Chelsea cruised to a comfortable win against West Ham United at Victoria Road, propelling them to the summit of the Women's Super League standings, even though they have played one match fewer than title‑holders Manchester City, who host Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. The London side had to exert themselves for the three points, and it was only eight minutes before the break that they finally found the back of the net.
Summer acquisition Melvine Malard, who arrived from Manchester United, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give the Blues a 1‑0 lead. After the interval, the Hammers continued to press and create chances, but Chelsea’s defence held firm. The decisive moment arrived with ten minutes left on the clock when England midfielder Keira Walsh struck from the edge of the box, netting her third league goal of the season and putting the game beyond doubt. A few minutes later, Maika Hamano added a second for the visitors, heading in from a far‑post cross with three minutes remaining.
The win extended Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the campaign and underscored their growing confidence under manager Sonia Bompastor. In a separate fixture, London City Lionesses demonstrated why they are serious contenders for the title, delivering a dominant 6‑1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spurs had entered the match unbeaten in the top flight, but the Lionesses ran riot from the first whistle. Spanish star Alexia Putellas opened the scoring just three minutes in, converting a rebound after Grave Geyoro’s long‑range effort was palmed away. Putellas added a second from a corner later in the half, after a well‑timed run by Danielle van de Donk created space for the striker.
The third goal came from a swift team move: Lucia Corrales crossed from the left, and Kadidiatou Diani slotted the ball home for her first WSL goal. The Lionesses’ attack continued to flow, and Diani doubled her tally shortly after the break when she finished off another cross, this time finding the net after goalkeeper Lize Kop’s clearance fell back to her. Tottenham managed a consolation through Victoria Pelova, who finished from a left‑wing cross by Julie Blakstad, but the damage was already done. Delphine Cascarino capped the night with a late strike, making it six for the Lionesses and cementing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Everton’s forward Ruby Mace responded to her omission from Sarina Wiegman's England squad with a brace in a 2‑1 triumph over Birmingham City. After Yuka Momiki’s effort struck the post, Mace pounced inside the box to restore Everton’s lead. The Blues had dominated the opening exchanges, with Mace and Maria Vignolia forcing Birmingham goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley into several early saves.
Birmingham’s Oceane Hurtre, however, reduced the deficit with a low finish after a swift breakaway, marking her fifth goal in as many WSL matches. The second half saw Everton cope with a serious injury to Zara Kramžar, while Birmingham pressed forward, even earning a penalty appeal that was waved away. Lily Crosthwaite’s curling effort from a promising position went wide, but Mace sealed the win with a spectacular long‑range strike that took a double deflection before finding the far corner.
The result leaves Birmingham winless since their promotion, sitting near the bottom of the table, while Everton climb back to fifth place, edging ahead of Merseyside rivals Liverpool after last week’s derby loss. Crystal Palace earned a valuable point at Villa Park thanks to a long‑range effort from Abbie Larkin, which levelled the score after Aston Villa’s Noelle Maritz had given the hosts an early second‑half lead.
Palace, under interim manager Brian Sorensen following the recent dismissal of Natalia Arroyo, were on the verge of their first win of the season, but Larkin’s precise strike ensured they walked away with a draw. Both teams created further chances: Villa substitute Georgia Mullet missed a close‑range effort, and Palace’s Shannon O'Brien failed to convert a clear opportunity in stoppage time. Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a crushing defeat to newly promoted Charlton Athletic, with Kiko Seike scoring a brace to secure a comfortable victory.
Charlton’s Cassandra Korhonen gave the visitors an early lead in the third minute, tapping in after her initial shot was saved. Brighton responded quickly, with Seike finishing a close‑range tap‑in after Olivia Garcia’s well‑timed pass. The Japanese winger then drove down the left flank, laying the ball off for Fran Kirby to tap home before the interval.
The second half saw Seike add a third goal, cementing Brighton’s dominance. Charlton’s hopes were further dented when Maisie Symonds’ cross found the back of the net in stoppage time, followed by a header from Gabriele George, sealing a 5‑1 scoreline.
Brighton’s comprehensive win highlighted the gap in quality between the established clubs and newcomers, while Charlton’s defensive frailties were exposed. Overall, the week’s fixtures provided a clear snapshot of the league’s hierarchy: Chelsea and Manchester City continue to lead the charge, London City Lionesses are asserting themselves as title challengers, and the battle for survival intensifies among the lower‑ranked sides. The upcoming matches promise further intrigue as teams vie for European spots, domestic glory, and the crucial points needed to avoid relegation.