Barclays WSL
Chelsea Women capped a historic Women’s Super League (WSL) season by becoming the first team to complete a 22-game campaign unbeaten,
defeating Liverpool 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Aggie Beever-Jones’ injury time strike, following a precise pass from Ashley Lawrence, secured the win and etched Sonia Bompastor’s side into history
alongside Arsenal (2012), Manchester City (2016), and Chelsea’s own 2017-18 squad as the only teams to go a season undefeated. Despite chances for
Sandy Baltimore and Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds, the Blues’ late counter attack ensured they celebrated another WSL title in style.
Arsenal secured second place with a 4-3 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Chloe Kelly opened the scoring after capitalising on a defensive error from Alessia Russo’s cross, but Ella Toone’s header levelled the score. A second half penalty from Mariona Caldentey restored Arsenal’s lead, before Frida Maanum marked her 150th appearance with a curled finish. Captain Kim Little added a fourth, and despite late goals from United’s Elisabeth Terland and Maya Le Tissier, the latter from the penalty spot, the Gunners held firm.
Manchester City finished fourth after a 5-2 comeback win against Crystal Palace. Ashleigh Weerden gave Palace an early lead, but Kerolin Nicoli’s volley restored parity. Mille Gejl put Palace ahead before the break, only for City to respond with quickfire goals from Jill Roord and Rebecca Knaak to put them in front for the first time. Knaak and Nicoli each completed braces late on, sealing a convincing victory for Nick Cushing’s side.
Everton and Tottenham Hotspur played out a 1-1 draw, with the latter extending their winless run to 10 matches. Veatriki Sarri’s swerving free kick put Everton ahead, but Drew Spence equalised after pouncing on a loose ball. Despite a fine save from Everton’s Courtney Brosnan to deny Jess Naz, neither side could find a winner.
Aston Villa climbed to fifth with a fifth consecutive victory, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1. Ebony Salmon opened the scoring after a dazzling solo run, Rachel Daly doubled the lead from Chasity Grant’s cross, and Maz Pacheco’s first time strike sealed the points. Nikita Parris’ late goal was a mere consolation for Brighton.
Leicester City ended their campaign with a 4-2 win over West Ham United, driven by Hannah Cain’s brace. Janice Cayman’s powerful strike gave Leicester the lead, followed by Cain’s rebound finish. Viviane Asseyi pulled one back for West Ham and later scored a stunning free kick, but Cain’s second and a curled effort from Sam Tierney ensured Leicester’s victory.
Leading scorers:
12 - Alessia Russo (Arsenal);
12 - Khadija Shaw (Manchester City);
10 - Shekiera Martinez (West Ham Utd);
10 - Elisabeth Terland (Manchester United);
9 - Viviane Asseyi (West Ham Utd);
9 - Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea);
9 - Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal);
8 - Grace Clinton (Manchester Utd);
8 - Rachel Daly (Aston Villa);
8 - Beth England (Tottenham Hotspur);
8 - Guro Reiten (Chelsea);
7 - Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion);
7 - Frida Maanum (Arsenal);
7 - Beth Mead (Arsenal);
7 - Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City);
7 - Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion);
7 - Olivia Smith (Liverpool);
6 - Caitlin Foord (Arsenal);
6 - Mary Fowler (Manchester City);
6 - Catarina Macario (Chelsea);
6 - Kiko Seike (Brighton & Hove Albion);
(League matches only)
