WSL roundup: Everything that happened on matchday three

It was another dramatic week in the WSL with stoppage time goals a theme for the weekend fixtures.

Last weekend, yellow cards - and Alex Greenwood's bizarre dismissal - were the topic of discussion. This time, all eyes were on Beth Mead as she stepped back on a pitch for the first time in 11 months, while last ditch goals contributed to wins for Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Leicester City's unbeaten run continued, sharing points at Leigh Sports Village. But Aston Villa and Bristol's searches for a first win continues. There was even a Merseyside derby betweeen Liverpool and Everton played in front of 23,088 people at Anfield.

Chelsea 2 - 0 West Ham

Sam Kerr's first goal of the season helped reigning champions Chelsea defeat West Ham. Having had an earlier goal ruled out for offside, Kerr broke the deadlock in the 36th minute to kick the Blues out of a sluggish start. West Ham succeeded in frustrating the hosts but were unable to capitalise on their chances. Fran Kirby impressed after earning her first Chelsea start in eight months - she had suffered a knee injury that prematurely ended her 2022/23 and ruled her out of the World Cup.

Substitute Erin Cuthbert made sure of all three points for Chelsea in the first minute of stoppage time, with her low shot netting home past Mackenzie Arnold. The victory extends six-time WSL champions Chelsea's stellar home run, with this their 17th successive win in the competition.

As a result of this victory and other results, Chelsea finished the weekend top of the table on goal difference ahead of Manchester City and Leicester. But West Ham dropped to ninth.

Man Utd 1 -1 Leicester

Manchester United and Leicester City continued their unbeaten streaks, sharing points at Leigh Sports Village. Whilst United would be disappointed not to claim all three in the circumstances, it is a big result for Willie Kirk's Foxes in their quest to kick on after again escaping relegation last season.

It was a stalemate in the first half before Aileen Whelan snatched the lead, turning home at the back post. Maya Le Tissier responded quickly and equalised for the hosts. Both goals came from well worked set-pieces. United were struck with an early setback as Gabby George was subbed off with a potentially serious knee injury but the defence managed to hold off against a calculated Leicester.

Leicester actually stayed ahead of United, who are sixth after one win from three games.

Man City 5- 0 Bristol City

Manchester City thrashed Bristol City after five headed goals all in the first half derailed the newly promoted Robins attempt to claim their first points. Braces from Bunny Shaw and Jill Roord, along with Laia Aleixandri's first WSL goal, fired City into the top two, second only by goal difference.

A rough drubbing for Arsenal's Kaylan Markese, on loan at Bristol City who struggled immensely between the sticks. With only 19% possession and two shots- just one on target- it was a tough day for manager Lauren Smith, who will now need to rethink her plans. Bristol City remain win-less in their first campaign back in the WSL, with another tought match against Arsenal on the horizon.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Aston Villa

Beth Mead's long awaited return to the pitch ignited the Gunners to claw back a win over Aston Villa.
Carla Ward's visiting side took an early lead at the Emirates Stadium through Maz Pacheco, converting Lucy Staniforth's corner. Looking like it would be yet another defeat for Arsenal, fans and players were overjoyed to see Mead subbed on in the 88th minute after being abscent from football for 11 months following an ACL injury she suffered last November.

Facing 12 minutes of stoppage time, Mead's presence spurred the Gunners on to seal a dramatic victory. Katie McCabe equalised in the 92nd minute, before Mead assisted Alessia Russo in scoring the winner in the 94th minute - her first WSL goal for her new team. With their first domestic win of the season, Arsenal climb to seventh whilst Aston Villa, losing all three games, are point-less in 11th.

Brighton 1- 3 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to snatch all three points after on-loan Grace Clinton's wonder strike stunned the Amex Stadium.

Brighton's Elisabeth Terland continued her stellar form, scoring in the opening minutes of the game for the hosts. But Spurs responded quickly, levelling through Martha Thomas' quick thinking and reactivity on the stoke of half-time. But it was Clinton who stole the show, her stunning effort from 30 yards crashing into the back of the net to put the visitors ahead. Ria Percival wrapped it up in stoppage time, netting late to secure all three points in their second successive win this season.

Tottenham are feeling the effects of new manager bounce, soaring to fourth on the table whilst Brighton, losing both their home games so far, sit ninth.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Everton

Everton earned a hard-fought victory over Liverpool to continue their stellar run in the Merseyside derby. Toffees captain Megan Finnigan scored a first half header. The hosts, who had won their opening two matches against Arsenal and Aston Villa, conceded for the first time in the league this season.

Liverpool have lost all three times they have welcomed Everton to Anfield in the WSL. Yet the Reds had a goal in the first half from Missy Bo Kearns that was controversially ruled out for offside. Earning a well-deserved victory Brian Sorensen's side showed composure to hang on to their 31st minute lead despite a rigorous attack from Liverpool.

Liverpool slip to fifth after dropping their first points of 2023/24, with Everton up to eighth.

2023/24 WSL table after matchday three

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