Sunday felt like a decisive day in the Women’s Super League fixture calendar with Bristol City hosting Liverpool in an all important bottom of the table clash and Arsenal facing Chelsea in a fight for the title.
The results aren’t necessarily season defining, with plenty of football still left to be played, but they’re likely to have some say in what happens come May.
Arsenal out-gunned by Chelsea
Chelsea punished opponents Arsenal in the London derby, emerging with a 4-1 away win.
Emma Hayes’ side were 3-0 up before half time, with some fantastic goals from Beth England, Sophie Ingle and a first goal for new signing Sam Kerr.
Guro Reiten extended their lead on 68 minutes and Beth Mead’s 74th minute goal proved to be merely a consolation on an embarrassing afternoon for the Gunners.
The win has bridged the gap at the top of the table and has left the race for the title wide open, with only a point separating three of the league’s heavyweights.
Chelsea are now third on 32 points, closing in on Arsenal and Manchester City who are on 33 points.
Liverpool off the mark
Liverpool earned their first league victory of the season after overcoming relegation rivals Bristol City 1-0 at the Stoke Gifford Stadium.
Rachel Furness gave the Reds an early lead, but a fantastic second half penalty save from goalkeeper Anke Preuss ensured they returned to Merseyside with all three points.
This result means Vicky Jepson’s side move ahead of the Robins on goal difference, with both sides on six points.
Manchester United return to form
Katie Zelem was on fire for United in their 3-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The two sides were promoted to the top division last season and Casey Stoney’s side put a disappointing defeat to Bristol behind them to return to winning ways.
It took until the second half, but Zelem was composed from the penalty spot to give the hosts a lead just shy of 70 minutes.
Jess Sigsworth made it 2-0 minutes later and the United captain found the back of the net once again on 87 minutes.
Job done for Manchester City
City travelled to the Midlands to face Birmingham City and an early goal from Ellen White in the first minute led to a routine win for the league leaders.
Keira Walsh fired home the visitors’ second on 65 minutes with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
With Arsenal slipping up in their respective fixture, Nick Cushing’s side now sit top of the table on goal difference, level on points with the Gunners.
Chloe Kelly’s outstanding display for Everton
22 year old Chloe Kelly netted a hat-trick for Everton in their 3-1 home win over Reading.
An early strike was cancelled out just before half time as the Royals drew level from the penalty spot.
But two second half goals from Kelly moved the Toffees up to fifth in the table.
West Ham edge closer to safety
It’s not a conversation the Hammers want to be in, but Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brighton means they move further away from the relegation zone.
Brighton took the lead in the first half, but two late goals from Alisha Lehmann inflicted heartbreak on the Seagulls.
With Liverpool and Bristol City both having a game in hand and Birmingham City with two, Brighton’s three point lead could diminish in the coming weeks.
Date Written: January 20th 2020 | University work – News week
Hannah Pinnock Sports Blog 