Chelsea panicked, Manchester derby without a winner

There was a big crowd for this Sunday’s Manchester derby, which ended in a draw between City and United. The cold also played its part this weekend, causing two matches to be postponed. Chelsea stay top after less-than-expected success against Reading…

It’s a sign that the winter break is fast approaching for FA WSL players as snow has fallen on some of England’s pitches. Brighton v Everton and Liverpool v Leicester were postponed due to weather, while snow accompanied Chelsea and Reading on Sunday at the end of this tenth day.

Reading had time to believe it

“Blues” also had a great start to this period and Fran Kirby opened the scoring with a quick free kick (17).^e). The move appears to have been fouled by offside, but the goal is well established. It was Jelena Cankovic’s double (29^e and 33^e), widening the seemingly comfortable gap for Emma Hayes’ players.

However, in the second half, Reading managed to halve the deficit with consecutive goals from Sanne Troelsgaard (60).^e) and Amalie Eikeland (62^e). Even if it was Chelsea who looked the closest to scoring a new goal late in the game, the game restarted in the last half hour.

A simple fear for the Blues who continue to lead the FA WSL standings, always a game ahead of their direct rivals. Among them, “Manchester United” moved to the lawn of its neighbor “Manchester City”. A derby usually used by the city’s men’s team on the Etihad Stadium lawn.

Manchester derby makes money

The crowd was at the meeting, 44,259 tickets were issued for the meeting. There were probably fewer spectators in the bays, given the empty seats in the stands, but it was only the third time this season that an FA WSL match had passed the 40,000 mark. A further sign of the enthusiasm of the English public after the Euros won by the British Lions at home.

On the ground, it was Manchester United who took the lead in what was initially a close game. It was Leah Galton who led the Red Devils into the lead after a move from the left wing with Ella Toone (27).^e). Manchester City react, but Lauren Hamp’s first shots (27^e) or Dayna Castellanos (29^e) was well captured by Mary Earps.

Manchester City finally got back on level terms in the second half when Laura Coombs headed in Chloe Kelly’s cross (58).^e). Even though Ellie Roebuck had to make a crucial save in the City goals to deny Martha Thomas another goal in the Red Devils’ favour, the scores remained level (80).^e).

This draw (1-1) does not help either team, Manchester United (3^e) to “Chelsea” (1^er) and Arsenal (2^e), and Manchester City (4^e) missed the opportunity to return to the podium. Despite their late match against Chelsea, Manchester United are no longer de facto leaders of the FA WSL, unlike Arsenal, who are currently level with the Blues.

Arsenal are first linked with Hawa Cissoko

The Gunners had to bounce back against Aston Villa (1-4) this Sunday, but they won. Kirsty Hanson, well served by Kenza Daly, opened the scoring for the Birmingham players with a superb cross from the left (6).^e). The break is only temporary as Katie McCabe instigates Rachel Corsie’s own goal (26).^e), before Vivianne Miedema put Arsenal ahead from a corner (30^e).

Jonas Eideval players Katie McCabe (62^e), followed by Jordan Nobbs (84^e) will secure Arsenal’s victory in this second move. Therefore, “Arsenal” is three points behind “Chelsea” and one game behind the leaders. A situation that worries most of the FA’s WSL clubs, as only Chelsea, West Ham and Reading have played their ten scheduled matches since the start of the season.

West Ham also won at Tottenham (0-2) to finish the year in fifth place. The London derby was won mainly thanks to Dagny Brynjarsdottir’s new goal. The Icelandic national team misses a penalty before the break (45 + 2), without opening the score after the break (48).^e).

West Ham’s success was finally secured at the end of the match by Hawa Cissoko’s first goal in the English league (84).^e). The French defender was on the receiving end of a goal against the Hammers, assisted by fellow tricolor international Viviane Asseyi.

Photo: Manchester United FC

FA WSL (2022/2023) – 10 results^e during the day

“Manchester City” – “Manchester United”: 1-1

Tottenham Hotspur – West Ham United : 0-2

Liverpool – Leicester City: postponed

Brighton & Hove Albion – Everton: postponed

Aston Villa – Arsenal : 1-4

Chelsea – Reading: 3-2

=> You can find the FA WSL rankings on our website English league page