Arsenal’s win exposes Eidevall’s selection dilemmas
Mana Iwabuchi looked upset on her introduction in the 93rd minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of Liverpool for her first minutes of the season. Meanwhile, Dutch record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema, who came off the bench for the second game in a row, was seen conversing intently with manager Jonas Eidevall at the final whistle. “That is internal,” he said when asked what they had discussed. In reply to a question about whether Miedema was disappointed not to start those games, he said: “I can’t speak on behalf of other players but, of course.” Balancing the expectations of a squad brimming with quality is never easy. While Arsenal are winning, and winning in style, it lifts the pressure on Eidevall’s decision making. How good a manager he is will be most evident come the transfer windows. Suzanne Wrack
Chelsea beat the rain to extend winning run
Chelsea adapted to a waterlogged pitch after the rain hammered down at Broadfield Stadium to provide a real spectacle against Brighton. Players slipping and ball speed reduced to a walking pace – conditions were less than fair and even comical at times. Chelsea were also denied a clear penalty when Victoria Williams brought down Jessie Fleming in front of the referee. But the team knuckled down after a blistering start from the hosts to secure a 2-0 victory. Niamh Charles diverted a powerful header towards goal, which after hitting the underside of the crossbar was guided in by Beth England. Pernille Harder, who has been directly involved in eight goals in her last six league starts, then fully calmed Chelsea’s nerves after rifling in her third goal of the season. Renuka Odedra
Pernille loves scoring rockets 🚀
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 23, 2022
Three goals in two #BarclaysWSL games for @PernilleMHarder! 🙌
@ChelseaFCW pic.twitter.com/siJQG2d6Ab
Shaw’s sharpness shows City have moved on from White
Any fear that Manchester City’s attack would be significantly weakened by the retirement of England’s record goalscorer Ellen White have been quickly allayed by the potent form of Jamaica striker Khadija Shaw. Last season White and Shaw shared No 9 duties, to the detriment of both. Without White, the 25-year-old has benefited from consistent starts and, despite City’s poor start to the season, has five goals in four games and is the league’s top scorer. Shaw’s two goals against Tottenham at Brisbane Road helped City to a 3-0 win that lifted them up to sixth, on six points and six off league leaders Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. “Bunny is great to work with,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “She had a great season last year but got overlooked a bit. She’s the No 9 now – she’s a young player and there’s a lot to come from her.” SW
Bunny Shaw.
— Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) October 22, 2022
That's it. That's the tweet 😌
⚪️ 0-2 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/hWnisWukTf
Everton’s identity finally shining through
Before the start of the season Everton’s newly-appointed manager, Brian Sørensen, spoke about his team’s need to form a clear identity of possession-based football. It is starting to shine through. The Toffees edged to a 1-0 victory at Aston Villa in an enthralling encounter that saw an intense tactical battle between two sides who love to attack. From the start they traded possession in a match where the margins remained narrow. For their part, Carla Ward’s Villa side did everything but score, producing 13 shots on goal but only two on target. The winner came from Everton’s captain, Lucy Graham, in the second half as she turned home a Gabby George cross. It was a victory that sent Everton up to fourth. Sophie Downey
🏴 Super Scot On Target
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) October 23, 2022
✅ Three Points
⛔️ Clean Sheet
A good day all round! pic.twitter.com/SIHWuC9HUH
Plenty of positives for Leicester despite latest loss
Manchester United’s 1-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Leicester was far from easy and the home side’s promising performance will encourage Lydia Bedford, despite her side failing to score since their opening game of the season. The manager has tinkered with formations this season, with a 3-5-2 setup the one that has largely paid off. It has given the side structural stability and an organised midfield, allowing the likes of Josie Green and Aileen Whelan to exploit gaps and drift into dangerous positions. The only person who stopped Leicester hitting the back of the net on Sunday was Mary Earps, with the England goalkeeper making an especially notable save from Kayleigh Green’s thunderous volley. RO
What a year Mary Earps is having 🙌
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 23, 2022
The @ManUtdWomen shot stopper is yet to concede a goal in the #BarclaysWSL this season! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Jf18ZGdkdj
Slow start makes Reading pay once more
Kelly Chambers lamented Reading’s slow start as they fell to a fourth league defeat despite an inspired second-half comeback against West Ham. The Hammers dominated the first half, producing sublime, lightning-quick attacking play that cut through the heart of the Reading defence. For the second week in a row, they were ahead within five minutes – Dagny Brynjarsdottir heading home once again before the impressive Viviane Asseyi scored twice. Reading displayed their battling nature in the second half with Rachel Rowe leading the comeback. She set up Charlie Wellings in the 75th minute before bursting in the box to win a penalty that Sanne Troelsgaard converted with eight minutes remaining. If Reading had managed to get a first goal a little earlier things might have been different. SD
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal Women | 4 | 11 | 12 |
| 2 | Man Utd Women | 4 | 11 | 12 |
| 3 | Chelsea Women | 5 | 7 | 12 |
| 4 | Everton Women | 5 | 2 | 9 |
| 5 | West Ham Women | 5 | -1 | 9 |
| 6 | Man City Women | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| 7 | Aston Villa Women | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| 8 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 4 | -5 | 6 |
| 9 | Liverpool FC Women | 4 | -5 | 3 |
| 10 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 4 | -9 | 3 |
| 11 | Reading Women | 4 | -7 | 0 |
| 12 | Leicester Women | 5 | -9 | 0 |
• This article was amended on 24 October 2022. In an earlier version, the main image caption misidentified Pernille Harder as Niamh Charles.
