1
Supporters stay loyal to Slegers
Travelling Arsenal fans cheered head coach Renée Slegers despite a solitary win in six outings and a ten‑point gap to Manchester City. Slegers walked to the 2,000‑strong away crowd after a 4‑2 loss at the Etihad, receiving applause in return. She told supporters she came to thank them, to show she cares and that both she and the team are in control, not sorry for the situation. “I wanted to connect, not hide,” she said. Tom Garry
2
Walsh’s vision powers Chelsea
Chelsea’s midfield dominated again in a 3‑0 victory over West Ham. Keira Walsh, now the team’s engine, earned her third consecutive player‑of‑the‑match award, thriving in a more attacking role. Lexi Potter’s half‑time introduction freed Walsh to surge forward, netting her second WSL goal of 2026‑27 – matching last season’s tally – and leading in shots (five) and dribbles (three). Coach Sonia Bompastor praised her: “She creates chances and solves our scoring problems with confidence at the box edge.” Sophie Downey
3
Lionesses show their strength
London City displayed why they belong in the Champions League race, crushing Tottenham 6‑1 to climb to third. Their fluid, clinical display featured 47.6% shots on target versus Tottenham’s 11%. Alexia Putellas and Kadidiatou Diani each netted a brace, but the team’s sheer physicality stole the show. They pressed aggressively, making the home side look lightweight despite an unbeaten start. For my money, London City’s depth will keep them in the title race. Suzanne Wrack
4
Charlton’s basics crumble
Charlton boss Karen Hills cut no corners after her side surrendered five goals despite an early lead at Brighton. “If we can’t win one‑on‑ones, it’s unacceptable,” she warned. “The game boils down to duels, tackles, basics – and we failed at all of them. I take full responsibility; it’s my team out there.” The international break arrives as Charlton still hunt their first point, leaving their next breakthrough uncertain. SW
5
Liverpool fail to mimic United
Gareth Taylor expressed surprise at Manchester United’s blunt approach after Liverpool fell 1‑0 at Leigh Sports Village. Possession was almost even, with Liverpool at 51%, and the hosts generated more chances but couldn’t finish. Taylor told the BBC: “We became too direct, like them. We must be braver and stick to our style.” TG
6
Sørensen faces familiar Villa woes
Brian Sørensen’s debut as Aston Villa’s interim boss ended in a 1‑1 stalemate with Crystal Palace. The Dane arrived after Natalia Arroyo’s exit, with Villa having earned two points from four league games. Noelle Maritz gave Villa the lead in the 55th minute, only for Abbie Larkin to equalise 19 minutes later, leaving Villa winless. Palace pressed late, but Villa held firm, staying 12th. Sørensen still has work, whether his role becomes permanent or not. Réshma Rao
7
Mace ends Everton’s goal wait. Can Everton keep this new fire burning into next month?
Everton finally broke a goal drought with a 2‑1 win over Birmingham, thanks to Ruby Mace’s double. Her first strike was a left‑foot rocket into the far corner; the second, a deflected effort from the edge of the box. “I’m thrilled,” Mace said. “I’ve been honing my shooting, putting in extra work, and it paid off today.” Renuka Odedra