The Women’s Super League (WSL) returned with a thrilling weekend of football, featuring a dramatic Manchester derby, dominant performances from Chelsea and Arsenal, and crucial battles for relegation. As the league reaches its halfway point, teams are beginning to show their true colors, and Gameweek 11 was packed with significant moments that could shape the remainder of the season. Here are the six key takeaways from a weekend full of action.
United Paint the Town Red in Manchester Derby
In one of the most memorable Manchester derbies in recent years, Manchester United claimed the bragging rights in a dominant 4-2 victory over local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. It was a night to remember for United midfielder Ella Toone, who completed a stunning first-half hat-trick, making history in the process. Toone’s 14th-minute opener set the tone for the match, and her second and third goals came courtesy of two blunders from City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who gifted the ball to Toone in unforgivable fashion.
This remarkable display saw United leapfrog City into third place in the WSL standings, now level on points with second-place Arsenal. Marc Skinner’s side has shown that they are well and truly in the mix for the top spots this season, despite early-season doubts. United’s win not only secured local bragging rights but also sent a message to the rest of the league that they are a team to be reckoned with.
For Manchester City, it was a painful night, and the team will be eager to forget this performance. Defensive frailties were laid bare, and the absence of key players such as Khadija Shaw, Alex Greenwood, and Lauren Hemp was felt deeply. City must regroup quickly if they are to remain in contention for a top-four finish this season.
Alessia Russo’s Remarkable Goal Scoring Form
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo continues to be one of the standout performers of the season, and her goal in a 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace in Gameweek 11 marked her seventh goal in six consecutive league fixtures. The forward, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2023, has proven to be everything the Gunners were hoping for. Despite a slow start to the season, Russo has found her rhythm, becoming a key figure in Arsenal’s attacking setup.
Her tap-in against Crystal Palace may not have been the most spectacular goal, but it was another crucial strike in Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of Chelsea at the top of the table. Russo is now only two goals behind Khadija Shaw in the WSL golden boot race, and with Shaw sidelined by injury, Russo has a real opportunity to overtake her in the scoring charts.
Arsenal’s upcoming matches against Chelsea and City will be crucial for Russo and the team as a whole. If she can continue her impressive form on these big stages, she could play a major role in Arsenal’s push for silverware this season.
Manchester City Are Crying Out for Defensive Depth
One of the most glaring takeaways from City’s defeat to United was their vulnerability at the back. Despite boasting one of the most talented attacking lineups in the league, City’s defensive woes have become an increasing concern. Key absences, particularly that of Alex Greenwood, left the backline exposed, and manager Gareth Taylor was forced to rely on an ever-decreasing pool of options.
Rebecca Knaak, who was brought in during the January transfer window, had an underwhelming cameo in the derby, highlighting the team’s lack of defensive depth. In a league as competitive as the WSL, relying on superstar attackers to bail out a frail defense is a risky strategy, and City’s defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by a clinical United side.
The addition of Brazilian winger Kerolin, who is reportedly in talks to join City, may add to the team’s attacking strength. However, if City are serious about competing for the league title and securing Champions League football, they will need to address their defensive shortcomings. Strengthening the backline must be a priority if they are to challenge Chelsea and Arsenal at the top.
Chelsea’s Threat Persists as They Dominate West Ham
Chelsea continues to assert their dominance at the top of the WSL with a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham United in Gameweek 11. This result extended their lead at the summit of the league, with the Blues now seven points clear of second-place Arsenal and 10 goals ahead in goal difference. Chelsea’s performance was clinical, with goals from Catarina Macario, Erin Cuthbert, Aggie Beever-Jones, Sandy Baltimore, and an own goal from West Ham’s Amber Tysiak sealing a resounding win.
Sonia Bompastor, who has taken over from Emma Hayes as head coach, remains unbeaten in charge and has proven to be a steady hand in leading Chelsea to the top of the table. Bompastor’s tactical approach, combined with a squad filled with world-class talent, has made Chelsea the team to beat in the WSL this season. With 31 points and an unbeaten record, it would take something extraordinary for another team to dethrone Chelsea from their perch.
As the season progresses, Chelsea will be the team that everyone is chasing, and their form suggests that they are well on track to secure a sixth consecutive WSL title.
Toothless Leicester Struggling Without Striking Power
Leicester City’s struggles in the WSL this season continued as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to an unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper Janina Leitzig. The Foxes have now scored fewer goals than all but two teams in the league, and their lack of attacking power has been a major issue throughout the season.
Leicester currently sits in 11th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone, and their inability to find the back of the net could prove detrimental to their survival in the league. While their defense has held up reasonably well, with notable performances against Chelsea and Arsenal, the lack of creativity and clinical finishing up front has left them unable to pick up points consistently.
Leicester must act quickly to address their striking woes if they are to avoid relegation. Injuries to key players, including top-scorer Jutta Rantala, have not helped, but the Foxes will need to find solutions in the transfer window if they are to secure their place in the WSL for next season.
Olivia Smith Shines for Liverpool
One of the most exciting prospects in women’s football right now is Olivia Smith, who joined Liverpool during the summer of 2024. Smith’s performances have been a bright spot for the Reds this season, and her goal in a 2-1 victory over Brighton in Gameweek 11 was a sensational display of her talent. Smith’s pace and composure on the ball were evident as she sprinted past the Brighton defense and calmly slotted home her goal, showcasing her growing importance to Liverpool.
After a slow start to the season, Liverpool have shown signs of improvement, and Smith has been one of their standout players. Manager Matt Beard will be relying on Smith to continue her excellent form if Liverpool are to break into the top half of the WSL table and challenge for a European spot. With Smith continuing to shine, Liverpool fans will have reason to be optimistic for the rest of the season.
In conclusion, Gameweek 11 of the WSL provided plenty of drama, from United’s thrilling derby win to Chelsea’s relentless march toward the title. The league is shaping up to be more competitive than ever, with Chelsea and Arsenal continuing to dominate at the top, while teams like Manchester City and Leicester City must address their respective weaknesses. With plenty of action still to come, the second half of the season promises to be just as exciting as the first.
