Arsenal stumble again as Goodwin, Hemp and Holdt make their England cases in WSL weekend

Arsenal’s familiar struggle against deep defensive blocks continued on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United, leaving Renée Slegers’ side five points from the top of the Women’s Super League after three matches.

Arsenal’s possession fails to produce a winning return

Arsenal controlled territory but again lacked the precision and ruthlessness needed to break down a compact defence, having also been frustrated by Crystal Palace in their previous match. Smilla Holmberg rescued a point with an equaliser in the 95th minute.

“It’s not one thing, it’s a combination of things,” Slegers said, pointing to decision-making, technical execution and finishing. “It’s also the ruthlessness in front of goal but I know the players want it.”

Goodwin strengthens England claims

Isobel Goodwin gave Sarina Wiegman another reason to consider her for England’s October World Cup playoff against Greece after scoring twice in London City Lionesses’ 4-1 victory at Charlton. The 23-year-old combined effectively with Alexia Putellas and is seeking to improve on the five WSL goals she scored last season.

With Aggie Beever-Jones sidelined by a minor ankle injury and Michelle Agyemang still working back from an ACL injury, Goodwin’s form could put her into contention as an alternative backup striker to Alessia Russo.

Hemp rediscovers her scoring touch

Lauren Hemp ended a long wait for a WSL goal by scoring twice in Manchester City’s 4-2 win over Liverpool. The England winger, renowned for leading the league’s assist charts, had not scored in the competition since November.

Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz called Hemp “an amazing player” and a “gamechanger”. She came close to completing a hat-trick, but Khiara Keating tipped her early effort over the bar.

Potter and Walsh provide Chelsea control

Lexi Potter continued to impress in Chelsea’s midfield during a 2-0 win over Birmingham City, her second consecutive start. The 20-year-old’s composure in tight spaces and well-timed runs were rewarded when she opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge.

Her growing partnership with Keira Walsh has also caught attention. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said the pair understand each other so well that “even when they are on the pitch and they close their eyes, they know where each other is.”

Holdt inspires Spurs rout

Olivia Holdt marked her first start of the season with a hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur turned a goalless first half into a 7-0 win at Crystal Palace. Palace were reduced to 10 players in the seventh minute when Fuka Tsunoda was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Cathinka Tandberg.

Despite the numerical advantage, Spurs initially found it difficult to penetrate Palace’s deep defensive shape. Holdt said the early sending-off had made her wonder whether the match might become tougher. After half-time, Tottenham committed more players to the box and Holdt completed her hat-trick by the 73rd minute.

Everton rise despite unusual scoring record

Everton moved up to fifth after beating West Ham 1-0 through a late own goal by Laia Codina. The result meant Everton had taken six points from two matches without scoring a goal themselves, after another opponent’s touch also decided their previous victory.

The sides were closely matched in possession, expected goals and shots on target, but Everton finished the stronger. Yuka Momiki supplied the delivery that led to the decisive goal, while Everton’s defence limited Kelly Gago and Viviane Asseyi.

Brighton punished for missed chances

Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa was another example of dominance without reward. They had 25 shots, eight on target and an expected-goals figure of 3.17, with Gabby George scoring her first goal for the club in the 31st minute.

But Brighton could not add a second, and Villa equalised from a corner in the 89th minute. The result left Brighton manager Arturo Ruiz still waiting for his first win, despite an encouraging performance. Manchester City lead the table with nine points, followed by Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea on seven, while Arsenal sit sixth on five.