There were many interesting talking points from the dramatic stalemate between Arsenal and Chelsea Alyssa Thompson's stunning goal for the Blues, the impressive defensive performance of Lotte Wubben-Moy, the 56,537-strong crowd, Chelsea's choice of a back four over a back five, Arsenal's decision not to play with a natural No 6 but, disappointingly, it is the quality of the officiating that has and will dominate.
Arsenal v Chelsea is a biggie at the best of times, never mind when it's the champions of Europe vs the champions of England and both teams unashamedly cover their neighbour's titles. It's a bigger game for Arsenal, whose hopes of winning the WSL title will be imperilled should they lose today. They're already five points behind Chelsea after seven games; and while that is largely down to a tough run of fixtures, they can't afford the gap to widen to eight points.
It means different things at different stages. The older I get, the more I think about the importance of joy within it, especially when it's your job. You have to always deal with the realities of trying to get a result every week. Enjoy it. That's the reason you loved it, it's the reason you grew up playing, it's the reason you coach. Joy is what it means to me.
Ho has managed to adjust the quickest to enhancing the capabilities and covering the frailties of his new team. The 35-year-old is known to be an astute tactician and has openly spoken about his desire for his team to play on the front foot and express themselves. Against Liverpool, Olivia Holdt and Drew Spence enjoyed the freedom to roam and find the pockets from which to pull the strings, supported by the marauding runs of Amanda Nilden and Jess Naz.
I don't think doctors would have ever predicted - or anyone would ever predict - that your national goalkeeper has got no depth perception and was born with a squint. I don't think that would have ever come into people's minds that it would be possible. But I think I've just always tried to prove doctors wrong from the get-go when they said that I'm not allowed to play professional sports, and I just wanted to do what made me happy and put the smile on my face.
Investment in the women's game has provided more resources for expert analysts, higher-quality video footage and better scouting networks. It means Asian talent is being scouted on a regular basis and the visibility of Japanese players, in particular, is putting them on the radar of the WSL's top clubs. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2023 Women's World Cup, Hinata Miyazawa joined Manchester United, while talented youngster Maika Hamano had bagged a move to WSL champions Chelsea a few months earlier.
It could take 1m London City Lionesses signing Grace Geyoro until December before she is up to speed in the Women's Super League, says manager Jocelyn Precheur. France midfielder Geyoro joined the newly promoted Lionesses on transfer deadline day on 4 September. Geyoro has yet to register a goal or assist in four games for the Lionesses, who have six points from five league matches. "We knew it would need two or three months for her to be totally ready
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.
Liverpool's nightmare start under Gareth Taylor in the Women's Super League continued after they lost 1-0 at newly promoted London City Lionesses. Ex- Manchester City boss Taylor had tasted defeat in his opening three league fixtures as the Reds' head coach, but looked on course for a point until Liverpool-born Nikita Parris won a spot-kick after being brought down by goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe.
He will be looking ahead to Saturday's four Premier League fixtures, from the lunchtime kick-off of Leeds v Tottenham to the late afternoon game of the weekend, Chelsea v Liverpool. There'll be team news and breaking stories and any washup from Friday night's Bournemouth v Fulham game and the Championship blockbuster Wrexham v Birmingham. Elsewhere in the Championship, Stoke, making headway under Mark Robins, face Blackburn, who were beaten in midweek by Swansea,
The Women's Super League table is set to undergo some major changes as the top six sides all face one another. Manchester United and Chelsea will kick off matchday five as the top two sides in the top-flight go head-to-head at Progress with Unity Stadium. Manchester City will then look to extend their three-match winning run on Saturday as they face Arsenal, who sit fifth, having drawn their last two league games.
After making herself a household name this summer and being handed the No 9 shirt at Brighton, Michelle Agyemang must have felt a little pressure to build consistent performances across 90 minutes. A series of bright displays have impressed so far but she had little to show for it from the first three games in terms of scoring. Her winner against Everton this weekend, therefore, would have come as a huge relief.
The latest instalment of the 2025-26 Women's Super League season is upon us, with matchday three offering intriguing battles at both ends of the table. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham remain the only sides to maintain their perfect starts to the campaign, while the London City Lionesses, West Ham United and Liverpool are still without a point to their name.
