WSL roundup - gameweek 15
The WSL signed off for the February international break in style over the weekend as gameweek 15 was added to the 2021/22 season.
Chelsea and Arsenal opened things up on Friday night with a titanic top of the table battle, while Manchester City and Manchester United also went head to head, and there were important matches for the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Leicester.
Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
Things stayed as they were at the top of the table after the sell-out clash between reigning champions Chelsea and current leaders Arsenal, with the latter still two points ahead but having played a game more.
There was ultimately nothing to separate them over 90 minutes but both sides had chances to win it during an action packed contest that offered entertainment belying the score-line. Both could have snatched it late on when Millie Bright cleared an Arsenal scramble off the line, while Leah Williamson had her heart in her mouth when the ball struck her outstretched arm in the penalty area, only for the referee to let her off.
- Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as top-of-the-table WSL clash finishes goalless
- Emma Hayes insists Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty in Arsenal draw
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
A late winner from Caroline Weir handed Manchester City local bragging rights against Manchester United, as well as shrinking the gap between the two clubs in the ongoing race for the WSL's third Champions League place.
Weir came off the bench to chip United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps from distance. But City dominated possession and had other chances to score throughout the match.
Everton 0-2 Aston Villa
Things went from bad to worse for manager-less Everton, who have slipped to 11th place in the table as a result of their eighth defeat in 13 WSL games this season. For Aston Villa, meanwhile, it was just a third league win since the start of October.
First half goals from Emily Gielnik and Ramona Petzelberger won it, with Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton also in fine form to contribute a clean sheet to the victory.
Birmingham 0-2 Tottenham
Tottenham moved back into the WSL's Champions League places thanks to second half goals from Ashleigh Neville and Ria Percival securing their away win over bottom club Birmingham.
Spurs are proving their credentials as a top three contender and are actually now just four points off leaders and north London rivals Arsenal as a result. Birmingham, meanwhile, are seven points adrift of safety and look increasingly condemned to relegation.
Brighton 4-1 Reading
Reading's incredible unbeaten streak finally came to an end as Brighton turned on the style. Kayleigh Green put the Seagulls ahead in the first half and went on to complete an impressive hat-trick with an hour gone.
Emma Koivisto got Brighton's fourth of the day, with Amalie Eikeland only able to pull back a late consolation for the Royals, who have suddenly lost ground in the top three race.
Leicester 3-0 West Ham
Leicester enjoyed their best WSL win of the season so far as they emerged victorious over a West Ham side that most other clubs have been unable to beat.
The damage was done early when Natasha Flint and Ashleigh Plumptre both scored for the Foxes inside the opening 10 minutes. January signing Freya Gregory sealed the result early in the second half, moving Leicester into 10th place and eight points clear of the drop zone.
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