Sky Sports delivered a comprehensive recap of Sunday’s Women's Super League fixtures, highlighting Chelsea’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village – the first win of the season for the Blues and a harsh introduction for United’s new manager Eva Olid. Both sides had failed to secure points during the opening weekend, but the match quickly turned into a showcase of Chelsea’s attacking prowess and United’s defensive frailties. From the first whistle, Chelsea imposed their rhythm, creating chances and testing United’s back line. The opening goal arrived courtesy of Sjoeke Nusken, who capitalised on a well‑timed pass and finished cleanly inside the box.
The momentum continued when England midfielder Keira Walsh, renowned for her vision and technical skill, unleashed a beautifully struck drive from the edge of the area that left United’s goalkeeper scrambling. By halftime, the scoreline read 2-0, and the Blues were already cruising toward a comfortable lead.
The second half saw Chelsea maintain their dominance, adding three more goals in quick succession. Lauren James, who was later named player of the match, extended the lead in the 61st minute with a composed finish after a swift counter‑attack. Just four minutes later, Ellie Carpenter, the versatile Australian full‑back, arrived late into the box and tapped in a low shot that further demoralised the United side. The final nail in the coffin came in stoppage time when veteran Lucy Bronze, a stalwart of both club and country, slotted home a simple tap‑in after a cross was deflected, sealing a 5-0 rout.
United’s quest for their inaugural league win continues, with a daunting away fixture against Arsenal looming on Saturday. The loss underscores the challenges Olid faces as she attempts to instil a new tactical identity while the squad adapts to her demands. In other WSL action, Manchester City remained the sole unbeaten side after a convincing 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa.
Villa had impressed in the opening weekend, holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw, but their resilience unraveled early in this encounter. A mis‑judged corner by Akane Okuma allowed defender Jade Rose to head home the opening goal for City within the first 14 minutes.
Mary Fowler then doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Although Villa fought back, Amalie Vangsgaard’s debut goal just before halftime reduced the deficit, offering a glimmer of hope. The second half saw Villa create a few chances, including a shot that struck the post, but Khadija “Bunny” Shaw displayed clinical finishing with a deft dinked finish after winning the ball high up the pitch.
Lauren Hemp, who celebrated her 100th goal involvement by assisting Shaw, later added a fourth goal in stoppage time. Her shot deflected off Mathilde Harviken before finding the far corner, cementing City’s 4-1 victory and extending their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, newly‑promoted Crystal Palace earned a valuable point at the Emirates, holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw thanks to an inspired performance from French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud‑Magnin.
Arsenal dominated possession, registering 30 attempts with nine on target, yet they could not breach the Palace defense. The most promising chance fell to England striker Alessia Russo, whose powerful left‑wing cross was met by a well‑placed header that sailed over the bar, leaving the visitors frustrated.
Brighton staged a dramatic comeback against fellow promoted side Birmingham, salvaging a 2-2 draw after trailing by two goals. Birmingham had taken a 2-0 lead by the 60th minute through goals from Oceane Hurtre and Lily Crosthwaite. Brighton applied relentless pressure, and despite goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley’s string of saves, Birmingham’s defence faltered in the closing stages. Olivia Garcia seized the moment, reacting quickest to a rebound and pulling one back.
Ten minutes later, Kiko Seike struck from a tight angle, slipping the ball beneath Baggaley to secure a point for the Seagulls. Charlton Athletic endured a difficult night at Goodison Park, reduced to nine players after a series of disciplinary setbacks and ultimately succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against Everton.
After an early 4-0 loss to Liverpool, Charlton showed improvement but were undone by a late own‑goal from Leighanne Robe, forced by a cross from Holly McNamara. The match saw Ashleigh Neville receive a straight red card for a high challenge on Ruby Mace, and Hawa Cissoko pick up two yellows in quick succession, leaving Charlton with just nine men on the field at the final whistle. The result leaves the newly promoted side second from bottom, narrowly ahead of Manchester United on goal difference. At the Totally Wicked Stadium, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
Tottenham took the lead just before half‑time when Signe Gaupset delivered a cross that deflected off Sam Kerr and looped over Liverpool goalkeeper Khiara Keating. Liverpool responded in the second half, with Aurelie Csillag heading in a near‑post finish to level the score shortly after the hour mark. Both teams continued to press for a winner, but the match ended in a stalemate, leaving Liverpool frustrated but still unbeaten. Overall, the second round of WSL fixtures delivered a mix of dominant performances, hard‑earned draws, and dramatic comebacks, setting the stage for an increasingly competitive season as teams vie for supremacy and survival.