Heavy-pressing Arsenal show the way to beat Chelsea
The Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy said her side had proved a point with their impressive 4-1 defeat of Chelsea at the Emirates in front of a record 59,042 fans. “We don’t really listen to sceptics but there was a narrative at the beginning of the season about Arsenal selling out and attracting crowds but not winning,” she said. “Today sets the tone for what we are about and the intensity we want to bring. We do that with the fans and that’s how important that relationship is.” Arsenal’s performance was dominant but Chelsea’s capitulation was equally notable. Emma Hayes’s side did not have the answer to Arsenal’s fast and high press and went into the break two goals down at 3-1. Tactically, they were left wanting. Have Arsenal found the key to beating Chelsea? Maybe. Can they maintain the form they displayed in this title challenge across the course of the season? Maybe. Suzanne Wrack
Malard shines at No 9 in United’s display of maturity
Manchester United drew on their maturity and knowledge to break down the resistance of a Tottenham side that were enthusiastic but lacked a threat. As with many sides in the WSL, there is a clear difference between those who have banked experience and those who are still developing. Despite a plucky opening period from the hosts, it was the patience of Marc Skinner’s team that shone through. They waited for their moment in the first half to pounce before moving through the gears in the second to come away with a comfortable victory. They were helped by Skinner’s decision to play Melvine Malard as the No 9. The French forward is a natural goalscorer and more impactful when used directly and she was unlucky not to walk away with the player of the match award. With a goal, an assist and potentially a second goal – she may have got the faintest of touches to direct Hannah Blundell’s ball into the net – it was a display of intent from a striker who is beginning to settle into her surroundings. Sophie Downey
WHAT A GOAL, MELVINE MALARD!! 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/dkjCGg5MsM
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) December 10, 2023
City remain patient to stay in the hunt
For an hour it had looked like Manchester City were going to suffer their third defeat of the season in nine game after Danielle Turner’s stunning volley in the seventh minute had given Aston Villa the lead. However, two goals in two minutes from Lauren Hemp ensured City remain in the hunt, just three points off Chelsea and Arsenal. The manager, Gareth Taylor, praised their patience and resilience saying: “The determination from the team is top class and they deserve a rest now.” Meanwhile, Carla Ward’s Villa suffered a seventh loss of the season, but the result wasn’t reflective of their performance. Taylor expressed solidarity with his counterpart. “Their results haven’t been great but the performances have been good and they’ve been unfortunate in a lot of games,” he said. “They need to stick with it because Carla Ward’s really good and they have some good players there.” SW
Foxes let lead slip once again as fear creeps in
Letting a lead slip once is a mistake, twice or more however and it becomes a recurring theme. Leicester have let an advantage go in four of their last five games, leaving questions about the team’s mentality. Willie Kirk has alluded to his side’s inexperience in winning positions recently and reiterated this once again after the 2-2 draw at the Broadfield Stadium. “Against City and Arsenal, we didn’t change shape, but we had a 2-0 lead today where we have, and we had the same outcome,” he said. “We need to find a way to deal with it. I think there’s a little bit of fear in our game … it’s presenting itself in different ways.” The Foxes had looked comfortable up until 80 minutes but allowed Brighton a foothold back into the game. With Elisabeth Terland on the pitch, there is always a chance, and the hosts knew they just needed to find a way to bring her into the match. She made her mark in the last 10 minutes with two goals that sent her to the top of the WSL goalscoring charts and earning her side a morale-boosting point. SD
Thestrup brings added value for Bristol City
The Bristol City forward Amalie Thestrup has proved an inspired addition to the squad after signing in the summer and she was pivotal once again on Sunday as she added another goal to her WSL tally in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Thestrup, a former Liverpool player, has now scored five league goals this season – half of Bristol’s total. Her performances are giving City hope, the draw taking them off the bottom of the table. Sarah Rendell
Bottom’s up for West Ham
West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on Sunday leaves them bottom of the WSL table. A fifth consecutive defeat in the league came courtesy of a goal from Karen Holmgaard in the 63rd minute. The Hammers last won a league match in early October against Brighton, their WSL victory of the season. They may only be a point behind Bristol City but they face a much-improved Leicester next weekend. It seems the winter break and the January transfer window cannot come soon enough. SR
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Women | 9 | 18 | 22 |
| 2 | Arsenal Women | 9 | 15 | 22 |
| 3 | Man City Women | 9 | 16 | 19 |
| 4 | Man Utd Women | 9 | 15 | 18 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC Women | 9 | 3 | 15 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 9 | -6 | 12 |
| 7 | Everton Women | 9 | -7 | 11 |
| 8 | Leicester Women | 9 | -6 | 9 |
| 9 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 9 | -11 | 8 |
| 10 | Aston Villa Women | 9 | -11 | 6 |
| 11 | Bristol City Women | 9 | -13 | 5 |
| 12 | West Ham Women | 9 | -13 | 4 |
