The Women's Super League title race took a dramatic turn this weekend as defending champions Chelsea dropped crucial points, while Manchester City's new signing Vivianne Miedema continued to prove her world-class quality.
Chelsea's Title Defence Hits a Roadblock
Chelsea's quest for a fifth consecutive WSL title suffered a significant blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Liverpool side. The Blues started brightly at Prenton Park, with Alyssa Thompson firing them into a ninth-minute lead with a superb strike.
However, Liverpool's defence stood firm thereafter. The Reds found an equaliser through Beata Olsson in the 33rd minute and produced a solid defensive display to frustrate Chelsea for the remainder of the match. Manager Sonia Bompastor introduced attacking reinforcements like Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones in the second half, but the hosts held out to earn their second point of the season.
While the result extended Chelsea's record unbeaten WSL run to 34 games, the dropped points highlight concerns. Last season, they had 27 points after nine games; this campaign, they have 19 and trail Manchester City by three points.
Miedema's Masterclass for Manchester City
While Chelsea faltered, Manchester City's marquee summer signing, Vivianne Miedema, delivered another commanding performance in their dominant victory. The Dutch international was instrumental throughout, but one moment in the 79th minute, with her team already 3-0 up, perfectly encapsulated her influence.
Miedema won possession with a perfectly timed sliding challenge before springing to her feet to deliver a cutting through ball for Bunny Shaw. This move silenced early doubts about how she and Shaw would function together, demonstrating their potent partnership when fully fit.
Miedema was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet herself, hitting the woodwork, and she also created the most chances (four) in the match, pulling the strings in attack.
Arsenal's Attacking Woes Deepen
Concerns are mounting for Arsenal after a frustrating 0-0 draw with north London rivals Tottenham. Despite their dominance in possession, particularly during the second half, Arsenal failed to create a single noteworthy chance and looked devoid of ideas in front of goal.
Manager Renée Slegers acknowledged the struggle, stating, "We create momentum... but we need to capitalise. The finishes aren't so easy from those moments we get in the box, so that's definitely something we want to look at." With just four shots on target from 13 attempts, and Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop rarely tested, Arsenal's lack of a clinical edge is becoming a major issue.
Elsewhere in the WSL
West Ham United finally secured their first league win of the season, beating Everton 3-1 to climb out of the relegation playoff place. Amber Tysiak was immense for the Hammers, scoring a towering header and making a superb goal-saving challenge earlier in the match.
Leicester City set an unwanted WSL record, extending their winless run away from home to 21 games after a 4-1 defeat to Brighton. This surpasses the previous record held by Yeovil Town.
Meanwhile, London City Lionesses continued their impressive adaptation to the top flight, defeating Aston Villa 3-1 to move within a single point of the Champions League places. Goalscorer Saki Kumagai stated the team's ambition, saying, "We want to compete for the Champions League."
