Another weekend of the Women’s Super League delivered drama, frustration and acceptable margins at both ends of the table. Arsenal were left rueing missed chances in a goalless draw with Manchester United, Chelsea reminded everyone of their title credentials with a ruthless display, and Manchester City continued their relentless march at the top. Elsewhere, Spurs strengthened their push for Europe, Aston Villa found momentum after the break, and goals once again proved challenging to come by for those at the bottom. As the second half of the season begins, every point and every goal is starting to matter.
Arsenal v Manchester United
Arsenal were held to a frustrating goalless draw by 10-man Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, a result that felt like two points dropped for the home side.
The Gunners started brightly and dominated possession, creating chance after chance, but once again lacked composure in front of goal. Beth Mead summed up the mood afterwards, admitting frustration was the overriding feeling and that Arsenal need to be calmer in decisive moments.
United actually had the clearest opportunity of the first half when Fridolina Rolfö’s header was tipped onto the crossbar. Still, their task became much harder when Jayde Riviere was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 65th minute.
Despite playing the final 25 minutes with a numerical advantage, Arsenal could not find a breakthrough. Alessia Russo, Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey and Frida Maanum all had chances, but poor finishing continued to be their undoing.
Renée Slegers was clear in her assessment, calling it a game of dominance without reward and admitting Arsenal had lost two important points in the race for a top-three finish. The draw leaves Arsenal just one point ahead of United in third, with Champions League qualification still far from secure.
Beyond the football, the match was deeply emotional. Both sets of supporters came together to show love and support for Kyra Cooney Cross after she announced her mother, Jess, has been diagnosed with stage four cancer. Arsenal warmed up in Cooney Cross shirts, held a message for Jess in the team photo, and in the 32nd minute, the entire stadium applauded as fans held signs reading “We love you Kyra and Jess. It was a decisive moment that put the result into perspective.
Chelsea v West Ham
Chelsea sent a clear message to their title rivals with a ruthless performance against West Ham, racing into a four-goal lead by half-time at Kingsmeadow.
It took just 46 seconds for the champions to open the scoring when Yu Endo turned Ellie Carpenter’s cross into her own net. From there, it quickly unravelled for West Ham as Chelsea punished every mistake. Lauren James capitalised on a goalkeeping error before Alyssa Thompson and Sandy Baltimore added further goals in a dominant first half.
Baltimore scored again after the break from the penalty spot, a decision that felt harsh, with the West Ham defender appearing to have her arms tucked close to her body. There was little protest from Chelsea players, but the decision summed up a difficult afternoon for the visitors.
Chelsea needed a statement win as goal difference has previously decided the WSL title, and with Manchester City six points ahead, every goal matters. Erin Cuthbert was booked again for a foul she appeared not to commit. At the same time, West Ham added to their chaos when new signing Estelle Cascarino was unable to make her debut due to a jewellery issue.
For Chelsea, it was the perfect way to start the new year. With Sam Kerr continuing to build fitness and Hannah Hampton back in goal, they look ready to apply pressure in the title race.
Manchester City v Everton
Manchester City continued their relentless march at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Everton.
Kerolin opened the scoring with a deflected effort from a tight angle before Vivianne Miedema added a second after the hour mark. Everton spent most of the game defending deep and managed just one shot on target.
City were made to work early on as Courtney Brosnan produced several fine saves, but it always felt like a matter of time. Kerolin was outstanding, growing in confidence with every run, while Khadija Shaw, despite not scoring, still provided an assist.
The win was City’s 11th in a row and keeps them six points clear at the top, with their consistency setting the standard for the rest of the league.
Aston Villa v Brighton
Aston Villa turned the game on its head with two goals in two minutes after half-time to secure a comeback win over Brighton.
Brighton took a deserved lead in the first half after a costly mistake from Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo allowed Fuka Tsunoda to score on her first WSL start. Villa had chances to equalise before the break, with Rachel Daly hitting both the post and the crossbar.
After half-time, Villa came out with renewed intensity. Daly finally found the net with a glancing header from a free kick, and just over a minute later, Kirsty Hanson fired home from the edge of the box.
The win moves Villa two points ahead of Brighton and provides a much-needed boost after a difficult run before the winter break.
Tottenham v Leicester City
Tottenham edged past Leicester in a match decided by an unfortunate own goal from former Spurs defender Ashleigh Neville on her Foxes debut.
Neville, who left Tottenham only days earlier after nearly a decade at the club, could do little as a punched corner from goalkeeper Olivia Clark rebounded off her head and into the net.
New signing Signe Gaupset impressed on her WSL debut, controlling Spurs’ attacking play and linking well with Bethany England and Olivia Holdt. Although she did not score, she was named player of the match and looked every bit the talent Spurs hope will push them into the Champions League places.
Leicester showed moments of promise on the counter but remains winless away from home, with goals still their biggest issue despite improved organisation.
Liverpool v London City Lionesses
Liverpool’s difficult season continued as they were held to a dull goalless draw by London City Lionesses.
Neither side managed a shot on target in a game that never truly came to life. Liverpool had plenty of possession but once again lacked cutting edge, while London City showed little of the attacking intent promised by new manager Eder Maestre.
After the match, Maestre admitted his disappointment, saying the performance was not enough. It is still early days, but improvement will be needed quickly if London City are to climb the table.
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