Mead returns in big boost for Arsenal
The return of England forward Beth Mead naturally stole the headlines after 11 months out following an ACL injury, but it was the Arsenal star’s quick resumption of her burgeoning relationship with match-winner Alessia Russo that was the highlight. “Let’s hope so,” said the manager, Jonas Eidevall, when asked whether their connection for Arsenal’s second in a dramatic 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa was the start of something special in red and white. “We see them together in their national team, so it’s not a hope that is based on just fantasies; we have seen that work in reality.” Mead’s inspirational entrance lifted Arsenal off the title race ropes and confined Villa to a worrying third consecutive defeat. Last season Carla Ward’s side lost just seven times in the league but, without the injured Kenza Dali and suspended Kirsty Hanson, they are struggling to create chances for last season’s top scorer Rachel Daly. SW
• Match report: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
Full-back injuries give United cause for concern
Manchester United have a full-back problem after their 1-1 draw with Leicester. The excellent Gabby George went off injured in the ninth minute having looked as if she twisted her knee. The manager, Marc Skinner, said afterwards: “We will look after Gabby. It didn’t look like a good one. I hope she is OK.” The Canadian defender Jayde Riviere replaced George but was herself substituted in the 75th minute after an injury. Then centre-back Gemma Evans replaced her, and now Skinner has a conundrum ahead of the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night. He could shift Hannah Blundell back over to left-back, the role she occupied last season, but the only logical option at right-back would be the centre-back Maya Le Tissier, who played there for Brighton before joining United. Shifting Le Tissier wide, though, would affect the impressive relationship between her, defensive partner Millie Turner and goalkeeper Mary Earps. SW
Thomas’ scoring run continues for flying Spurs
It is probably safe to say that Martha Thomas was not the most planned of purchases for Tottenham this summer. With the transfer window closing and the talismanic Bethany England out after undergoing hip surgery, Robert Vilahamn needed to quickly find a No 9, a position that is notoriously hard to fill. He has, however, struck gold with Thomas’s deadline-day signing. The Scotland international was used sparingly by Manchester United, arriving desperate for regular minutes, and has hit the ground running in north London. Her manager had praised her all-round game before Sunday’s match against Brighton, and she was once again the focal point of Spurs’ developing dynamic attack, finding a crucial leveller on the stroke of half-time. It was her fourth goal in four matches, an eye-catching run of form that will surely give her manager a real selection headache once England returns. SD
Chelsea’s dynamic duo reunited at last
Chelsea fans have been enjoying their team’s unbeaten start to the WSL season and there was a further boost on Saturday evening as Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr returned to the starting lineup. The last time the illustrious attacking pair shared a pitch from the first whistle was back in February when Kirby suffered a knee injury. Kerr herself is coming back from a recurrence of the calf problem she sustained on the eve of the World Cup. Emma Hayes emphasised that both were rusty in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over West Ham but pointed to their “telepathy”. They showed several glimpses of the dynamism they can bring to Chelsea’s attack, especially when joined by Lauren James. Both Kirby and Kerr were involved in the opener – the former in the buildup before the latter hung in the air to send home a trademark header. Patience will be needed for them to return to full fitness, but there is little doubt they will play a key role this season. SD
• Match report: Chelsea 2-0 West Ham
Manchester City use their heads to go top
Manchester City moved top of the table on goal difference after beating the new team on the block, Bristol City, 5-0. It was also a masterclass in the art of aerial dominance, as Gareth Taylor’s side put five headers past Kaylan Marckese, who otherwise was the only bright spot for Bristol. From the glanced header by Laia Aleixandri to the close-range nod in by Khadija Shaw – the contest became a team challenge of who could score the most goals with their head. Jill Roord and Shaw scored twice in a confident first half-display, all made possible by the threatening crosses from the flanks by Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler – the latter of whom assisted two goals. Gareth Taylor’s side have now made it 21 games unbeaten at home. RO
RIGHT place, RIGHT time!@JillRoordNL anticipates well to head home from close range 🏡#BarclaysWSL @ManCityWomen pic.twitter.com/yFElGFXfzb
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 15, 2023
Merseyside derby deja vu at Anfield
Who else could it be but Megan Finnigan, to score in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool? The Toffees captain is partial to a goal in Merseyside derbies and this time the story was no different as she dredged up a scary memory from the past for Liverpool this spooky season. Just like last season’s goal, when Brian Sørenson’s side won 3-0, Finnigan leapt into the air to head in a cross at the far post. The goals were mirror images and a consequence of the poor marking by Liverpool in set-piece situations. Everton have now won all three Merseyside derbies at Anfield,a fixture that continues to fill the red half of the city with dread. RO
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City Women | 3 | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | Leicester Women | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 3 | Chelsea Women | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 4 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC Women | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 6 | Man Utd Women | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| 7 | Arsenal Women | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 8 | Everton Women | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 9 | West Ham Women | 3 | -2 | 3 |
| 10 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 3 | -3 | 3 |
| 11 | Aston Villa Women | 3 | -4 | 0 |
| 12 | Bristol City Women | 3 | -9 | 0 |
