By hannover-web.com Rytting Kaneryd keeps Chelsea on top; Parris punishes United while Arsenal adjusts to life after Eidevall.
Interim manager Renée Slegers has steadied the ship at Arsenal, leading the team to two consecutive victories that have lifted their confidence. Reflecting on their recent performance, Slegers shared, “It is what we wanted, and we knew we had these two games ahead of us. We wanted to win them both, and we have to be happy with it.” The Gunners secured a cathartic 2-0 win against West Ham, a team that had beaten them in the same fixture last season. After breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute with a penalty, Arsenal managed to capitalize with a late second goal. While they still face challenges against teams that defend in numbers, the introduction of substitutes around the hour mark demonstrated Slegers’ proactive approach to change the flow of the game.
Meanwhile, Nikita Parris made quite the statement against her former club Manchester United, scoring the equalizer for Brighton in a 1-1 draw. Celebrating passionately after her goal, she remarked that she aimed to give England head coach Sarina Wiegman a selection dilemma. However, it was her former manager, Marc Skinner, who felt the pressure as Parris’ goal marked the first time his team conceded in the league this season. Despite the draw, United remains unbeaten and was buoyed by Grace Clinton’s impressive performance, which included a goal from a well-placed cross.
In Manchester, Lauren Hemp showcased her talent again as City turned around a 1-0 deficit to defeat Aston Villa 2-1. After Gabi Nunes scored for Villa, Hemp quickly equalized with a composed volley from close range and assisted the game-winning goal for Jill Roord by skillfully maneuvering past several defenders. City’s manager, Gareth Taylor, praised Hemp’s energy on the pitch, noting her role as a model for her teammates.
Meanwhile, Chelsea faced controversy after Tottenham’s “ghost goal” was allowed to stand despite protests from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The Blues had taken an early lead thanks to Maika Hamano but found themselves equalized shortly after. Nevertheless, they regrouped and dominated the second half, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scoring twice to secure a 3-1 victory. After the match, Chelsea’s manager Sonia Bompastor questioned why technology isn’t used at the same level in women’s football as it is in the men’s game.
Liverpool’s manager, Matt Beard, expressed his frustration after his team managed only a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Crystal Palace. Beard criticized his players for a lack of effort, stating, “I feel Palace wanted it more; we were lucky to get a point. You’ve got to have work rate in abundance, and we just didn’t have that.” The result has extended Liverpool’s winless streak at their new home ground.
Finally, Everton missed several key opportunities in their 1-0 loss to Leicester, a result that left manager Brian Sørensen disheartened. “We created chances but just couldn’t find the net,” he lamented. “I’m super-disappointed; the girls worked hard and didn’t deserve this.”
