6 key takeaways from WSL Gameweek 6

The Women's Super League returned for an action-packed weekend after the international break, and the competition's powerhouses prevailed once again.

Expected victories from both Chelsea and Manchester City increase the odds on what may shape up to be another two-horse race, whilst Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham United still remain in high pursuit of their first win of the season.

Here are 90min’s six key takeaways from WSL gameweek 6…

1. A turning point for Alessia Russo

Manchester United and Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate after a heavily one-sided contest at Leigh Sports Village. The same story repeated itself for the Gunners, dominating the contest but unable to convert their chances. One difference however, was the performance from Alessia Russo.

After a turbulent start to the season, Russo was back at her best against her former club, despute the hostile reception. The Arsenal striker was instrumental in nearly every attacking motion, finally reaping the rewards with a goal that put her side ahead in the 63rd minute.

It wasn’t just the goal that showed signs of Russo's improvement, but the performance as a whole. The striker registered several shots from daring positions, shooting from spaces she hasn’t had the confidence to recently. 

Although Arsenal fans will be hoping for consistency before drawing hopeful conclusions, Sunday was a step in the right direction for Russo.

2. Aston Villa remain winless

Aston Villa fell short of an elusive victory once again on Sunday, after a Taylor Hinds brace saw Liverpool clinch a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.

Villa are yet to register a win under the new management of Robert de Pauw even opting for a shortlived formation change for 45 minutes of this one, and fans continue to grow increasingly frustrated.

The club had an excellent transfer window, bringing in the talented likes of Missy Bo Kearns, Paula Tomas and Gabi Nunes. However, we are still waiting to see their impact as the team sits joint-last in the points column with Everton and West Ham United.

Although fans may be hoping to find respite in what has been a difficult run for Aston Villa since the start of the season, the road continues to grow all the more treacherous as the club prepare to visit an as yet undefeated Manchester United on Sunday.

3. Spurs get a gritty win

Since thrashing Crystal Palace 4-0 on the opening day of the 2024/25 season, it is safe to say that Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to find their footing in the league. Having lost three games on the bounce, a meeting with West Ham United at Brisbane Road Stadium appeared to be a must-win for Robert Vilahamn's Spurs side.

A failed clearance from Hammers defender Camila Saez found the back of her own net and awarded Tottenham the 2-1 victory in the 91st minute.

Despite some lacklustre moments, a hard-fought win is exactly what Vilahamn would have been hoping for as Spurs search to jumpstart their season.

Nerves will still remain for Spurs fans, as Riko Ueki’s goal in the opening half marked the sixth time Tottenham have conceded from a set-piece in this season alone. Vilahamn will be eager to capitalise on the result, and assess the mistakes, in order to drive his side forward over the next difficult block.

4. Who is going to stop Chelsea?

When Everton managed to scrape a 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, all signs pointed toward the Toffees being an underdog threat for the league’s biggest names. However, as Brian Sorensen’s side travelled to the capital to face Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea team, the narrative could not have been any more different.

It only took 14 minutes for the Blues to pull ahead, as young star Aggie Beever-Jones opened the scoring. A Chelsea masterclass then followed, with goals from Erin Cuthbert, Guro Reiten, Wieke Kaptein and Ashley Lawrence leading the Blues to a 5-0 victory at home.

Chelsea were without Lauren James and Catarina Macario, with Mayra Ramirez also acting as an unused substitute on this occasion. As other top sides struggle to find the scoresheet, Chelsea still manage to bring about a big win without their greatest goalscoring threats.

The Blues will enter gameweek seven just one point behind Manchester City, still with a game in hand. Not only this, but a nine-goal advantage over the Cityzens makes it increasingly hard to believe that anyone will be able to stop this Chelsea side. 

5. Brighton continue momentum

Brighton & Hove Albion were back among the winnings side, as an in-form Nikita Parris stole a 1-0 victory over Leicester City. Having been named October's WSL manager of the month, Dario Vidosic continues to make waves on the south coast since his summer arrival.

The Seagulls currently occupy third spot in the standings, and are now two points clear of Manchester United in fourth. In what may be their biggest test yet, Brighton will travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Friday.

6. Man City remain strong contenders

It was a trip down south on Sunday as Gareth Taylor's Manchester City side faced Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. But, despite what was at times a tight contest, they inevitably prevailed to claim a 3-0 victory on the road. 

Second half substitutions from Laura Kaminski allowed Palace to swing the momentum back in their favour, as chances from Katie Stengel and Annabel Blanchard both offered opportunities for the Eagles. Though none of those chances prevailed, and the powerhouse Man City side refused to roll over once again.

A wonder strike from Jess Park opened the scoring for City, before goals from Jill Roord and Khadija Shaw managed to get the job done in south London. After losing the title on goal difference last season, City have set out on the right foot if they are looking to contend once again in the WSL.

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