WSL: Stunning Arsenal comeback as Liverpool bemoan error

Here is our weekly Women’s Super League round-up to help you catch up the key events from matchday three.

Russo saves Arsenal from worst ever start

Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Arsenal were moments away from an unwanted record against Aston Villa on Sunday, as they stared down the barrel of starting a season with three consecutive defeats for the first time ever.

With the game in injury time, Katie McCabe took the bull by horns and equalised in the 92nd minute. Moments later, Alessia Russo snatched the points from Villa’s hands with a last second winner. What a way for the England striker to open her account for the Gunners.

Scoring her first #BarclaysWSL goal for @ArsenalWFC!

Russo is up and running 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TXP0NbylIj

— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 15, 2023

Everton maintain Merseyside Derby stranglehold amid controversy

Liverpool 0-1 Everton

This encounter almost got off to the perfect start for Liverpool when Missy Bo Kearns put the ball in the net, but it was flagged for offside. Replays suggested the striker was being kept onside by Heather Payne, an “embarrassing” mistake on the part of the match officials, according to Reds manager Matt Beard.

Kerry Holland won the ball off the Everton defence before smashing her effort off the crossbar in the sixth minute. Courtney Brosnan got her fingertips on the ball to keep the Toffees hanging on.

That save proved to be a crucial point in the derby, as captain Megan Finnigan scored the only goal of the game 25 minutes later. The centre-back was afforded an acre of space in the box as she headed home from a corner.

Megan Finnigan LOVES scoring in Merseyside derbies! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/msrR9jdsVi

— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) October 15, 2023

Liverpool had their chances to equalise, but they could not break down a staunch Everton defence in front of a sizeable Anfield crowd. It is their first win of the campaign, but they have now won each of their three visits to the ground in the WSL.

Man Utd squander chances as Le Tissier rescues point

Man Utd 1-1 Leicester City

Manchester United created chance after chance after chance, particularly in the first half, of their clash with Leicester City at the weekend. They ended up with 20 shots on goal, and smashed the ball off the underside of the crossbar at one point. But it was the Foxes who took the lead.

Aileen Whelan was left unmarked at the back post at a corner as she scored right on the hour mark. Leicester boasted a 100 percent record before Sunday’s game, but this was completely against the run of play.

Maya Le Tissier responded quickly, equalising just seven minutes later. The England defender’s goal also came from a corner, directing the ball into the far side netting with a perfect header as she ran towards the near post.

United remain unbeaten, but this should have been three points on the board. They have just one win under their belts after three games, but they are only two points off league leaders Man City.

Only goal difference separates Leicester from first and second. Last season they were undeniably one of the worst teams in the WSL, but their start to the campaign has been surprisingly outstanding.

WSL results from matchday 3:

Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Brighton 1-3 Spurs

Chelsea 2-0 West Ham

Liverpool 0-1 Everton

Man City 5-0 Bristol City

Man Utd 1-1 Leicester City

Read – Norwich send powerful message, non-league manager destroys his own players