The WSL title race has taken an early turn, with Tottenham emerging as an unexpected contender while Arsenal’s slow start has left them seven points behind leaders Manchester City after four matches.
Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa took them to within two points of City and gave them the league’s best attacking record, with 15 goals scored and only two conceded.
However, their credentials will be tested during a demanding October schedule. London City Lionesses, Chelsea and Arsenal are Spurs’ next three WSL opponents, meaning they could either strengthen their challenge or fall back into the chasing pack.
The result against Villa was another indication that Tottenham should not be overlooked. Laura Hunter said before the match that attention may need to start turning towards Spurs, and their latest performance offered further evidence of their potential.
Arsenal face crucial Manchester City test
Arsenal’s own title hopes already appear under pressure, although it remains too early to declare their challenge over. Renee Slegers’ side have scored only twice in four league games, with one of those goals coming in the fifth minute of stoppage time during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
The defeat by Chelsea ended Arsenal’s unbeaten WSL run, which had stretched back to October 12 last year, and left them with little room for further dropped points.
Slegers said after the match that she wanted to take pressure off her players and remained confident they would improve.
“I believe in these players. The goals will come and the points will come as well,” she said.
She added: “We have to earn the right again to talk about this [the title race] because we’ve lost too many points.”
Arsenal’s next league fixture is away to Manchester City on October 4, making the coming week a significant test of whether they can revive their challenge.
Medina provides Manchester United with a spark
Manchester United finally recorded their first win of the campaign, beating West Ham 2-1, and Andrea Medina was central to the breakthrough after a difficult opening to the season.
The Spanish defender created four chances, registered 11 touches in the opposition penalty area, struck the crossbar and scored United’s crucial second goal at Leigh Sports Village.
Commentator Gary Taphouse described the performance as “a virtuoso display”, while Medina was named Player of the Match.
United began the campaign with two defeats and a draw, but Medina’s contribution offered Eva Olid’s team a possible foundation on which to build momentum.
Her showing had been highlighted before kick-off as a potential difference-maker for Manchester United. On this evidence, she may prove an important figure as they attempt to turn their season around.
Liverpool put Anfield problems behind them
Liverpool ended a difficult run at Anfield with a 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby, securing a result that moved them above their local rivals and maintained their positive start to the campaign.
The Reds had lost eight of their previous nine matches at the stadium, including five against Everton, but looked composed after Beata Olsson’s early opener.
Cornelia Kapocs added the second goal to settle the contest and complete a confident victory for Liverpool, who now face a quick succession of challenges.
They travel to Birmingham in the Women’s League Cup before an away meeting with Manchester United. Ending their poor home sequence should give Liverpool greater belief ahead of those fixtures.
Birmingham show promise despite missing out on victory
Birmingham are still waiting for their first WSL win since returning to the top flight, but their 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace suggested that success may not be far away.
The Blues led twice and created enough opportunities to win the match, ultimately requiring a late equaliser after Palace recovered. Chancelle Effa Effa then came close to snatching all three points in stoppage time.
Birmingham produced 19 shots, more attempts, efforts on target and touches in the opposition box than their visitors. Their attacking display was one of the most encouraging aspects of the afternoon.
Defensive errors cost them, however. A goalkeeper mistake allowed Palace to score their first goal, while a slip contributed to the visitors’ third.
If Amy Merrick’s side can reduce those errors while maintaining the same attacking ambition, their first league victory of the season should become an increasingly realistic prospect.
