Arsenal penalty shows need for VAR
Talk of the need for VAR in the Women’s Super League dominated after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in front of more than 45,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal’s opener came from a penalty after Niamh Charles barged into Caitlin Foord as Foord skated towards the area, with the pair then tangling in the box and falling to the floor. The barge was outside the area but a mishmash of legs was inside. Was it the same incident or two? It is hard to say, and if VAR had been in action it might well have determined there was not enough of an error to intervene. Either way, it shouldn’t have mattered but Arsenal struggled to capitalise on their dominance and creative edge. Jonas Eidevall’s side should have been a goal or two up in the first half, and should have extended their lead in the second, but a lack of cutting edge proved costly and left the lurking Sam Kerr needing only one chance to burst their bubble. SW
United demonstrate title credentials
Manchester United’s statement 6-0 thumping of promoted Liverpool resumed the team’s season in style. There was some good fortune in the opener, with Lucía García’s effort taking a deflection off Gemma Bonner, in Bonner’s first game back on Merseyside, but the Red Devils were relentless and three goals in either half ensured they leapfrogged Arsenal on goal difference into second place, three points behind Chelsea with a game in hand. Manager Marc Skinner said “of course we can” when asked whether his side can win the league, and after Arsenal and Chelsea drew, the door is well and truly open for United. Skinner’s side play both those London teams before the season is out. They have already taken three points off Arsenal and with the Gunners and Chelsea having Champions League quarter-finals to contend with, there is real belief that a first title is there for the taking. SW
The @ManUtdWomen fans enjoyed that one!@LuciaGarcia17 slots it home 🙌#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/2Hw1ADehiM
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 15, 2023
Signings shine in Villa victory
It’s safe to say that this transfer window has been wild – a hive of activity as clubs look to fill gaps and players go on the hunt for regular minutes. Three of the highest-profile signings so far immediately looked at home as Aston Villa beat Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday. Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth started for Carla Ward’s side, seamlessly fitting into the midfield. They were influential throughout as the hosts dominated the ball, producing some sublime passages of attacking play. On the opposite side, Bethany England led the line for Tottenham after her noteworthy move from Chelsea. She looked to be having the dream debut when she opened her account with Spurs’ first shot. The visitors’ woes continued, however, as Villa came from behind to earn all three points. SD
Foxes’ tails up as they rekindle relegation battle
Is the great escape on? It’s early days but heavier deficits have been overcome. Struggling Leicester earned their first win with an impressive 3-0 victory against Brighton. The Foxes’ energetic performance was a far cry from that of a side languishing bottom. Willie Kirk’s team came in with replenished confidence, helped by wins in the League Cup and two friendlies. It flowed through their play, with Aileen Whelan’s opener a prime example of the developing relationships. Their first two goals came at the perfect moment, sandwiching half-time and adding to Brighton’s defensive woes. Brighton allowed the hosts to play with a freedom rarely seen this season and returned home with much work to do under their new manager, Jens Scheuer. SD
Park impresses in five-goal thriller
Everton’s start to WSL action in 2023 was positive, as they won 3-2 in an exciting contest against Reading. The game began with rain lashing down and then came glorious sunshine to spotlight Brian Sørensen’s side, who oozed attacking class. One player shone most – Jess Park producing a performance down the left for Everton that was nothing short of artistry. She orchestrated the move for the first goal scored by Katja Snoeijs. Later in the first half she weaved into a central position and nestled the ball into the bottom corner – scoring her third goal of the season. The 21-year-old, on loan from Manchester City until the end of the campaign, has established herself as an impactful team member. Speaking after the game Sørensen’s said: “Jess is doing good … I think after I moved her from the right to the left side she can go in on her right foot and it opens up the pitch much more for her. So, a really good performance by her.” RO
Starting the move and finishing it with a goal 🌟@jesspark21300 is just so good 🤩#BarclaysWSL @EvertonWomen pic.twitter.com/xEnFOeQrfI
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 15, 2023
West Ham lose final-third battle against City
West Ham missed an opportunity to move up to fifth, losing 1-0 to Manchester City in a game where they lost the delicate balance between defending and attacking. West Ham set out to be hard to break down, using a back four that sometimes turned into five with a midfielder pushing back. You can understand why because City have an attacking lineup that most teams would shudder at the thought of. City eventually broke through when Deyna Castellanos threaded a ball to Bunny Shaw, who got her ninth league goal of the season. The defensive lineup backfired in the latter stages as West Ham invited pressure and weren’t brave enough at times to push upfield. When they did the passing was off and execution amiss. The game laid bare the wealth gap between clubs in the WSL – Paul Konchesky’s developing side couldn’t compete with City’s attacking prowess, which has been well funded. RO
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Women | 11 | 23 | 28 |
| 2 | Man Utd Women | 10 | 24 | 25 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 10 | 20 | 25 |
| 4 | Man City Women | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| 5 | Everton Women | 10 | 1 | 15 |
| 6 | West Ham Women | 11 | -4 | 15 |
| 7 | Aston Villa Women | 10 | -5 | 15 |
| 8 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 10 | -7 | 9 |
| 9 | Liverpool FC Women | 10 | -11 | 8 |
| 10 | Reading Women | 11 | -12 | 7 |
| 11 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 9 | -21 | 7 |
| 12 | Leicester Women | 10 | -20 | 3 |
