Man City lead the WSL ahead of the international break, Chelsea keep scoring and Arsenal make a winning start in the post-Eidevall era.
Did it cross the line? [Chelsea 5-2 Spurs]
This seven-goal thriller had it all, from a contentious goal line decision to two stunning strikes from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s, the first of which she called “the nicest goal of [her] career.” With Chelsea netting five past their London rivals and maintaining their winning start, Bompastor became just the third manager to win their first four WSL games. They sit in second with a game in hand, while Spurs sit eighth and have been unable to win since beating Crystal Palace on the opening weekend. Tottenham’s 21st-minute equaliser for 1-1 left all in the stadium (and at home) wondering whether the ball had in fact crossed the line. Both managers called for the WSL to bring in goal line technology. Sonia Bompastor said: “The technology has been available for the men’s game for 10 years, so why shouldn’t it be for the women’s game? If we want to look more professional, we need to move forward with technology.”
Parris spoils the party [Brighton 1-1 Man United]
Former Red Devil Nikita Parris ended United’s run of clean sheets, as she became the first player to net past birthday girl Phallon Tullis-Joyce this season, in front of a record 8,369 at the Amex. It seemed fitting that the player who left on transfer deadline day was the first to score against Marc Skinner’s side, and she didn’t hold back as she celebrated her equaliser in front of her former side’s bench. Brighton keeper Sophie Baggaley was once again instrumental in keeping her side in it, as United dominated the first half but only scored once, through Grace Clinton’s third of the campaign. Despite dropping their first points of the season, United remain unbeaten after four games and sit in third with a game in hand, while Brighton are fourth, registering their only loss to Man City.
Hemp a ‘role model’ to City players [Man City 2-1 Aston Villa]
A second half comeback spearheaded by Lauren Hemp saw Man City go into the international break on top of the WSL table. Villa took the lead at the Joie Stadium through Gabi Nunes’ first for the club, but the third comeback in seven days for Man City showed their strength this season. Hemp’s lob over keeper Sabrina D’Angelo for City’s equaliser was smart, but her assist for Jill Roord’s 70th minute winner was the icing on the cake. After a skilful run down the left wing, she cut back to fan-Roord, who netted her first since her return following her horrific ACL injury. Villa meanwhile remain winless in the league, picking up just two points from their opening five games. Gareth Taylor said: “Lauren was everywhere today. When she has that mindset of doing everything with and without the ball, she is such a role model for every player”
Super Swedish subs [West Ham 0-2 Arsenal]
The post-Eidevall era continued in a similar fashion to what we were seeing before the Swede’s departure – an abundance of chances being created, but not converted. Stina Blackstenius and Rosa Kafaji were brought on in the 58th minute, with their impact immediately felt. After a great run, Blackstenius won a penalty in the 71st minute, which was neatly converted by Mariona Caldentey to break the deadlock for the Gunners. Fans have been calling for seeing more of energetic summer signing Kafaji, who wrapped things up in the 89th minute as she scored her first goal for Arsenal, assisted by Blackstenius. Interim coach Renee Slegers will welcome the international break that will give her some much-needed time after a busy week which saw her take the reins at very short notice. Rehanne Skinner’s West Ham sit bottom of the table, on two points and -7 goal difference.
A great point for Palace [Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace]
Former Red Katie Stengel scored her first for Palace in the 14th minute, before Cornelia Kapocs levelled before half-time. It was the newly-promoted side that looked most likely to score a winner at St Helens Stadium, with Annabel Blanchard continuing to impress. Liverpool boss Matt Beard said: “We were lucky to get that point to be honest, I’m disappointed with the whole performance. I thought Palace wanted it more than us.”
First win for Foxes [Leicester 1-0 Everton]
Yuka Momiki scored a brilliant individual goal in the eighth minute, which proved to be the decider in the fixture. Leicester will welcome their first win of the season under Amandine Miquel, while Everton are left still searching for a win and a goal from one of their own players as they go into the break in 11th. Miquel said: “We are pleased with the result, but not completely pleased with the content. If you can’t have both, at least have the result! Now, we need to work on our consistency.”
Featured image credit: Steve Bardens/Getty Images via One Football
