The Women’s Super League returned after the winter break with thrilling action across all matches. Manchester City maintained their commanding lead at the top of the table with a 2–0 win over Everton, while Chelsea began 2026 in style, thrashing West Ham 5–0. Arsenal were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw against Manchester United despite dominating possession and chances, and Tottenham edged Leicester City 1–0 as new signing Signe Gaupset impressed on her debut. Aston Villa staged a rapid second-half comeback to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2–1, while Liverpool shared points with London City Lionesses in a goalless stalemate. Read everything in our WSL Recap here.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
Arsenal were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in the Women’s Super League, despite dominating possession and chances. The hosts increased the pressure after Jayde Riviere was sent off midway through the second half, leaving United to defend with ten players for more than 30 minutes. Arsenal created several clear openings, particularly through Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo, but were repeatedly denied by last-ditch defending and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. United showed resilience and organisation to secure a hard-earned point, while Arsenal were left feeling they had dropped two.
Chelsea 5-0 West Ham United
Chelsea began 2026 in emphatic fashion with a 5–0 victory over West Ham United at Kingsmeadow. The Blues struck inside the opening minute through a Yu Endo own goal and quickly took control, with Lauren James, Alyssa Thompson and Sandy Baltimore extending the lead before half-time. Baltimore added her second from the penalty spot after the break to complete a dominant display. Sonia Bompastor’s side controlled the contest throughout, creating chances at will and giving minutes to young players late on. The win keeps Chelsea firmly in the title race, maintaining the gap to league leaders Manchester City.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur strengthened their push for Champions League qualification with a narrow home win over Leicester City, decided by an unfortunate own goal from former Spurs defender Ashleigh Neville. New signing Signe Gaupset impressed on her WSL debut, dictating play in midfield and earning player-of-the-match honours as Spurs controlled long spells. Leicester threatened on the counter and tested Lize Kop before the break, but were unable to find a breakthrough. Spurs regained control late on and saw chances hit the woodwork as they extended their unbeaten home run. The victory lifts Tottenham level on points with Arsenal, while Leicester’s winless away run continues despite signs of defensive improvement.
Aston Villa 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Aston Villa came from behind to secure a 2–1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park. The hosts trailed early after Fuka Tsunoda capitalised on a defensive error, but turned the game on its head shortly after the break. Rachel Daly headed Villa level before Kirsty Hanson struck a fine winner from the edge of the area just a minute later. Daly had twice hit the woodwork in the first half as Villa pushed for an equaliser. The comeback marked a strong response after the winter break and lifted Natalia Arroyo’s side to sixth in the table, extending their solid home form against Brighton.
Manchester City 2-0 Everton
Manchester City opened 2026 with a composed 2–0 WSL victory over Everton at the Joie Stadium. City gradually asserted control and broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Kerolin Nicoli finished clinically from inside the box. Everton remained organised and competitive but found clear chances hard to come by as City controlled possession. The hosts doubled their advantage just after the hour mark, with Vivianne Miedema converting to put the result beyond doubt. Everton attempted to rally late on, but City’s defence held firm to secure a clean sheet. The win ensured City maintained pressure at the top of the WSL standings.
Liverpool 0-0 London City Lionesses
Liverpool played out a goalless draw with London City Lionesses at St Helens Stadium. The Reds welcomed Grace Fisk and Risa Shimizu back from injury, while new signings Jennifer Falk and Alice Bergstrom made full debuts. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Liverpool seeing Bergstrom and Ceri Holland go close, while the Lionesses threatened sporadically. Defences dominated throughout, with goalkeeper interventions and blocked efforts keeping the score level. Despite Liverpool enjoying periods of pressure, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match ended 0–0, sharing the points in a hard-fought, evenly contested contest.
WSL Recap