WSL Weekend Review: James Shines, Villa Crushed, and City's Attack Roars
The latest round of Women's Super League action delivered drama, standout performances, and managerial pressure, with key matches shaping the season's narrative.
Manchester City's Attacking Masterclass
If there were doubts about Manchester City's response after their unbeaten league run ended, they were emphatically dismissed. Under manager Andrée Jeglertz, the team returned to their free-flowing best, securing a dominant 6-0 victory over Leicester. This performance was nothing short of spectacular, with City creating 31 chances, 15 on target, and an expected goals (xG) of 4.63. They registered 66 touches in the opposition box and completed 600 of 660 passes, a 91% success rate.
The formidable front four of Lauren Hemp, Bunny Shaw, Kerolin, and Vivianne Miedema were instrumental, contributing to five of the six goals. Hemp excelled on the left wing, creating 11 chances and providing two assists. Shaw scored her 15th league goal of the season with a trademark header, while Miedema orchestrated play and netted a brace. Kerolin added a stunning goal and an assist, highlighting City's attacking depth.
Lauren James Proves Vital for Chelsea
Lauren James was the standout performer in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Liverpool, showcasing her game-changing ability with a trademark finish and an assist for Sjoeke Nüsken's opener. In a match where seizing opportunities was crucial, James shone both as a central forward and on the wing, reminding fans of her quality after an ankle injury sustained at last summer's European Championship limited her availability.
This marked her sixth league start and first full 90 minutes, with manager Sonia Bompastor praising her impact. "When she is performing at this level, she is one of the first that you put in your starting XI," Bompastor said. "It's important going into the business end of the season to have a player of this quality. The key is to keep her fit and build on this fitness."
Everton's Revival Under Phelan
Everton continued their unexpected surge with a 1-0 win over West Ham, thanks to an early goal from Honoka Hayashi. Interim head coach Scott Phelan, who took over after Brian Sørensen's departure, has led the team to three straight WSL victories, including back-to-back home wins. Phelan is now the first Everton manager to win his opening two WSL matches.
Reflecting on the success, Phelan described it as "the perfect day" and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. "At one point, we probably thought this would be bricks and rubble, so the fact that we've continued the legacy at Goodison Park and won games here is something we need to make the most of," he said. With a Merseyside derby in the FA Cup ahead, Everton carry newfound confidence.
Pressure Mounts on Aston Villa's Arroyo
Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo faces increasing scrutiny after a devastating 7-3 home defeat to Tottenham. Villa's defensive weaknesses were exposed, with four goals conceded in just 16 second-half minutes, bringing their season total to 36 goals against—the worst in the league. The loss leaves Villa ninth in the standings.
Arroyo acknowledged the precarious situation, stating, "It's not me deciding that. I will be judged by results, and my results aren't talking nicely about my work." She described the match as "cruel," likening it to being thrown in a swimming pool without air. Despite board support, her future remains uncertain as Villa struggle to find form.
Manchester United Grind Out Victory
Manchester United extended their winning run to seven in all competitions with a gritty 2-1 win against London City Lionesses. Amid a packed fixture list that includes midweek Champions League games, manager Marc Skinner praised his team's resilience. "It's not easy to come off the pitch that we played on midweek, get back at 4 am, and produce a winning performance today," he said, calling it one of the season's biggest wins.
This result keeps United unbeaten in seven WSL matches, highlighting their ability to navigate fatigue and injury risks while maintaining competitive edge.
Postponement Sparks Fan Discontent
Brighton's match against Arsenal was postponed just two hours before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch at Broadfield Stadium, despite protective covers. With prior flood warnings from the Met Office, questions arose about why the game wasn't moved to the Amex Stadium, especially with no scheduling conflicts with the men's team.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom had previously noted that the Amex might be too large for women's games, but fans navigating a congested fixture list deserved better foresight. This incident underscores the need for improved planning in the WSL to enhance the fan experience.
The WSL table sees Manchester City leading with 42 points, followed by Manchester United and Chelsea, as the season heads into its crucial final stages.
