear at the top and underlining their credentials as title favourites.
Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion Women secured a narrow 1–0 away win at London City Lionesses. The decisive goal came early from Kiko Seike, and although the Lionesses pressed hard in the second half, Brighton’s defence held up under pressure to claim three valuable points.
At Leigh Sports Village, Manchester United Women came from behind to beat West Ham United Women 2–1. United took the lead just before half-time through Elisabeth Terland. West Ham struck back early in the second half via Shekiera Martinez, but the lead was restored when defender Dominique Janssen curled in a beautiful free-kick in the 71st minute. United then held firm to clinch the win and climb in the standings.
In a dramatic finish at Brisbane Road, Tottenham Hotspur Women snatched a late 2–1 comeback victory against Aston Villa Women. Villa took the lead shortly after the 84th minute through Kirsty Hanson, but Tottenham responded almost immediately through Bethany England. Then deep into stoppage time, substitute Olivia Holdt finished off a near-post cross to win it — delivering one of the weekend’s most dramatic results. Villa had been reduced to ten players following a red card, which Tottenham exploited to full effect.
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Women claimed a 2–1 victory over Liverpool FC Women. Arsenal opened the scoring early through former Liverpool player Olivia Smith. Liverpool equalised in the first half via the in-form Beata Olsson. With the match heading for a draw, late in the game, Stina Blackstenius struck a composed finish to grab the winner and rescue three points for her side. The result ended Arsenal’s recent run of draws and offered renewed belief.
Overall, this weekend reshaped much of the WSL landscape. Everton’s upset has injected fresh uncertainty into the title picture. Manchester City’s consistency continues to make them favourites, but the chasing pack showed they are more than capable of delivering under pressure. Dramatic comebacks, narrow wins and resilient defending combined to make this one of the most compelling weekends of the campaign so far.
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