Chelsea moved to the top of the Women’s Super League standings on goal difference after Manchester City’s perfect start to the season ended in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Matchweek 7 also saw Arsenal end their five-match winless run in the North London derby, while Aston Villa continued their resurgence under interim head coach…
Chelsea moved to the top of the Women’s Super League standings on goal difference after Manchester City’s perfect start to the season ended in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Matchweek 7 also saw Arsenal end their five-match winless run in the North London derby, while Aston Villa continued their resurgence under interim head coach Brian Sørensen.
The weekend of 24–25 October produced 24 goals across seven matches, with Brighton returning to winning ways and Birmingham City claiming their first league victory of the campaign. Read our WSL Matchweek 7 Recap here.
Chelsea Come From Behind to Beat Crystal Palace
Chelsea maintained their unbeaten start with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, although Sonia Bompastor’s side had to recover from an unexpected first-half deficit.
Despite Chelsea dominating possession and creating several early opportunities, Palace took the lead in the 20th minute when Molly Bartrip converted Fuka Tsunoda’s corner at the back post.
The visitors responded after half-time, with Melvine Malard equalising in the 51st minute through a powerful strike from distance. The French forward then headed Chelsea in front in the 75th minute following an excellent delivery from Sandy Baltimore.
Baltimore completed the comeback from the penalty spot shortly before full-time.
Bompastor’s half-time substitutions proved decisive, with Baltimore and Erin Cuthbert adding energy and creativity. Malard’s two goals continued her impressive recent form, while Chelsea’s ability to respond under pressure underlined their title credentials.
Manchester United End City’s Perfect Start
Manchester City’s six-match winning streak came to an end at Leigh Sports Village, where Elisabeth Terland’s late equaliser earned Manchester United a 1-1 draw.
United’s defensive organisation frustrated City throughout the first half, with captain Maya Le Tissier closely monitoring Khadija Shaw and limiting the visitors’ opportunities.
Shaw eventually broke the deadlock in the second half, turning away from Dominique Janssen on the edge of the penalty area before firing past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
However, United continued to push forward. Julia Zigiotti missed an opportunity from close range, while Jess Park struck the woodwork.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute when Shaw failed to clear a deep free-kick and Terland fired the loose ball into the roof of the net.
The draw extended United’s unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions and ended City’s 100% league record. For City, the result meant surrendering top spot to Chelsea on goal difference, with both teams finishing the weekend on 19 points.
Arsenal Find Relief in North London Derby Victory
Arsenal ended a difficult run of five WSL matches without victory by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs made the stronger start and deservedly took the lead in the 13th minute when Cathinka Tandberg headed home from a corner.
However, their advantage lasted only four minutes. Georgia Stanway equalised with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area, giving Arsenal a much-needed response.
Tottenham remained organised defensively and continued to frustrate Renée Slegers’ side, who struggled to create clear opportunities during the first half.
The match changed after the interval. Tottenham defender Alice Sombath suffered a serious injury and was carried off on a stretcher, before Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Cathinka Tandberg’s attempted clearance struck teammate Ella Morris’ hand.
Alessia Russo converted from the spot to secure three important points. Although the victory eased pressure on Slegers, Arsenal’s performance showed that their attacking problems have not disappeared. Nevertheless, the result could provide the confidence needed to build momentum.
Aston Villa Continue Resurgence Against Everton
Aston Villa made it back-to-back WSL victories with a dramatic 3-2 win at Everton, continuing their improvement under interim head coach Brian Sørensen.
Noelle Maritz gave Villa an early advantage after being played through by Amalie Vangsgaard, who then doubled the lead with a composed finish over goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
Vangsgaard scored her second shortly after half-time, converting Maritz’s delivery at the near post to put the visitors 3-0 ahead. Everton appeared heading for a comfortable defeat but produced a spirited late comeback.
Holly McNamara reduced the deficit with ten minutes remaining before Noémie Mouchon’s cross found its way into the net in the 90th minute. Villa held on despite the late pressure, moving above Everton into seventh place.
Vangsgaard’s two goals and assist made her one of the weekend’s standout performers, while Sørensen’s return to Goodison Park ended in victory against his former club.
Liverpool Rescue Late Point Against London City Lionesses
Liverpool fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against London City Lionesses after trailing heading into stoppage time. Beata Olsson opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but Freya Godfrey equalised after Liverpool lost possession in a dangerous area.
Kadidiatou Diani then put London City ahead before half-time, with Daniëlle van de Donk providing the assist following another defensive mistake. Liverpool enjoyed more possession and applied sustained pressure during the second half, but struggled to turn their opportunities into goals.
Their persistence eventually paid off in stoppage time when Cornelia Kapocs delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area and Jana Fernández turned it into her own net.
The equaliser earned Liverpool a point while denying London City a victory that would have strengthened their position near the top of the table. For Liverpool, the result demonstrated resilience, although the defensive errors that contributed to both London City goals remain a concern.
Brighton Return to Winning Ways Against West Ham
Brighton & Hove Albion secured their second league victory of the season with an impressive 3-0 win over West Ham United. Captain Maisie Symonds opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a spectacular long-range effort that swerved into the top corner.
West Ham struggled to create meaningful opportunities in difficult weather conditions, with Brighton maintaining control for much of the contest. Fran Kirby doubled the advantage in the second half before Kiko Seike added a third just three minutes later, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Constance Picaud-Inconnu.
The victory moved Brighton up to eighth place and provided an important boost after an inconsistent opening to the campaign. West Ham, meanwhile, dropped to 12th following their fifth defeat in seven league matches.
Birmingham Claim Crucial First Victory
Birmingham City finally celebrated their first WSL victory of the season after defeating Charlton Athletic 1-0 at St Andrew’s. The hosts dominated much of the contest and registered 20 shots, but initially struggled to find a breakthrough.
Shannon Cooke had an early effort cleared off the line, while Lisa Naalsund struck the crossbar with an impressive long-range attempt. The decisive moment arrived in the 68th minute when substitute Wilda Leidhammar converted Lily Crossthwaite’s delivery from a tight angle.
Leidhammar had previously scored twice against Charlton in May, helping Birmingham secure the WSL 2 title ahead of their rivals. Her latest contribution lifted Birmingham out of the relegation zone and into 11th place. Charlton, meanwhile, remained bottom of the standings without a point after seven matches.
WSL Title Race Tightens After Matchweek 7
Chelsea and Manchester City now sit level on 19 points, with Chelsea leading the standings on goal difference. City’s first dropped points have opened the door for their title rivals, although both clubs remain unbeaten after seven matches.
Manchester United’s improvement under Eva Olid is another important development. Their defensive discipline and ability to compete with City suggest they could become increasingly influential in the battle near the top.
Arsenal’s derby victory offers hope after a difficult start, but consistency remains essential if they are to recover lost ground.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa’s improving results, Brighton’s return to winning ways and Birmingham’s first victory have created movement throughout the standings.
With the next round of Women’s Super League fixtures approaching, the race for European qualification and the battle to avoid relegation remain closely contested.
Follow the latest WSL standings, top scorers and assist rankings on WomenFootball.blog throughout the 2026/27 season.
WSL Matchweek 7 Recap
Liverpool 2-2 London City Lionesses: Late Own Goal Denies Visitors WSL Victory
Liverpool 2-2 London City Lionesses: Late Own Goal Denies Visitors WSL Victory
Manchester United vs Manchester City Preview: Team News, Line-ups & Derby Form
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