Barclays WSL
Chelsea secured a hard fought victory against a spirited London City Lionesses side to retain their one-point
advantage at the summit of the Women's Super League.
Summer signing Ellie Carpenter opened the scoring, powering home a Sandy Baltimore cross at the back post.
The Australian was among the standout performers before being substituted in the second half for Sam Kerr, who marked her return from injury with a stoppage time lob over goalkeeper Elene Lete. Despite London City impressing in spells and creating chances on the counter, Chelsea’s early goal and resolute defending ensured three crucial points. The newly promoted Lionesses, still adapting to the top flight after significant summer recruitment, suffered their fourth defeat of the campaign but showed they can compete with the league’s elite.
Manchester City kept the pressure on Chelsea with a 1-0 victory over bottom placed West Ham United, courtesy of Aoba Fujino’s 26th minute strike — her third goal this season. The Japanese international’s effort condemned West Ham to a ninth consecutive defeat, including all seven league matches this term. City were not at their fluid best but did enough to secure a sixth straight WSL win whilst West Ham showed resilience, with Viviane Asseyi striking the crossbar just before half time. City’s Gracie Prior also hit the woodwork, while Riko Ueki and Shekiera Martinez squandered chances for the Hammers. Despite late pressure from City’s Bunny Shaw, West Ham’s determined defending kept the scoreline tight, though they remain pointless.
Manchester United continued their unbeaten start, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 to move within two points of leaders Chelsea. Elisabeth Terland broke the deadlock against her former club in first half stoppage time, slotting home after a Brighton defensive error. Jess Park, back from a concussion, doubled the lead in the 58th minute, before Fran Kirby pulled one back for Brighton. Substitute Lisa Naalsund restored United’s two-goal cushion, and despite a late consolation from Kiko Seike, Marc Skinner’s side secured a fifth win in seven matches. Brighton showed fight, with Seike hitting the woodwork and Kirby testing United’s defence, but United’s clinical finishing proved decisive at the Broadfield Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur battled back from a goal down to defeat Liverpool, who remain without a point. Beata Olsson gave Liverpool an early lead, but Toko Koga’s tap-in and Bethany England’s powerful finish either side of half time turned the game around. The match was marred by a lengthy stoppage due to a suspected neck injury to Liverpool’s Mia Enderby, who was hospitalised. Despite a bright start and chances for Olsson, Liverpool failed to capitalise, allowing Tottenham to seize control after the break. Substitute Sofie Lundgaard nearly salvaged a draw, but Ashleigh Neville’s heroic defending ensured Spurs’ victory.
Arsenal delivered a commanding performance to thrash Leicester City 4-1, securing a third consecutive win across all competitions. Alessia Russo opened the scoring, followed by an own goal from Leicester’s Sari Kees and a fine finish from Stina Blackstenius before half time. Noemie Mouchon’s superb solo effort gave Leicester hope, but Blackstenius quickly responded with her second goal. The 2,000 Arsenal fans at the King Power Stadium witnessed a slick display, with Russo and Blackstenius combining effectively. Leicester struggled to create chances, and despite Mouchon’s late spark, Arsenal’s clinical edge underlined their return to form under Renee Slegers.
Everton and Aston Villa played out an enthralling 3-3 draw at Villa Park. Kelly Gago gave Everton an early lead, but Georgia Mullett equalised before half time. Kirsty Hanson put Villa ahead, only for substitute Hikaru Kitagawa to level the score. An own goal from Ruby Mace seemed to hand Villa the win, but Gago’s injury time strike rescued a point for Everton. Despite their early dominance, Everton’s failure to convert chances left them vulnerable, and they remain ninth, five points clear of the relegation zone. Villa, who had not conceded in October, were left frustrated after letting a lead slip late on.
Leading goalscorers:
5 - Melvine Malard (Manchester United);
4 - Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea);
4 - Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal);
4 - Jess Park (Manchester United);
4 - Khadija Shaw (Manchester City);
4 - Ornella Vignola (Everton);
3 - Aoba Fujino (Manchester City);
3 - Frida Maanum (Arsenal);
3 - Alessia Russo (Arsenal);
3 - Cathinka Tandberg (Tottenham Hotspur);
(League goals only)
