GW8: Is It Time The WSL Had VAR?

We're not eight weekend's of glorious WSL football into the 2025/26 season and as tensions brew, and the league table gets shaken up, one question reigns supreme: is it time the WSL had VAR?

ARSENAL V CHELSEA (1–1)

It’s the fixture of the season for a reason. And like so many that have come before it, this London derby at the Emirates was nothing short of dramatic – a crowd of 56,000, the reigning WSL victors, the Champions league heroes, and hefty controversy that could perhaps have been solved with three letters: VAR.

To set the scene, Chelsea are currently on an incredible unbeaten stretch in the WSL going 33 games without a single loss. Arsenal on the other hand have had a shaky start to this 2025/26 season with a relatively even mix of memorable and forgettable moments.

Coming face to face in N5, Arsenal were inevitably going to be on a mission to be the first team in a very long time to show Chelsea up. And one could argue that they did. No matter whether you favour red or blue, almost all fans could agree that there were some questionable calls from the referees. Most notably, a disallowed Stina Blackstenius goal for handball. Had VAR (Video Assistant Referee, a tech that is used across the Premier League) been employed for this game, the goal would certainly have stood as it was entirely obvious that the ball only touched the Swede’s thigh and, therefore, the scoreline would’ve at least been 2–1 to North London – if not 3–1, due to a further off side disallowment from a Frida Maanum goal (although opinions on whether this was a fair call are mixed.)

Of course, referees do not have an easy job and the pressure of that role in front of that particular crowd must shake one’s nerves. However, this game is one of many to have shown some large flaws in the women’s game in England. It should be noted that VAR is utilised in the UWCL, in the later stages of the Women's FA Cup, and of course during the EURO tournament. So, why not in the top flight league also?

Controversy aside, it feels like Arsenal may finally have some fire behind them, even with their leading on-pitch personalities Kim Little and Leah Williamson unavailable. Although, how long that lasts is something no one can predict. On the other side, cracks seem to be emerging from Chelsea, who have, due to their draw, lost their position at the top of the league table. Of course their dominance remains deeply impressive, however, some would consider this a first loss and maybe even a sign of change.

LONDON CITY LIONESSES V TOTTENHAM (4–2)

If you ever need proof that the WSL is a truly unpredictable league, then here you go. London City Lionesses, the league debutantes, welcomed Tottenham, a heritage side, to their home in Bromley and promptly wiped the floor with them.

It’s been clear all season that London City are not a side to be underestimated having defeated West Ham, Liverpool, and Everton. And while they may have lost 2–0 in last weekend’s fixture against Chelsea, they showed a fervent mentality. They took this and combined it with profitable chances to ultimately defeat Spurs 4–2.

It was the 20-year old Arsenal academy graduate Freya Godfrey who shone the brightest for London City, scoring not only her first WSL goal, but also her second. She can also boast an assist and a WSL Player of The Match trophy for a solid day’s work. Juxtaposing the fresh with the experienced, on her 200th WSL appearance Nikita Parris scored early in the second half with Godfrey’s assist, really tying London City’s impressive display up in a neat bow. Godfrey told us, “we all know what this team is capable of, and it’s exciting to start putting the league on notice.”

However, one of London City’s four goals can be attributed to Spurs through an Amanda Nildén own goal. As head coach Martin Ho told us post-match of his side’s performance, “it’s disappointing.” This game should have acted as a warm up ahead of their next WSL fixture, the North London Derby on their home turf. Instead, it may have exposed some weaknesses for Arsenal to exploit. “We haven’t shown a performance like that since Manchester City, where we’ve just not defended well enough 1V1 and we’ve allowed too much space and distance in certain areas,” Ho shared.

To put it plainly, London City have nothing to lose. Meanwhile, Spurs are fighting with all their might to remain in top four contention.

OTHER GAMES ACROSS THE WEEKEND

Manchester United V Aston Villa

0–1

Liverpool V Brighton

1–1

West Ham V Leicester City

1–1

Everton V Manchester City

1–2