This season, Chelsea will dominate possession in most games, but their patient 2-0 victory over title rivals Manchester City on Saturday was an exception. Sonia Bompastor's team controlled the ball only 36.6% of the time, a deliberate tactical decision that proved successful. Midfielder Erin Cuthbert explained, "We have dominated many games in terms of possession, but tonight we were content to sit back, stay compact." This approach, more traditional but effective, showcased Chelsea's tactical flexibility. Despite conceding possession, they dominated other aspects, with 15 shots to City's eight, six on target to two, and 30 touches in the penalty area to 16. With key players still recovering from injury, Chelsea's potential remains vast.
Everton continued their strong Merseyside derby record under Brian Sørensen, securing their third win in five WSL meetings against Liverpool since 2022. Despite a controversial penalty decision, Liverpool struggled to break down Everton's defense. Sørensen attributed their success to Liverpool's straightforward playstyle, which Everton could prepare for effectively.
Fran Kirby was the hero for Brighton, scoring an 82nd-minute winner in their 3-2 thriller against West Ham. Brighton led 2-0 but conceded two quick goals before Kirby's decisive strike. Manager Dario Vidosic praised her composure and class, highlighting her crucial contribution.
Tottenham's defense faltered in their 3-0 loss to Arsenal, conceding early for the second consecutive game. Manager Robert Vilahamn acknowledged the impact of consecutive heavy defeats on the team's confidence and emphasized the need to navigate this challenging period.
Aston Villa secured their first win of the season, with Ebony Salmon's stoppage-time strike proving decisive. The victory provided much-needed relief for manager Robert de Pauw and boosted the team's confidence.
Leicester suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, with two key missed opportunities proving costly. Manager Amandine Miquel reflected on the performance, noting the team's improved offensive situations despite the loss.
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