Arsenal continued their early dominance with a 5–1 thrashing of West Ham, led by a furious second-half response and a late Russo double. Manchester United tore apart London City Lionesses 5–1, led by Melvine Malard’s brace in a performance full of pace and cohesion. Meanwhile, Chelsea welcomed back Sam Kerr, and the Australian striker delivered a 90+3′ clincher to cap a confident 3–1 win over Aston Villa.
Quick Results Recap
- West Ham 1–5 Arsenal — Maanum, Blackstenius, Foord, and Russo (×2) strike after early own goal.
- Man United 5–1 London City — Malard leads the rout with two; Riviere, Le Tissier (pen), and Park score.
- Aston Villa 1–3 Chelsea — Kerr scores in stoppage time; Rytting Kaneryd and a Walsh deflection contribute.
- Man City 2–1 Brighton — Bunny Shaw drives the comeback.
- Leicester 1–0 Liverpool — Van Egmond goal holds up despite a second-half red card.
- Everton 0–2 Tottenham — Tandberg scores a wondergoal; Spurs stay unbeaten.
Player of the Weekend: Melvine Malard
Melvine Malard was unplayable against London City Lionesses. The French forward tormented defenders with her movement, timing, and link-up play. Her first goal came in the 12th minute — a sharp finish inside the six-yard box — and her second just after the hour mark showed excellent composure from distance.
More than just her brace, Malard offered width, drew fouls, and constantly shifted the defensive line. She connected well with Jess Park and Leah Galton, operating like a true modern wide forward — quick, technically clean, and decisive. In a United squad with plenty of firepower, her emergence this early in the campaign could make all the difference.
Arsenal’s Ruthless Recovery Sends a Message
Arsenal fell behind early to a freak own goal by goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar but recovered with sharp, clinical precision. Maanum pulled them level before halftime. The second half saw Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord, and Alessia Russo (twice) complete the rout. The Gunners now have nine goals in two games — showing off their squad depth and attacking versatility.
Malard Leads Manchester United’s Attacking Carousel
Manchester United were unstoppable against London City. Malard opened the scoring and doubled her tally minutes after the break. Riviere’s strike and finishes from Le Tissier and Park completed a performance full of tempo, pressing, and clean combinations.
Malard’s movement constantly unbalanced the back line. She created space, forced turnovers, and offered finishing instinct that made United look three steps ahead of their opponents throughout the match.
Sam Kerr’s 90+3′ Goal Caps a Triumphant Return
Chelsea fans had been waiting for it — and Sam Kerr delivered. After more than a year out with injury, she returned to WSL action and made her mark. Entering in the second half, she scored deep into stoppage time with a perfectly timed run and a calm finish to seal a 3–1 win over Aston Villa.
It wasn’t just about the goal — it was the lift her presence gave the team. Head coach Sonia Bompastor said Kerr’s impact was “exactly the emotional and technical boost we were hoping for” as the squad continues to rebuild chemistry and rhythm.
Earlier in the match, Rytting Kaneryd had put Chelsea ahead before Villa responded. A deflected Walsh shot made it 2–1 before Kerr sealed it late. Her return immediately upgrades Chelsea’s cutting edge.
She gave us exactly the emotional and technical boost we were hoping for.
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea head coach
What This Means Next
- Arsenal are dominating in transition and set-pieces — Russo’s finishing is already making a title impact.
- United have pace, creativity, and scoring depth. Malard offers a new dimension beyond their typical build-up play.
- Chelsea, now with Kerr fit and scoring, are emotionally recharged. Bompastor’s management is settling — and the team is responding.