WSL matchday 13 round-up: Arsenal beat Man City, Chelsea’s ‘lucky’ win, Man United reclaim second | OneFootball

Chelsea find a way to win, Arsenal beat rivals Man City and Man United sit second after another clean sheet.

Here are the talking points from the weekend’s Women’s Super League matches…

City’s turbulent week ends in more frustration [Man City 3-4 Arsenal]

Manchester City’s nightmare week went from bad to worse as they fell to Arsenal in a chaotic, high-scoring clash. After the off-field drama surrounding Chloe Kelly’s controversial loan move to the Gunners, City needed a statement performance. Instead, they were exposed again defensively and let a crucial result slip away. Twice they fought back from behind, only to concede again within minutes. Even the return of Bunny Shaw could not turn the tide.

City’s defensive frailties and slow starts are costing them. With Chelsea running away at the top, the focus is now on securing Champions League football. Gareth Taylor’s side must regroup quickly – this season is far from over, but momentum is slipping fast.

Champions find a way to win as Villa delivered ‘cruel’ blow [Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea]

Aston Villa came agonisingly close to disrupting Chelsea’s relentless title charge, only for an unfortunate late own goal to hand the Blues another three points. Sarah Mayling’s misfortune denied Natalia Arroyo a dream start as Villa boss, after her side had pushed the champions to their limits at Villa Park. Villa boss Arroyo said the result was “cruel” and a harsh “welcome to the league”.

It was a frustratingly familiar story for Chelsea’s rivals, on a day when they were below their best, but still found a way to win. Sonia Bompastor admitted it was a “lucky” result, but the league leaders’ ability to grind out victories is what separates them from the chasing pack.

For Villa, there are plenty of positives. Their transformation under Arroyo and Shaun Goater before her is evident, and this was arguably their best performance of the season. Still, moral victories will not keep them safe and their upcoming clash with Leicester now feels like a must-win.

United’s winning mentality keeps them in the title conversation [Spurs 0-1 Man United]

Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Tottenham was not flashy, but it was the mark of a team learning how to get results when it matters. Elisabeth Terland’s early volley proved decisive, and while United had chances to extend their lead, their defensive resilience was just as impressive, as it has been all season. Phallon Tullis-Joyce kept another clean sheet, her ninth of the season, with United’s backline proving why they now boast the league’s tightest defence.

This was their fifth consecutive win, a run that has quietly propelled them into second place. While Chelsea remain seven points clear at the top, United’s form suggests they are the most consistent challengers. Last season, they often dropped points in tight games – this time, they’re grinding out victories. Spurs had been in strong form but barely troubled United who managed the game smartly. If Marc Skinner’s side can keep this momentum, the title race may not be over just yet.

Everton find their rhythm as Leiecester’s worries deepen [Everton 4-1 Leicester]

Everton’s dominant 4-1 win over Leicester City showed a team growing in confidence, while their opponents slipped further into relegation danger. January signing Kelly Gago was the star, netting twice in her first WSL goals for the club, as the Toffees pulled away in the second half.

Leicester had reason for optimism after their win over Liverpool last week, but had no response to Everton’s resurgence after half-time. With just two league wins all season and Palace creeping closer, the Foxes are running out of breathing room.

For Everton, back-to-back wins in league and cup signal a turning point. They now sit comfortably in mid-table, and Gago’s arrival has added an extra edge to their attack. With momentum on their side, the Toffees may start looking up the table rather than over their shoulders.

Liverpool steady the ship as West Ham sink deeper [Liverpool 1-0 West Ham]

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over West Ham may not have been as emphatic as their 5-0 FA Cup thrashing midweek, but it was just as important. Leanne Kiernan’s first-half strike secured back-to-back home wins for the first time this season, moving Matt Beard’s side comfortably away from the relegation conversation.

West Ham were restricted to zero shots on target and alarm bells might be ringing. With just six points separating them from bottom-placed Crystal Palace, and tough games against Arsenal and Manchester City ahead, their season could be at risk of spiraling and they might find themselves in a relegation scrap.

Frustration for both sides as Brighton see red and Palace pay for errors [Brighton 1-1 Crystal Palace]

After an early Palace own goal, Brighton looked set for a much-needed win until Maisie Symonds’ controversial red card, on her birthday no less. They conceded a late equaliser that extended their winless run to five games.

For Palace, this was another example of self-sabotage. The league’s worst defence gifted Brighton the opener with a calamitous own goal, and though they rescued a point late on, draws will not be enough to escape relegation. With five points separating them from safety, survival is looking increasingly difficult.