Arsenal made it five consecutive wins in the Women’s Premier League and six in all competitions with a convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton.
Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a shot into the top left-hand corner of the net before Caitlin Foord doubled their advantage with 10 minutes to go in front of a record crowd of 4,921 at a sold-out Broadfield Stadium.
Frida Maanum sealed the three points in stoppage time with her first goal of the season after being teed up by Cloe Lacasse, leaving the second-placed Gunners three points behind leaders Chelsea in the table.
Bristol City twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with fellow strugglers Everton at Walton Hall Park.
Martina Piemonte put the hosts in front just five minutes into the contest but Amy Rodgers slammed home from inside the area just before the interval to bring the scores level.
Everton retook the lead in the 57th minute courtesy of Megan Finnigan and looked on course for only their second win of the WSL season when Amalie Thestrup dinked home from close range with eight minutes remaining to earn rock-bottom City a share of the spoils.
Tottenham extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a 1-1 draw against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester went ahead in the 18th minute when Janice Cayman received a pass from Hannah Cain before firing home but were pegged back when Celin Bizet latched onto a through ball and finished coolly.
Rachel Daly scored a brilliant stoppage-time winner as Aston Villa came out on top in a five-goal thriller to beat West Ham 3-2 and double their points tally for the campaign.
Viviane Asseyi’s penalty put West Ham a goal to the good but Villa turned the game on its head through Anna Patten and Adriana Leon.
West Ham thought they had snatched a point when Lisa Evans drilled home from outside the area with 10 minutes to go.
But, the decisive moment came two minutes into added time when England star Daly smashed into the top corner to snatch all three points for Villa.
Brian Sorensen was left “irritated and frustrated” after seeing his Everton side held to a 2-2 draw at home to fellow strugglers Bristol City in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Everton twice led in difficult conditions at Walton Hall Park, but were denied a first home win of the season as Amalie Thestrup struck eight minutes from time for Lauren Smith’s side.
“It’s very frustrating,” Sorensen said. “I think both goals were avoidable. It’s just about managing it better.
“We had enough chances to score more but right now I’m just a bit irritated and frustrated with the way they got in, and that we were not clinical enough to hurt them.
“That’s my feeling. It’s the luck we have at the moment, but it’s only up to us to get out of it by continuing to work hard.”
Everton were ahead early on as Martina Piemonte netted her first goal since her summer move from AC Milan, but Amy Rodgers levelled for the visitors in first-half stoppage time.
Megan Finnigan restored the home side’s lead after the break, only for Thestrup’s late strike to thwart Sorensen’s team.
“[Piemonte] was good today,” he said. “It was good that she got her first goal and hopefully she can get cracking on.
“It’s very frustrating that we had the chances to score more, but it was also tough conditions to play the game. It became scrappy and the ref made it more scrappy with some of the decisions.
“We’re disappointed, of course. We wanted more today but couldn’t get it.”
Smith, meanwhile, was left to reflect on a show of character from her City side.
“I think it was a pretty fair result,” she said. “When you look at the first 20 minutes, they were all over us, and in the last 20 minutes we were all over them, you’d say a draw is a fair result.
“I’m pretty pleased that we’ve come from behind twice, but there’s always a bit of you that thinks that when we’ve finished that strong, we want the win.
“These are the things you can take for granted sometimes. If you don’t have a team with character and belief, and confidence as well, you can really have problems, but that has never come into this group at all. It’s not a conversation we have.
“It’s the start of the season, and we are building and learning. We are really close to getting wins. We feel like the margins are quite small right now. It’s a ruthless league, and next week we might feel completely different, but right now it does feel like small margins.”
Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has described her breakthrough 2023-24 season to date as “surreal” as the 19-year-old prepares for Sunday’s historic derby at Old Trafford.
Having previously made only a handful of first-team appearances for City and had loan spells with AFC Fylde and Coventry United, Keating has played every minute for Gareth Taylor’s side in the Women’s Super League so far this term and also received a maiden call-up to the senior England squad.
She said: “I don’t think it was expected and I feel like just getting thrown in there was quite good.
“It’s been so surreal, I didn’t expect to come in and play so many games, especially against teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.
“You learn something new from every game and gain more experience the more you play, so it’s been good to get out there and get some minutes. The more you play the more confident you get.”
On her England experience, during which she was an unused substitute for a Nations League double-header against Belgium, she said: “It’s anyone’s dream if you’re from England to make it to the seniors.
“I feel like it was just, again, so surreal, but the girls were lovely. Training standards were so high and it was a great experience to just be around (that).”
It has not all been highs for Keating, who was among the WSL player of the month nominees for October after keeping three clean sheets – in City’s 2-1 loss at Arsenal on November 5, having saved a penalty, she saw a late mistake punished as Stina Blackstenius netted the hosts’ winner.
Regarding that game, she said: “I think it’s just things to take away. It was a mistake (and) in that moment I felt like the world was going to end!
“It’s one of those things, it’s football and it happens. The support from the girls, Gareth and the coaching staff around me was unreal, to bounce back and make sure I was ready for the next game.
“Everyone learns from their mistakes, and there’s things like ‘do I come out or do I stay’ since that I’ve reflected on. Next time the decision hopefully is better.”
Next on the agenda for City, beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton last weekend, is a landmark clash with Manchester United – the club Ardwick-born Keating was with from the age of six to 11 before moving on to City.
It will be the first WSL Manchester derby to be played at Old Trafford, and she said: “When you’re from Manchester and you know the history behind it, when you’re home-grown – it’s that little bit (more) special. I can’t wait and just hope we deliver on the day.”
It has been quite a journey from her United days as a child to facing them on Sunday for Keating, who added: “I don’t think when I was a kid I ever expected to get as far as I did, but I think I had the right people around me and the right coaches and friends.
“I’m here where I am now and I’m so grateful to be in the position I am and I think the only way is up now.”
At a time when diversity in the women’s game continues to be a considerable talking point, England’s October camp saw Keating express her happiness to have the opportunity to inspire people and be a role model.
And she said ahead of Sunday’s match: “It’s always an honour, and always at the back of your mind, that you’re inspiring anyone.
“I feel like the position where we (her and her City team-mates) are, we can inspire so many kids, and coming from an ethnic minority background – it just gives them the extra push to believe they can do it too.
“When I’m playing, I don’t really think (about it) but I feel like it’s just a bonus that I’m the first (goalkeeper from an ethnic minority background to play for City Women) and it shows what we’re doing as a club, that it is so diverse, and everyone gets a chance, no matter where you come from.”
Former England and Manchester City midfielder Jill Scott said she is “absolutely buzzing” at being inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame and seeing her name up alongside some of her heroes.
Scott joins former Lionesses team-mates Ellen White and Anita Asante as the third batch of players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was launched in 2021.
The 36-year-old retired from football in August 2022, capping off a glittering 18-year career by winning the European Championship crown with England at Wembley.
Previous years have seen the likes of Emma Hayes, Eni Aluko, Rachel Yankey and Fara Williams all inducted into the Hall of Fame and Scott described her pride at joining some of the most illustrious names in women’s football.
She said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be honest, over the years I’ve seen Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey, Karen Carney, players like that getting inducted in.
“Just to have your name alongside those fantastic players who over the years were my heroes really – even when we played in England together I would question why I was even with those players at times.
“Then the WSL, it’s been such a big part of my life. I’ve dedicated my life to it really, getting a result on the weekend was literally everything. It brings back so many good memories stacked into this little trophy. I’m really honoured.”
Scott began her career with her hometown side Sunderland before securing a move to Everton in 2006, where she won the FA Cup in 2010 and spent seven years with the Toffees.
The midfielder then moved to Manchester City and won the Continental Cup in her first season before going on to win a further six domestic trophies with the club, including the WSL title in 2016.
Scott finished her career with loan spells at Everton and Aston Villa and, a year after calling time on her playing days, reflected on the changes she has seen in the top flight of women’s football.
“When I look at the midfielders I used to play against, I played top league before it was WSL, when I was playing against the likes of Katie Chapman, Fara Williams and players like that, we used to have such battles,” she said.
“I think I then wanted to pass that baton on and bring in that competitiveness into the league. I hope that as players who previously played in the league we did that and showed how much it meant to play for our club, no matter who that was.
“You look at where the game is now, I think technically and tactically it’s probably one of the reasons I retired because the level has just gone through the roof! It’s just great to sit here and see where the league is now.”
Scott was at Everton when the Women’s Super League was launched in 2011 and admitted the sport is a “completely different ball game” to when she first started almost two decades ago.
“What I’ve liked about this Super League throughout the years is it’s followed the right process in getting better,” said Scott, who made 161 appearances for England – second only to Fara Williams – and scored 27 goals.
“There’s always going to be things that can still be better, that’s what everyone keeps pushing for, but for where it is now compared to 13 years ago it’s like a completely different ball game with everything.
“Like I say, I’m proud I got to play in this league for as many years as I did. Those battles, like when I knew we were playing Chelsea or Arsenal at the weekend I was just training – there was a massive buzz around and it was your life to play in those games.
“I miss that now but the fact I can turn on my TV or get a ticket, sometimes, and go to the stadium and watch it, it’s great that we have that access now.”
Chelsea shrugged aside the attention surrounding Emma Hayes’ impending departure with a 3-0 win at Everton to consolidate their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League.
Jessie Fleming’s opener was followed by goals from Sam Kerr and former Everton loanee Aggie Beever-Jones as the London side eased to victory over a spirited Toffees side who caused the champions plenty of first-half problems.
Chelsea, who were playing for the first time since the announcement last weekend that Hayes will step down at the end of the season after 12 years as manager, remained clear of the chasing pack as a result.
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That is due in part to a surprise defeat for Manchester City, who headed into the weekend in second place and three points adrift of the leaders.
Lee Geum-min returned to haunt her former club when she fired Brighton to a 1-0 win over Gareth Taylor’s team at the City Football Academy.
The South Korea international scored the game’s only goal nine minutes from time as title hopefuls City were made to pay for not making the most of their dominance and slipped to a second successive league defeat in the process.
Arsenal took over as Chelsea’s closest challengers after producing a second-half blitz to crush Leicester 6-2.
The Gunners trailed 2-0 at the break after Sam Tierney and Janice Cayman had struck within three minutes at the King Power Stadium.
However, second-half goals from Cloe Lacasse, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord, Victoria Pelova and substitutes Stina Blackstenuis and Lina Hurtig – four of them in the space of 12 minutes – saw Jonas Eidevall’s side hit back in devastating fashion to remain three points adrift of the leaders.
Manchester United are a further point back after routing West Ham 5-0 to leapfrog neighbours City.
United stunned the Hammers with a fast start and then killed them off with a late flurry as they surged to a victory in torrential rain at Leigh Sports Village.
First-half goals from Geyse, Millie Turner and Nikita Parris put the hosts in charge by the break, and late strikes from substitutes Lucia Garcia and Melvine Malard wrapped up a comprehensive triumph.
Sophie Roman Haug’s second-half header ensured Liverpool emerged from their trip to Tottenham with something to show for their efforts.
Celine Bizet Ildhusoy had fired the hosts ahead with a stunning solo effort at Brisbane Road, but the Norway striker levelled as the sides who started the day in third and fourth places respectively ended it with a 1-1 draw.
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Late goals from England international Rachel Daly and Ebony Salmon handed Aston Villa their first points of the season courtesy of a 2-0 victory at Bristol City.
In a game of few clear-cut chances between the division’s bottom two sides, Daly broke the deadlock with 14 minutes remaining before substitute Salmon struck four minutes from time to secure three priceless points which lifted Villa from the foot of the table on goal difference.
Chelsea shrugged aside the attention surrounding Emma Hayes’ impending departure with a 3-0 win at Everton to consolidate their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League.
Jessie Fleming’s opener was followed by goals from Sam Kerr and former Everton loanee Aggie Beever-Jones as the London side eased to victory over a spirited Toffees side who caused the champions plenty of first-half problems.
Chelsea, who were playing for the first time since the announcement last weekend that Hayes will step down at the end of the season after 12 years as manager, remained clear of the chasing pack as a result.
That is due in part to a surprise defeat for Manchester City, who headed into the weekend in second place and three points adrift of the leaders.
Lee Geum-min returned to haunt her former club when she fired Brighton to a 1-0 win over Gareth Taylor’s team at the City Football Academy.
The South Korea international scored the game’s only goal nine minutes from time as title hopefuls City were made to pay for not making the most of their dominance and slipped to a second successive league defeat in the process.
Manchester United made no such mistake, routing West Ham 5-0 to leapfrog their neighbours.
United stunned the Hammers with a fast start and then killed them off with a late flurry as they surged to a victory in torrential rain at Leigh Sports Village.
First-half goals from Geyse, Millie Turner and Nikita Parris put the hosts in charge by the break, and late strikes from substitutes Lucia Garcia and Melvine Malard wrapped up a comprehensive triumph.
Sophie Roman Haug’s second-half header ensured Liverpool emerged from their trip to Tottenham with something to show for their efforts.
Celine Bizet Ildhusoy had fired the hosts ahead with a stunning solo effort at Brisbane Road, but the Norway striker levelled as the sides who started the day in third and fourth places respectively ended it with a 1-1 draw.
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Late goals from England international Rachel Daly and Ebony Salmon handed Aston Villa their first points of the season courtesy of a 2-0 victory at Bristol City.
In a game of few clear-cut chances between the division’s bottom two sides, Daly broke the deadlock with 14 minutes remaining before substitute Salmon struck four minutes from time to secure three priceless points which lifted Villa from the foot of the table on goal difference.
Tottenham and Liverpool shared the points at Brisbane Road with both managers frustrated with their sides not putting the game to bed.
Celin Bizet Ildhusoy broke the deadlock for Tottenham, winning the ball back in her own half and tearing through the Liverpool defence for a superb solo effort.
Liverpool to level the score in the second half as Sophie Roman Haug’s towering header cancelled out the strike.
Reds manager Matt Beard was unhappy with his side’s overall performance.
“I wasn’t pleased with the first half,” Beard said. “We rode our luck a little bit.
“I think we finished the stronger out of the two teams, a little bit disappointed at the end with the way we were gifting chances, not clearing our lines.
“I don’t know if we have got away with one, but plenty of learnings today.”
Beard’s frustrations come from a string of games where Liverpool, despite looking the stronger team, were only able to come away with draws.
“We’ve drawn here today, draw at West Ham where we could have won,” he said. “So if you look last year, we did not win a game on the road.
“This year we’re unbeaten, so I think for us it’s just about making sure if we can’t get three points, we get one.”
Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn made similar comments, frustrated with his side settling for another draw, their second consecutively after they were also pegged back by Everton.
“Football is about winning so we need to learn how to win, and it takes time,” he said
“So right now, we are struggling with winning the games but once again, we are in a good phase; the girls are brilliant.”
Whilst Vilahamn admitted his concerns that Tottenham are not putting games to bed after taking an early lead, he added that he believes his side will get there with a bit more time and development.
“We want to score more goals; we don’t want to defend one-zero,” he said.
“I know, for instance, the same scenario last week, but it’s easier said than done to score goals.
“Yes, we want to do that, but it’s a hard situation. I think in the long (run), we’re going to do that, but we’re not there yet.
“We are in this transformation thing where we actually dictate games, but we need one more step in the development.”
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner is demanding even more from his team despite a commanding 5-0 home victory against West Ham in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
First-half strikes from Geyse, Millie Turner and Nikita Parris set United on the way to victory but West Ham were dominant after the break until goals from Lucia Garcia and Melvine Malard in the final five minutes rounded off the win for the hosts.
Skinner said: “I’m happy with the result, goals and clean sheet but I want to be consistent in the message I give to the media and the start to the second half wasn’t good enough.
“We were sloppy, we had become too comfortable after the first half – and I thought the first half was excellent.
“The best thing about our group is that I said this at the end in the huddle and they were like, ‘Yes, we agree’. We want the highest standards possible at Manchester United across the 90 minutes.”
With England midfielder Ella Toone outstanding for United, Skinner said the way his side can tear a team apart needs to be carried on throughout the match.
He said: “What pleased me most was the fluidity. When you play against us we can attack in so many different ways.
“I love that about us, I love the flair – I want us to excite our fans. I liked our attitude and the way we pressed in the first half.
“It’s not a slight on my team, it’s not a bad attitude, it’s just that we took our foot off the gas a little bit and you let the other team in. The league is too good to do that now and credit to West Ham. I felt they maintained their energy throughout the game and if they play like that more often they’ll get some really good results.”
West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner remained positive despite the defeat which leaves the Hammers with just one win after six WSL games.
She said: “Second half for 40 minutes we played how we wanted to play, we caused problems, but when you’re not doing that for 90 minutes then it will cause a bit of a challenge.
“It is frustrating because we know what our players are capable of. We see it in training day in and day out and you want them to step up and deliver at the weekend.
“In this league we have to be competitive every week and today we gave too much time and space. You can’t give Man United that much time and space without being punished for it.”
Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn is hopeful his side can take the positives from their draw against Everton when they face Liverpool on Sunday.
Tottenham were left to rue missed chances as Aurora Galli scored from the spot to share the spoils, denying Spurs the chance to move second in the Women’s Super League, but Vilahamn hopes his side can learn from the draw.
He said: “I still think we gave away goals or set-pieces where they scored so (it is about) learning how we are going to defend in the box and at the end of the game for example, how we might need to go even harder to win the game with more goals.
“We still should be able to win 1-0 of course, but the teams are good and they have good players.
“Still, we created a lot of good chances, we dictated the game and Everton were a good team. We still see some good stuff in the game, so the result was not the best but the performance was quite good.”
Liverpool returned to winning ways in the league when Marie Hobinger’s late winner handed them victory against Leicester and manager Matt Beard expressed his pleasure at his side’s start to the season.
He said: “We’ve still got relationships that are being built on the pitch, playing more games gives everyone the opportunity to build those relationships in a game situation.
“We’re pleased with how we’ve started the season and how players have settled and progressed, so there’s plenty of positives and the great thing is I know there’s a lot more to come from the team.”
Both sides go into Sunday’s clash tied on 10 points, with Spurs one place above Liverpool, and Beard praised the competitiveness of the league so far this season.
He added: “It shows the progress of the league and the progress of each team. It’s important for the league that it’s competitive, it’s great to see and long may it continue for us!”
Emma Hayes said she was making “a selfless decision” in choosing to put her five-year-old son first as she prepares to step down as Chelsea manager at the end of the season.
Hayes takes her side to face Everton at Walton Hall Park on Sunday in what will be her first game since announcing last week that she is to leave the club with whom she has won six Women’s Super League titles.
Reports have linked her with the vacant United States national team job, whilst a club statement on Saturday said that she would be pursuing a role “outside of the WSL and club football”.
However, she insisted that family had been the only consideration and would not be drawn on her next career step.
“I’ve taken this team to the top and I always said I wanted to leave at the top, and I maintain that,” said Hayes.
“My little boy has been extraordinary to allow me to do (this job), but it’s important for him.
“There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done in the women’s game for people with children. I shouldn’t just limit that – it’s people with children. We have lives and I have to think about others.
“This is not a selfish decision, it’s a selfless decision. It’s about putting first other things in my life and I’m ready for that.”
Everton boss Brian Sorensen defended his side’s recent performances despite having won just once in seven games this season, a run which has featured 5-0 and 7-0 defeats to Manchester United.
“No I’m not (feeling the pressure),” he said. “Performances have been better than the one win so we have to look at that.
“The two big losses against United is not something that we want. But it’s done, it’s history. There’s nothing we can do about it.”
Emma Hayes said the “time is right” for her to step down as Chelsea manager after it was confirmed last week she will leave the Women’s Super League champions at the end of the season.
However, she would not be drawn on reports linking her with the vacant United States national team job, and said the decision to depart is motivated by a desire to spend more time with her five-year-old son, Harry.
The club have dominated the WSL since Hayes was appointed in 2012, winning six of the last eight titles.
She confirmed that she is likely to play a role in helping to choose her successor as Chelsea go about their first manager search in more than a decade.
“I’ve been in post for 12 years and I’ve dedicated my life to this place,” she said. “I drive four hours every day, six days a week for 12 years. I have a five-year-old that needs more of his mummy. Family matters.
“I think I’ve dedicated as much as I possibly can to this football club. I’ve loved every minute of it. I think it’s really important if possible to create a succession plan for me, much like (general manager) Paul (Green) and I do with the players.
“The time is right. I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can to make sure there is as good at transition as possible so that my successor can have the same level of success I had.”
There have been reports that the club failed to prioritise tying Hayes to a new deal in recent months, but she would not comment on suggestions she no longer felt she had the backing of the hierarchy.
“It’s fair to say I believe in private conversations,” said Hayes. “I’m disappointed to hear things being said in the press. I want to make sure I maintain my own professionalism. I have a team to focus on. I’ve got games to win. I don’t think anything will come between me and the players, or me and the fans.
“I understand Chelsea, I know Chelsea. This is my club, it will always be my club. And whilst I am sad on many, many levels – I’ve always said to the fans there will come that moment when I’m sat with them in the crowd.
“What we have created in this building is magical. It’s something every player appreciates being a part of. As far as I’m concerned, the people I’ve worked with in that period have made me feel the best coach I can feel – that’s not always easy.
“I leave at the end the season knowing I’ve given everything and done everything.”
The statement issued by the club announcing her departure referred to her having chosen to pursue “a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”
Some have taken this to mean a move into international management is inevitable, but she would not be drawn on what the next step in her career might be.
“I’m not going to comment on that,” said Hayes. “I’m contracted to Chelsea until then of the season. That’s where my commitment lies right now.
“As a little girl I always thought one day (a national team job) would come. For most of us, we don’t necessarily always fulfil every dream that we have. I would say it might always be an ambition of mine to do that.
“I think I’m just at the point where I have to consider something else, and that’s the position I’m in right now. I don’t contemplate anything more. Taking these decisions doesn’t come easy.”
Martha Thomas says she has rediscovered her smile on the pitch following her summer switch to Tottenham from Manchester United and is thriving on the belief being shown in her at her new club.
The Scotland forward concluded a two-year stay with United after a 2022-23 season in which she made 20 Women’s Super League appearances for Marc Skinner’s side but only one start within that, scoring one goal.
Moving on to Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs, Thomas – starting at centre-forward – went on to net six times in the team’s first four league games this term to top the early Golden Boot standings, and was named Barclays Player of the Month for October.
Asked if she had surprised herself at all with her form, the 27-year-old told the PA news agency: “No, I think I’ve always had the belief in myself – it’s just having people around me that sort of believe in that as well.”
Regarding last season, Thomas said: “Personally, it was a really tough season for me, off the pitch, on the pitch, mentally, physically. I felt quite drained.
“It was hard because the team was doing quite well, so I was happy for the girls around me. But when it came to the summer, I knew what the best decision for me would be.
“I was playing in a team sometimes not even in my actual position that I feel I’m best at. So it was definitely the right time for me to step away, because I knew they weren’t getting the best out of me and I wasn’t getting the best out of myself there. It no longer felt like the right fit.
“There was definitely times throughout the season where I did feel like I deserved that chance and sort of wasn’t given it, or was given it but then not given long enough to show it.
“That’s just the way it goes. United had their best finish (second), so it’s sort of hard to really argue – but at the same time I felt like I needed and deserved more, so it was the right time for me to get that somewhere else.
“I wasn’t enjoying my football. I needed just to enjoy it again, and I needed to find my smile again on the pitch.”
She added: “I didn’t feel like I came here with a point to prove, I just feel like it’s worked out that way because I’m playing football with a smile, that’s when I play my best, and you’re just now seeing what I’m actually capable of doing.
“If I’m happy and playing in a team where I feel valued and they’ve got that belief, then I’m going to play my best and the goals are going to come.
“I think I’ve settled in really well here, I think the style Robert wants to play and the team we have complement me quite well.”
While Thomas has been on her hot streak, Tottenham striker Bethany England, who had a major impact for them last term after joining in January, has been recovering from hip surgery.
Vilahamn, as well as stressing his belief Thomas can win the Golden Boot this season, has said he is confident he will find a way for the two to play together, something Thomas says she can see herself doing, adding: “I think we would complement each other really well.”
Having finished ninth last season, then appointing Vilahamn in July, Tottenham are currently in the Champions League places, lying third as one of four teams with 10 points from five games, three behind leaders Chelsea.
Last Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with Everton followed a run of three successive wins, and Thomas said: “For us to be really gutted with that draw shows what kind of finish we’re looking for. We’re looking to climb as high as we can.
“The top three, four teams have had that consistency over the past however many seasons and that’s what other clubs need. But I think with the start you’ve already seen, it wouldn’t be surprising to me to see another team break into that – and we can hope it’s us.”
Tottenham host Liverpool – another side on 10 points – on Sunday.
Chelsea are in search of a new manager after Emma Hayes announced she would be stepping down at the end of this season to “pursue a new opportunity outside the WSL and club football”.
Hayes, who since her 2012 appointment has led the Blues to 15 trophies including six Women’s Super League titles, is rumoured to be the first-choice candidate to take over the United States, who have been without a head coach since US Soccer this summer parted ways with Vlatko Andonovski following the Americans’ worst-ever finish at a Women’s World Cup.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the candidates who could look to fill Hayes’ considerable shoes.
Laura Harvey
Nuneaton-born Laura Harvey might fancy a move back home to England after a decade in America, where she is currently the head coach of OL Reign and a three-time National Women’s Soccer League coach of the year, winning three NWSL Shields and this year steering her side to a third trip to league’s championship final.
The 43-year-old, who is under contract with Reign until 2025, commands respect and has led big-name talent including Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle, and led Arsenal to a domestic treble in 2011, the first season of the WSL. She has since described her time at the Gunners – a side she took over at the age of 29 – as a mixed experience, and could be keen to re-test the transformed WSL waters as a now-veteran manager.
Denise Reddy
Assistant manager Reddy is a respected and familiar face at Chelsea and could help provide a smooth transition for both players and staff who will no doubt feel a bit of culture shock in the absence of the influential Hayes, who transformed the women’s team both on and off the pitch and led a cultural revolution at the club.
The snag here would be if Reddy, who was also Hayes’ assistant at Chicago Red Stars, decides to follow her boss again, which reports suggest the former USA Under-20s assistant may well have the intention of doing.
Lluis Cortes
Few women’s clubs save Barcelona could boast the same level of success and reach as Chelsea, and Cortes was the man in charge in one of the most astonishing seasons in the Spanish side’s history when he led them to the Primera Division, Copa de la Reina and Women’s Champions League titles in 2021 before leaving on his own accord, citing a “lack of energy” to continue.
Since then he has led Ukraine’s women’s team, stepping down at the end of August, but might be persuaded back into club football by an organisation who could benefit from the 2021 UEFA women’s coach of the year’s European experience as they seek to do the one thing Hayes has so far not managed in her 11-year Chelsea tenure: win a Champions League title.
Manchester United boss Marc Skinner says Ella Toone’s “class is permanent” after she ended her goal drought in a 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Elisabeth Terland gave the hosts the lead on the half-hour before the England international scored her first United goal since November 2022 with a stunning long-range strike in the 78th minute.
Late goals from Guro Bergsvand and substitute Rachel Williams ensured both teams came away with a point at Broadfield Stadium.
Skinner was full of praise for the Lionesses midfielder but felt his team were wasteful in front of goal.
“She is a key player for us regardless but I think Tooney needs to appear in those positions more and she just needs to strike effectively,” he said.
“She scores that goal because she caresses the ball in, she doesn’t try to overhit it and that detail takes it beyond Baggers (Sophie Baggaley) in goal.
“There is no problem (with Toone). Everybody makes out she hasn’t scored for this long but class is permanent. She will keep showing that and will keep creating chances for us.”
Skinner added: “This game should have been about 5-2 or 6-2. The quality of chances we created have to be put away and I’m going to make sure I own that and I will make sure the players are better at that.”
Brighton head coach Melissa Phillips was thrilled with her side’s performance, which ended a run of three straight defeats in the WSL.
However, she did admit having victory snatched away at the death was tough to take.
“We played very well in the first half and managed to weather a bit of momentum after we scored the goal,” she said.
“We changed shape in the second half and it helped manage the amount that they got in behind us in wide areas and got a bit better pressure on the ball.
“It’s disappointing to concede at the end but at the same time, it’s a point against a very, very good team.
“I think at 1-1 we would have been happy with a point, but of course it feels a little bit worse when you are sitting at 2-1 and you equalise late but we made changes, everyone played their role and it’s a really important point and performance.
“There is a lot to take away from this performance but we know these are the margins between three and one point in this league and it’s ultimately defined by a set piece at either end, our goal and their goal.
“We will look to build a lot from this performance going into next week.”
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