Soccer (FIFA)
fromwww.bbc.com
1 day ago'Free' Smith provides spark for Arsenal
Olivia Smith scored a brilliant long-range goal, showed full fitness after recent injury, was named player of the match and helped Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1.
Much has been said about Liverpool's performances this season, but Cornelia Kapocs really seems to have grown into her role at Anfield. Liverpool have scored few goals this season, under the bright lights of Anfield, it would have been easy to seize up, but Kapocs stepped up. She headed home from a lovely, teasing cross by Ceri Holland and showed why she is such a nascent youngster in this Liverpool team.
With the WSL expanding to 14 teams in 2026-27, the bottom side will play the third-placed finisher in WSL2 for a top-flight spot next year. But that will be of little comfort for two teams who, despite their status and history, look ill-equipped for this campaign. While their records are similarly unimpressive, the reasons for their struggles differ. Two-time top-flight champions Liverpool's problems lie primarily in attack, while West Ham have defensive woes too.