Women's Super League: Liverpool Stumbles, Manchester City Leads
Women's Super League: Liverpool Stumbles, Manchester City Leads
Liverpool's promising beginning in the Women's Super League season faced a sudden setback as Everton clinched a 1-0 victory in the high-stakes Merseyside derby at Anfield. Meanwhile, Manchester City's dominant 5-0 triumph over Bristol City propelled them to the top of the league standings.
Despite securing an opening-day win against Arsenal and a subsequent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, Liverpool's hopes were dashed as Everton's Megan Finnigan scored a decisive header from a corner in the 31st minute, leading to Liverpool's first league defeat of the season.
Manchester City's relentless performance against newly-promoted Bristol City saw them take charge of the league table with seven points, following an impressive five-goal spree in the opening 45 minutes. Jill Roord and Bunny Shaw each netted twice, while Laia Alexandri contributed the other goal.
Following their first victory of the season, Everton climbed to the eighth position with three points, trailing closely behind Arsenal, who secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Aston Villa with two goals in second-half stoppage time. Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo proved instrumental for the Gunners, with Russo's debut league goal in front of a fervent crowd at the Emirates Stadium.
Leicester City, tied on seven points with Manchester City, secured the second position on goal difference after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United, who sit at five points. Tottenham Hotspur rose to the fourth spot with six points after rallying from a goal down to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in an away match.
Defending champions Chelsea claimed the third position with seven points following a comfortable 2-0 home win over West Ham United, powered by goals from Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert.