The frustration among Manchester United fans at full-time was evident at Leigh Sports Village after they had watched their team being thrashed 5-0 by a rampant Chelsea. There are certainly things to be worried about, but perhaps judging United’s new manager, Eva Olid, on the basis of how they performed against Sonia Bompastor’s established side is a little premature. The likelihood of United taking three points was always slim, despite the false hope after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last weekend.
Chelsea have not been an easy opponent for the Red Devils, who have lost three WSL games by more than three goals, all against Chelsea. Having had three weeks with her side, Olid had a harsh WSL baptism with losses to London City Lionesses and Chelsea. United face Arsenal next.
Suzanne Wrack Match report: Manchester United 0-5 Chelsea There was a strong sense of deja vu at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal’s annual early season woes continued with goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. For much of the game, it felt like they were re-winding the tape from seasons gone by, frustrated by resolute defensive visitors and their own lack of clinical finishing. Arsenal dominated every attacking metric – they had 79% possession, created 30 shots (nine on target) and recorded 70 touches in the Eagles’ area.
The Gunners hit the woodwork twice, wasted golden opportunities and were denied by a standout performance from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, who made eight saves. Arsenal’s title tilt last season was ended by six draws and they will have to improve on that if they are to challenge this season. Sophie Downey WSL roundup: Arsenal rue misses in Palace draw After beating Manchester United last time out, London City Lionesses were brought back down to earth by an inspired West Ham to suffer their first defeat of the campaign.
West Ham put in a performance that caught the eye for their own qualities as well as highlighting the early frailties of Eder Maestre’s team. If you were to just glance at the stats, you would think the visitors dominated, but it felt anything like that at Dagenham: Rita Guarino, the Hammers manager, set up her team perfectly. The burgeoning midfield relationship between Katie Zelem and Saki Kumagai nullified the threat of Alexia Putellas and Rosa Kafaji, Riko Ueki swept everything up in front of them, while the combined transitional threat of Viviane Asseyi and Kelly Gago had London City’s right side teetering.
West Ham’s French duo found their touch in front of goal after precise counterattacking moves to secure a first win of the new season. SD Match report: West Ham 2-1 London City Lionesses Two games, four points and frustration that it is not all six: Liverpool have come a long way in a year. Last season, it took them until 25 January to earn a win and that win came against their opponents on Sunday, Tottenham, a similarly resurgent side who are possibly a few steps further ahead in their project.
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