GW3: The Key Takeaways

The Barclay's WSL is well and truly back, bringing with it a whole host of magic moments, tense rivalry, and entertainment. These are the key moments from GW3…

TOTTENHAM V MANCHESTER CITY (1–5)

Following a considerable no-win drought, the beginning of this 25/26 WSL season has been overwhelmingly positive for Tottenham, with a set of back-to-back wins under new manager, Martin Ho. However, coming up against Manchester City and expecting a strong victory was always going to prove a hard task.

From the off, both Spurs and City were playing with fire in their belly, putting bodies on the line, testing each other’s boundaries. 15 minutes into the game the limit was proven when Lauren Hemp was knocked down, with City’s number 11 requiring treatment on pitch. After several minutes, Hemp was withdrawn from the game – post game she was seen wearing a boot, the nature of her injury still unknown. It’s another knock for the City squad, who saw Lily Murphy and Captain Alex Greenwood go down in their season opening game against Chelsea, with the former requiring surgery to her shoulder.

The first goal of the game came from City’s Aoba Fujino 22 minutes in. And then another, this time in the 38th minute from Vivianne Miedema, with Greenwood securing the assist. But, two before the break just wasn’t enough. A 42nd minute header from defender Kerstin Casparij put City securely in the lead.

It was going to take a lot from the Lilywhite’s to turn the game around. Conceding a penalty to City ten minutes into the second half was definitely not the way to do that, although the shot from Bunny Shaw did find the hands of Lize Kop who pushed the ball wide.

Following a controversial swap from United to City, England national Grace Clinton made her much anticipated debut appearance in Blue as a substitution. And, it didn’t take long for her to make her mark on the game with her debut goal, putting her new club four ahead.

Putting it politely, it’s a game to forget for Spurs. An 87th rocket into Khiara Keatin’s net from Olivia Holdt didn't change the outcome of the game. A last minute 94th minute ball from Laura Coombs leaves the scoreline at the final whistle 1–5.

CHELSEA V LEICESTER CITY (1–0)

It is a testament to Chelsea’s dominance that a 1–0 victory over Leicester City on home turf is considered an ‘off day’ in their performance. Although expectations were high for the Blues – Chelsea have scored an impressive 38 goals in eight previous WSL meetings with Leicester, averaging 4.8 per game.

Following a solemn one minute silence in remembrance of Matt Beard, who managed Chelsea from 2009 to 2012, the match got underway. Things looked hopeful for the home side, with a 6th minute goal from Aggie Beever-Jones (her third in as many matches). It is perhaps fair to say that her time spent with England at the Euros this past summer has put a pep in her step.

However, following this point it was a tough battle for Chelsea to either retain or extend their lead. Glimmers of chances presented themselves, however they were all either found in the capable hands of Leicester’s Janina Leitzig or were repossessed by the opposition's capable back line.

Both sides showed their physicality and willingness to place bodies on the line. Five yellow cards were shown, two for Chelsea and three for Leicester. Numerous players received on pitch treatment, including Erin Cuthbert and Olivia McLoughlin, with the latter swiftly subbed off, unable to continue.

It’s another victory for Chelsea, and another three points. Was Leicester City’s defence shatterproof, or were Chelsea asleep at the wheel? Given the context of the weekend, both sides showed extreme professionalism and resilience to show up, and still give 90 minutes of their all – proof of the groundwork which remarkable managers such as Matt Beard laid the paving stones for.