The evolution of Viv-stenius
Arsenal cruised to victory over Brighton on Sunday night, inspired by the attacking flair of the duo now fondly known as Viv-stenius. The arrival of Stina Blackstenius in the winter transfer window has allowed the prolific Vivianne Miedema to drop into a traditional No 10 role. Having a focal point to aim at has allowed the Dutch star to show off her array of playmaking attributes. It would not work, however, without Blackstenius up front. The partnership they have built in such a short time is remarkable and the Swedish goalscorer added two to her tally on Sunday. Arsenal are now unbeaten in nine in all competitions. With a significant fortnight ahead – including a Champions League quarter-final against Wolfsburg – the form of their flair players will be key to any success. SD
🥶 @VivianneMiedema with a NUTMEG assist 🥶#BarclaysFAWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/LNCGfMk4uu
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) March 14, 2022
Weir’s wizardry wows again
Caroline Weir is renowned for her long-range spectacular goals – just remember her catalogue of strikes against Manchester United. She is now, however, fast becoming as deadly inside the box. Last season, Gareth Taylor highlighted his desire to see more productivity from the Scotland attacking midfielder from inside 18 yards. His wish has been granted. Weir’s winner against Tottenham on Sunday was as scrappy as they come – a poacher’s finish practically on the goalline – following on from the two she scored in last weekend’s Continental Cup final. It shows the progression of one of the league’s in-form players. Weir has racked up five in four games, helping to lead Manchester City’s charge for that priceless third place and Champions League qualification. SD
Introduce goalline technology now
The English public knows very well how it feels when your shot crosses the line but isn’t given (see Frank Lampard in the 2010 men’s World Cup). On Saturday it was Ona Batlle and Manchester United who got a taste of that misfortune in the 42nd minute of their win over Reading. The Spanish full-back cut in from the right flank and let loose a fierce shot that clattered in off the crossbar – and it really, really looked like the ball had crossed the line. At least in this instance, Alessia Russo followed up and her deflected shot just moments later found the net to make it 3-1. Even so, surely it is time for goalline technology in the WSL now. It will help everyone, including Saturday’s match officials, who may have grimaced when they saw the replays. MN
Kerr steps up when Chelsea needed her most
You know you’ve had a good day in the office when your manager is trying to lift you off your feet. On Sunday Sam Kerr – once again – deserved the elevation when she scored the 92nd-minute winner against Aston Villa to keep her side’s title hopes in their own hands. The goal marks her 50th in Chelsea colours – and was badly needed in a match where her side were without Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder. Emma Hayes thought Kerr did such a good job that she “almost lifted up” the Australian in the immediate aftermath of her winner. Chelsea now turn their attention to Wednesday’s game against Everton, where another three points, and perhaps another Kerr masterclass, will go a long way in ensuring the title race with Arsenal goes to the wire. MN
The real hero for @ChelseaFCW!
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) March 13, 2022
That's some assist from @ZeciraMusovic 🎯pic.twitter.com/BS1em4KaDr
Anvegård shines for Everton
Anna Anvegård put in one of her best performances for Everton on Saturday as she scored two goals, including the match winner, and recorded an assist in the club’s thrilling 3-2 win over Leicester. Her first goal came after she pounced on a defensive mistake, a loose pass finding itself at her feet, but the second was more controversial. The Sweden international seemed to be in an offside position when the ball was crossed into the box and she managed to bundle it into the goal. Leicester players petitioned the officials and the club tweeted the offside flag had been raised. But despite the visitors’ protests, the goal stood to round off a near-perfect outing for Anvegård, which moved her club up to ninth. SR
Officials can also get injured
Fans are used to lengthy breaks in play for injuries to players but supporters at West Ham’s 1-0 win over Birmingham on Sunday were waiting as assistant referee Stacey Fullicks received medical attention. The official slipped 25 minutes into the match and medical staff rushed around her after she did not jump back to her feet. Fullicks was then taken away on a stretcher and replaced by fourth official Steven Hughes. The injury has not been confirmed but both clubs sent their well wishes and so do we. SR
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal Women | 17 | 35 | 40 |
| 2 | Chelsea Women | 15 | 28 | 35 |
| 3 | Man Utd Women | 16 | 19 | 31 |
| 4 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 16 | 7 | 28 |
| 5 | Man City Women | 15 | 11 | 26 |
| 6 | West Ham Women | 16 | -2 | 23 |
| 7 | Reading Women | 16 | -7 | 23 |
| 8 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 17 | -8 | 22 |
| 9 | Everton Women | 15 | -11 | 17 |
| 10 | Aston Villa Women | 17 | -20 | 16 |
| 11 | Leicester Women | 17 | -20 | 12 |
| 12 | Birmingham City Women | 17 | -32 | 4 |
