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WSL matchday 15: Chelsea drop points, Arsenal’s huge comeback and United close the gap

By Ayisha Gulati -
Chelsea v Brighton (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images via One Football)

Chelsea drop points for just the second time this season, Arsenal win a seven-goal thriller and Manchester United close the gap on the champions.

Here are the talking points from the weekend’s Women’s Super League matches…

Girma’s baptism of fire as Chelsea drop points

Brighton 2-2 Chelsea

Naomi Girma’s Chelsea debut was supposed to be a landmark moment, but instead, it became a brutal introduction to life in the WSL. The world’s most expensive women’s footballer was given no time to settle, with Brighton’s high-intensity pressing exposing vulnerabilities in the league leaders. 

The Seagulls didn’t just match Chelsea – they outplayed them for large parts of the game, with Vicky Losada’s goal capping a fearless first-half display and putting the home side 2-1 up at the break. Chelsea, as champions do, found a way back, with Mayra Ramirez’s impact from the bench proving crucial. 

Chelsea’s unbeaten record remains intact – but only just, as they dropped points for only the second time this season. They still sit five points clear at the top. If Girma wasn’t aware of the WSL’s unforgiving nature before, she certainly is now – she was subbed off after 60 minutes after signalling she had a problem.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor said: “She [Naomi Girma] is learning about the league and her team-mates. As you could see, it was never easy because it is a competitive league. It was tough in this game.”

Kelly scores in Arsenal’s rollercoaster comeback 

Arsenal 4-3 West Ham

For 50 minutes of this seven-goal thriller, Arsenal looked rattled. Two early West Ham goals from corners exposed defensive frailties, before Chloe Kelly scored her first goal since rejoining Arsenal. 

When Shekiera Martinez made it 3-1, an unlikely upset loomed, but a six-minute blitz from Arsenal saw Katie McCabe, Leah Williamson, and Mariona Caldentey turn the game on its head. 

This was not the slick Arsenal we’ve seen in recent weeks, but it was one that showed grit, resilience, and a refusal to go quietly. West Ham played their part in a breathless contest, defending with bravery and countering with menace, but Arsenal’s class eventually showed.

The Gunners retain third spot in the table, keeping their European hopes alive.

Malard steps up as United keep the pressure on

Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City

Manchester United’s relentless form continues, and this time it was Melvine Malard who stole the show in their seventh consecutive league win. With Elisabeth Terland sidelined, the French forward seized her opportunity, scoring one and assisting another in a first-half display full of composure and confidence. 

United weren’t at their fluid best after the break, but their defensive resilience ensured a 10th clean sheet of the season – more than any other WSL side. Leicester improved in the second half, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. 

Malard’s performance presents Marc Skinner with a welcome selection dilemma once Terland is fit, but with United still in the title conversation, now five points behind Chelsea, competition for places might just be their biggest asset.

Skinner said: “I felt we might fall off a little bit second half because we have only had two days to prepare from international duty. Winners find a way to win and we have done that.”

City grind out a win as Fujino steals the show

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City

This was far from Manchester City’s finest display, but in a grueling season, it is results that matter. Aoba Fujino’s late strike was the difference in a game where Spurs dictated large spells.

Beth England’s clever finish had given the hosts belief, and they could have gone ahead if Matilda Vinberg had been more clinical, but it was City who found a way. With a packed schedule ahead, Gareth Taylor’s side looked sluggish, lacking their usual fluency. 

It took the introduction of fresh legs – Jill Roord, Mary Fowler, and Jess Park – to inject some urgency. In the end, it was the two Japanese stars fresh from winning the SheBelieves Cup, Yui Hasegawa and Fujino, who combined for the moment of quality City desperately needed.

It wasn’t pretty, but for a side chasing a Champions League spot, it was absolutely necessary, as they sit two points behind third-placed Arsenal.

Palace’s survival hopes take a hit as Liverpool secure narrow win  

Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool

Both teams entered the match under new leadership after Matt Beard and Laura Kaminski parted ways with their clubs last week – Amber Whiteley began her second stint as Liverpool interim boss with a win, while Leif Smerud’s debut in the Crystal Palace dugout ended in frustration despite signs of improvement.  

Jasmine Matthews’ early strike was the only goal of the match, in another setback for Palace’s battle against relegation. Despite a spirited second-half push, Palace failed to find a breakthrough, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the WSL table, four points from safety.  

For Smerud, the positives lay in Palace’s more structured defence and promising attacking moments. With three of their remaining seven games against fellow strugglers, there’s still a path to survival – but they must start turning performances into points quickly.

Everton ruthless as Villa’s woes continue

Aston Villa 0-2 Everton

Everton’s efficiency in front of goal proved the difference at Villa Park, as they clinically punished their hosts’ wastefulness. Despite being second-best for large spells, Brian Sorensen’s side made their moments count – Maren Mjelde’s instinctive volley and Honoka Hayashi’s poacher’s finish sealing a much-needed away win. 

In contrast, Villa dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge, a recurring issue this season. With Adriana Leon gone and Rachel Daly carrying the bulk of the scoring burden, Villa’s struggles in front of goal are becoming a serious concern as they sit just four points from safety.

With a relegation six-pointer against Crystal Palace looming, they must find a way to turn control into goals, or risk being dragged even deeper into the survival battle.

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