Arsenal’s season continued to frustrate as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham at the Emirates on Sunday. The Gunners dominated most attacking and possession-based metrics, registering 76% possession, 2.73 xG and 43 touches in the opposition box, but they managed only four shots on target from 27 chances. Birmingham defended in a strong structure, protecting their box with numbers to frustrate Renée Slegers’s side, who struggle to break down low blocks. Birmingham scored with their one shot on target as Océane Hurtré took her tally to six in six. The result leaves Arsenal eighth in the table with six points from six games and does little to ease the pressure on Slegers.
London City extended their winning run to four games with a 2-1 victory against Everton. This was a grittier performance than their attacking display against Tottenham before the break, with London City managing just five shots on target despite creating 16 opportunities. Their two first-half goals again came on transition, and their out-of-possession work stood out. They have now faced the fewest shots on target in the division, 12, and handled Everton’s second-half shift in momentum after the visitors gained belief.
Charlton remain pointless six games into the season after a 3-1 home defeat by Manchester United, but manager Karen Hills was impressed by their second-half performance. After a rough first half hour in which the final score was established, Charlton held firm. “When we talk about bravery, I thought we took the second half to Manchester United,” Hills said. Charlton had only 23.8% possession, but Hills highlighted the moments when they did have the ball and the need to improve without it.
Tottenham’s 6-2 defeat at Chelsea looked unlikely at half-time, when the score was 1-1 after an assertive first half from the visitors. Chelsea pushed on after the break, and Tottenham head coach Martin Ho said his team could not collapse after conceding. “We conceded three goals in nine minutes and then two in six. We can’t completely collapse in those moments. That’s individual responsibility and accountability to defend,” he said. Tottenham have not won in 20 games against top-four opponents, and Ho said his young team lacks a little maturity in big games.
Lauren Hemp moved closer to the WSL all-time assist record with two assists in Manchester City’s 3-2 win against Brighton. The 26-year-old recorded assists 50 and 51 within the opening 16 minutes by setting up Khadija Shaw twice. She now sits three behind record holder and teammate Beth Mead, who has 54. Hemp, who has eight goal contributions for the season, said she wants to keep improving and still believes her best is yet to come.
Aston Villa claimed their first win of the season with a 2-1 comeback victory against Liverpool. Villa had managed just three draws from their opening five games before the international break but doubled their points tally thanks to a second-half strike from Chasity Grant and an own goal from Liverpool defender Grace Fisk. Brian Sørensen, who took over from Natalia Arroyo last month and was this week confirmed as interim head coach until the end of the season, called it an incredible result and said tactical and personnel changes at half-time flipped the game.
West Ham earned their first away win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Kelly Gago’s second league goal of the season came from an assist by Oona Siren, who capitalised on a defensive error, and Gago fired home a left-footed finish. Gago joined the Hammers from Everton at the start of the season and is beginning to make her mark in east London. The win offers a boost for a West Ham side looking to build momentum and move away from the bottom end of the table after three consecutive losses before the international break.
Manchester City sit top of the table with 18 points from six games and a 100% record. Chelsea are second on 16 points and London City third on 15. Arsenal are eighth on six points, while Charlton remain bottom without a point.