City blow however financial institution on extra identify twists
Manchester City had been left ruining overlooked probabilities after Arsenal’s punchy second-half comeback from a target all the way down to win 2-1. “The first half was some of the best stuff we’ve played,” mentioned City’s supervisor, Gareth Taylor, after his aspect failed to complete off an exhausted and depleted Arsenal. “We should have had more than the 1-0 at half-time, but we said if 1-0 has to be enough then make it be enough.” Taylor insisted there can be “a few more twists and turns” within the identify race, with City and Arsenal nonetheless to play Manchester United, and Chelsea internet hosting Arsenal at Kingsmeadow, however City’s hopes of a primary league identify since 2016 had been dealt a large blow. SW
Blues dig deep to cruise at Villa
If there used to be a sport to check Chelsea’s league credentials, Sunday at Aston Villa used to be it. Usually fixtures between the highest 3 or 4 groups make a decision the vacation spot of the identify, however after Chelsea had long gone via 120 mins and a shootout towards Lyon on Thursday to development to the Champions League semi-finals Villa perceived to provide an actual drawback. Instead, the Blues dispatched the house aspect, who had no longer misplaced or failed to attain since January 26, conveniently. Goals from Jelena Cankovic and Guro Reiten within the first 1/2 had been added to via Sam Kerr in taste in the second one. “We’ve played so many games with such high intensity,” Reiten mentioned. “We have injured players, players struggling with bits and pieces, but somehow we managed to rock up with this performance.” SW
Leicester proceed nice break out
Twelve mins of damage time. A winner midway via them. Leicester’s fit towards relegation opponents Reading had all of it. Willie Kirk used to be filled with reward for his aspect’s personality with this 2-1 victory a transparent signal in their development. Previously, as soon as pegged again they’d have capitulated, however on Sunday they confirmed resilience and located some way. Their dominance used to be transparent: they managed ownership and created 19 alternatives to Reading’s 9. Chances had been falling their approach in fresh weeks, however a failure to capitalize has proved an issue. It gave the impression to be a identical tale with Reading’s target dwelling a blessed lifestyles for far of the fit. However, the 19-year-old Carrie Jones made it rely when it mattered maximum. Off the ground for the primary time, Leicester perceived to have the momentum heading into the run-in. SD
Galton shines as United stay most sensible
Marc Skinner reserved further reward for the spectacular Leah Galton after Manchester United’s 4-0 victory over Brighton. “She’s one of the best left-sided players I’ve ever worked with and I’ve worked with Marta at Orlando,” he mentioned. “Now I see much more expansion in her and she or he does all of the arduous paintings at the defensive aspect. She’s in reality just right within the air and has that talent to overcome any one one v one.” The English winger’s performance on Saturday was eye-catching, with her pace and tenacity stretching the backline. She scored her seventh and eighth goals of the season, her second the key turning point in an edgy encounter. It was a goal that encapsulated Galton – her turn of pace, vision and fine finishing producing a moment of magic. The win ensured United remain top, in prime position for a fascinating WSL conclusion. SD
Hammers win point remain goal-shy
West Ham ended their losing streak in the WSL, but all is not positive after their 0-0 home draw against Liverpool. The last time the Hammers had picked up a point was in their 0–0 draw with Arsenal on 5 February. They have since lost to Reading, Aston Villa and Manchester United (as well as to Chelsea and Villa again in the cups). The point means they maintain seventh place, but while the club is moving in the right direction, the stats are not all good. They have not scored in seven of their 17 league fixtures. That is one fewer than the number of games they did not score in all 22 WSL fixtures last season. SR
Beever-Jones rewarded for taking risks
Aggie Beever-Jones sent the Everton home crowd into raptures after she scored in the fourth minute of added time to secure a 2–1 victory over Tottenham. Elise Stenevik put in a long-range pass that was well read by Beever-Jones, who took five touches and then punted toward goal. Spurs’ Amy Turner and Angharad James did their best to close down the chance, but they came together and the ball took a deflection to take it away from the goalkeeper, Rebecca Spencer. Beever-Jones’s attempt was on target and so it was awarded to the forward. Everton’s manager, Brian Sørensen, said: “I told her [Beever-Jones] just before we went into stoppage time to start taking chances, start to dribble a bit more, because one thing she needs to work on is being smart and understanding how to deal with the pressure around her. But she also needs to take chances, needs to take risks, so I got that message to her and she started to do that. , SR