Medina stars for Man Utd, Liverpool end Anfield hoodoo, Arsenal’s title hopes over?

Are Arsenal’s title chances over already?

It seems a touch early to definitely say whether or not Arsenal’s title chances are over already, but their start has left a lot to be desired.

Four games in, they have scored only twice and one of those goals – in the 1-1 draw with Man Utd last weekend – wasn’t scored until the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.

And now their unbeaten run in the WSL, which started all the way back on October 12 last year, has been ended by Chelsea.

It leaves the Gunners seven points adrift of leaders Man City already.

Head coach Renee Slegers was asked about that topic after full-time at Stamford Bridge and she said she wanted to “take the pressure off” of her players.

“I believe in these players. The goals will come and the points will come as well,” she said.

“We have to earn the right again to talk about this [the title race] because we’ve lost too many points.”

With a trip to City up next on October 4, the week ahead feels like a crucial one in the north Londoners’ season.
Dan Long

Medina the keystone as Man Utd’s collect first win

Sky Sports‘ Laura Hunter highlighted Andrea Medina in the lead-up to this game, posing the question as to whether the Spaniard could be Man Utd’s trump card.

Based on her performance on Sunday, the answer is a resounding yes.

Medina was the standout player by some distance at Leigh Sports Village: she created the most chances (4), took the most touches in the opposition box (11), hit the crossbar and scored United’s crucial second goal.

Speaking on Sky Sports+, commentator Gary Taphouse called it “a virtuoso display”. It came as no surprise when she was named Player of the Match.

As Eva Olid’s side look to build momentum after starting with two defeats and a draw, the former Spain U23 international could be the keystone.
Dan Long

Taylor stamps out the Anfield curse

Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Merseyside rivals Everton was the perfect remedy for the club’s curse at Anfield.

Heading into this game, the Reds had lost eight of their last nine outings in the stadium. Five of those had come against the Toffees.

It was an assured and confident performance throughout. After Beata Olsson’s early opener, which settled the nerves, it was just a matter of when, not if, the second arrived.

Cornelia Kapocs delivered and secured all three points. Liverpool move ahead of Everton in the process of their solid start to the campaign continuing.

The fixture list is a relentless one, however, with a trip to Birmingham in the Women’s League Cup fast approaching before an away clash against another foe in Manchester United.

Getting over the hump that is their form at Anfield will be a welcome boost in tackling those challenges. Liverpool can now move forward with confidence.
Patrick Rowe

Are Spurs in the title race?

A confident and strong 4-0 win for Tottenham against Aston Villa now opens up the conversation about a potential title race for the club.

No team has scored more than Spurs. Fifteen goals in their opening four games with just two goals conceded.

They are two points off Manchester City at the top but their upcoming run of fixtures will confirm whether they can assume the role of outside contenders for top spot.

London City Lionesses, Chelsea and Arsenal are their next three opponents in the WSL. Emerge from that October fixture list unscathed and serious conversations may need to be had about their chances…

Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter said that people may need to start paying attention to Spurs in the build-up to this game. The game against Villa was another warning.
Patrick Rowe

Birmingham’s bright display gives hope of earning first WSL win

Birmingham may still be waiting for their first WSL win of the season, but this was a display that shows it will not be far around the corner.

The Blues are playing in the top flight for the first time in four years but have started the season winless from their first four games.

Birmingham led twice against Palace on Sunday, yet somehow needed a late equaliser to rescue a 3-3 draw.

However, it was Birmingham who nearly nicked a winner as Chancelle Effa Effa had a stoppage-time chance to dramatically snatch victory.

That shot was one of 19 for the home side, who had more attempts, shots on target and touches in the opposition box than Palace.

But at the other end, they allowed 17 shots as two mistakes cost them two goals against Palace, as a goalkeeper howler let in the visitors’ first while a slip gave Palace their third.

If Amy Merrick’s side can tighten up at the back and continue to produce positive attacking displays like the one against Palace, then surely they can earn their first WSL win soon.
Declan Olley

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com