Matchday 2 of the WSL delivered goals, comebacks, and key storylines across the league. Arsenal hit West Ham for five, Manchester United went top, Sam Kerr returned to action for Chelsea, and Tottenham continued their perfect start. Here’s a full roundup of all the WSL action in Round 2.
West Ham United 1-5 Arsenal
West Ham United started strong against Arsenal in the WSL Round 2. The high press West Ham United started strong against Arsenal in WSL Round 2. The high press from the Hammers forced mistakes, including a misjudged catch from Daphne van Domselaar. The goalkeeper tried to collect Shekiera Martinez’s cross to the far post but let it slip, giving West Ham the lead.
However, Arsenal fought back before halftime with an equalizer through Frida Maanum. In the second half, Stina Blackstenius came on and gave the visitors the lead. Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo added goals to seal a 5–1 win.
Arsenal are now in second place with 6 points, while West Ham United sit 11th with 0 points.
Manchester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City had a rough start to the season with a 2–1 loss to champions Chelsea. On Matchday 2, Andrée Jeglertz and his team faced Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls opened the scoring in the 14th minute and held the lead into the second half. A flying header from Bunny Shaw leveled the game before Yui Hasegawa secured the win for the Citizens. Brighton, who drew 0–0 on Matchday 1, now sit in 8th place with 1 point. Man City move up to 6th place with three points.
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
Aston Villa hosted Chelsea at Villa Park in an exciting encounter. Aggie Beever-Jones opened the scoring, but Ebony Salmon pulled one back for the Villans before halftime. In the second half, Villa continued their good spell, but an own goal from Missy Bo Kearns turned the tide.
The third goal came from none other than Sam Kerr, who came on late in the second half for her first appearance in 20 months. The goal was the perfect way to mark her return.
Chelsea are currently in third place with 6 points, while Aston Villa sit 9th with one point.
London City Lionesses 1-5 Manchester United
London City Lionesses hosted Manchester United for their first-ever WSL home match. Last weekend they lost 4–1 to Arsenal, and things did not improve against United. The visitors earned a penalty after only three minutes and doubled their lead before halftime. Melvine Malard and Jess Park added to the tally for Marc Skinner’s side, while Nikita Parris pulled one back for the Lionesses in the 76th minute.
There is plenty of potential in this London City side, but so far they lack cohesion. The team sits in last place with 0 points, while Manchester United take first place on goal difference with 6 points.
Leicester City 1-0 Liverpool
Leicester City’s debutant Emily van Egmond scored the winner in the second half against Liverpool, securing three valuable points. Leicester parted ways with head coach Amandine Miquel only 11 days before the season began and are now led by Rick Passmoor. Meanwhile, Liverpool slumped to their second defeat in a row after losing 4–1 at home to Everton on Matchday 1. Liverpool sit 10th with 0 points, while Leicester are in 7th with 3 points.
Everton 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Everton hosted Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in front of 6,473 fans. The Toffees were successful last weekend with a 4–1 away win at Liverpool but could not carry that momentum into this match. Olga Ahtinen opened the scoring in the first half, and summer signing Tandberg got her first goal for Spurs in the second half.
It’s a second straight win for Spurs under new head coach Martin Ho, putting them in 4th place with 6 points. Everton sit 5th with 3 points.
WSL Recap Round 2