Above: The last time Arsenal faced Brighton. Photo: BHAFC Women.
After midweek fixtures, Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion return to WSL action for week six of the season this Sunday at the Emirates.
After a disappointing loss in the UWCL on Tuesday night, there’s a lot of pressure falling on Arsenal to deliver a result. They’re now winless in four, three of those being losses in the league and expanding the gap between the top of the table.
The additional loss to Lyon in the week was a big hit. Whilst just one fixture of six in the competition’s league phase, the team’s recent form overall has been shaky and far from expectation. If they wish to turn their season around, a huge shift is required across the board, as they simply cannot afford to drop more points.
Their opponents this week are unpredictable. Brighton often change their shape and structure, a fact known after last season when they defeated Arsenal 4-2 on the closing day. They also tend to operate in an intense high press, which was something that the Gunners particularly struggled to deal with against Lyon. Arsenal boss Renée Slegers acknowledged the task:
“It’s going to be a good opposition. I have a lot of respect on what Dario is doing with Brighton. We’re prepared for different scenarios at this game because they can come out with different things like last year, their setups were different in the home and away games.”
Ahead of this weekend’s challenge, the entire squad is still fit barring Leah Williamson. Slegers confirmed the defender is progressing well in her rehab, however her absence to the side as a player that had masses of composure when under pressure is becoming more and more noticeable. Speaking on how they are managing without her, Slegers said:
“Every individual brings certain qualities and the centre-backs that have now played in the position where Leah played most of the time last year bring other qualities, so we will always look at what other qualities this player brings, what do we want them to do on the pitch.”
With big fixtures coming, including Chelsea in just under a month, it’s crucial that Arsenal find their form. The title race in the WSL is already taking shape, with Manchester United and Manchester City now starting to find their feet.
Despite a few difficult results, Brighton sit just one place behind Arsenal in the table, and a win this weekend would see them leapfrog their opponents to push them down another spot.
The Seagulls’ form, much like Arsenals, is wavering. They had a relatively successful start to the season, but lost 2-1 to West Ham midweek in the League Cup, and lost their last WSL fixture 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Dario Vidošić reflected on his side’s loss to West Ham:
“Overall I thought the performance was quite good. There was patches where we lost it a little bit, and I think maybe the goal, sort of missing a big chance and then conceding very quickly, that maybe upset our rhythm a little bit.”
Ahead of this clash with Arsenal, Brighton are a slightly depleted side. The team haven’t had much opportunity to train, with a lot of recovery in the mix and the weekend rapidly approaching. Still, Vidošić has an optimistic outlook, both he and his side approach the match with a level-head and quiet confidence:
“Every game is an opportunity to learn, each training session to know what we need to improve, how we need to match up to the next opponent. We know Arsenal possess a lot of strengths, also when they play at the Emirates.”
“They’re also on a run of results that, again, I don’t think they’ve been fair, some of them i think they’ve been unlucky, but regardless of how it’s going they’ll always want to win at home.”
Despite any preparations, it does not omit the fact that they head into this game with two ineligible players, Arsenal loanees Michelle Agyemang and Rosa Kafaji. The duo have been instrumental in Brighton’s campaign so far, and the loss of the duo in such a big fixture could be a spot of weakness if the team cannot successfully adapt and find an alternative.
Arsenal vs Brighton kicks off at 14:30 UK time and will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer/ BBC Two.
Above: Rebekah Stott (left) at the 2025/26 Melbourne season launch for the A-Leagues. Photo: Alyce Collettfor Impetus.
By Alyce Collett (10/10/2025)
Season 2024/25 may have come with a double dose of heartbreak for Melbourne City, but captain Rebekah Stott and her team mates certainly are not dwelling on the past.
“The group’s feeling great” Stott explained.
“Obviously we’ve lost a few players and we’ve gained some new players. So yeah it’s a bit different, but it’s really good right now.”
“That was heartbreaking. I think anyone who watched that game would be heartbroken for us, but I think it makes us more hungry again” Stott confirmed.
That’s such a good tournament in that one. So we definitely want to do well in that one.”
This season means more double duties for City, but Stott confirmed that the club has plans in place to make sure the players can cope with the demands.
“I think the club did a great job at managing our schedule and making sure we got the best preparation for our games” Stott said.
“So I think just stay with the same kind of strategies and I think we’ll be in a good place.”
The offseason has brought plenty of new faces to City’s Football Centre.
On one end of the age and experience spectrum there is former Everton captain Dan Turner.
“She’s absolutely great” Stott said.
“Her experience, I mean she’s played in England for so long, been a captain of Everton for ages. So I think she brings her experience, her leadership, and obviously her technical ability in the pitch.”
At the younger end of the age spectrum there is Aideen Keane, who comes to the club from Canberra United and off the back of a successful offseason with the Australian Under 23.
“She’s a exciting young player” Stott said.
“I think you could see when she was playing for Canberra, she had moments where she looked unbelievable, so I think it’s just unlocking that potential, and I think she’s in a good environment to be able to do that.”
When asked who she thought in the squad was going to have a break out season this campaign, another of her young team mates came straight to mind for Stott.
“I can’t go past Shelby McMahon” Stott answered.
“I think she’s an unbelievable talent and, and I think she’ll really have a breakout year.”
Above: Kayla Morrison (right) at the 2025/26 Melbourne season launch for the A-Leagues. Photo: Alyce Collettfor Impetus.
By Alyce Collett (9/10/2025)
Season 2024/25 may have brought the ultimate heartbreak for Melbourne Victory, but the excitement about the potential of the season ahead is strong at the Victory.
Speaking at the season launch for the league in Melbourne this afternoon, the excitement about the new season was clear in Victory skipper Kayla Morrison’s voice and body language.
“Once the season comes around, it always feels like a really long off season” Morrison said.
“So to have started already and we’re playing practice matches, feel like things are going well. So yeah, really looking forward to the first game.”
“Obviously it’s really upsetting to kind of think back to the grand final, knowing we were so close and probably favourite to win” Morrison explained.
She also noted that it felt “like it kind of got ripped out of our hands, so we’re going to try and do it in just the 90 minutes this year, and that’s what our focus will be on.”
It is going to be a very new look Victory side that takes to the pitch in Round 1, with a number of key players departing the club in the offseason for overseas opportunities.
One of Victory’s new faces that has drawn praise from Morrison is Zoe McMeeken, who crossed the ditch back to her home town from the Wellington Phoenix.
“I don’t know what happened there, but it was crazy that they let her go with how great she’s been doing in our preseason” Morrison exclaimed.
Another of Victory’s new faces is former Western United star Grace Maher, who has crossed to the dark blue side of town after the demise of United.
Despite plying her craft in defence for the last few seasons, Morrison hinted that Maher may have a different role this season.
“Jeff kind of has what type of defenders he likes – big, strong tackling people” Morrison explained.
“Grace is someone who wants to get on the ball and kind of get at it with her feet. So I think she’ll be more in a midfield role.”
One topic of conversation and intrigue amongst the women’s soccer fandom is the progress in Morrison’s change of FIFA international allegiance.
In unfortunate news for Matildas fans, Morrison confirmed that there has been no further progress in that department.
“I think it’s still kind of stuck with FIFA at the moment” Morrison explained.
“I know JD and Victory, they have been awesome helping. They’re in chats with the Matildas and I think they’re working with lawyers at the moment, so we’ll kind of see what happens.”
Above: Feyenoord celebrate their first ever victory over FC Utrecht. Photo: FeyenoordV1 on X.
In the fourth week of the 2025-26 Vrouwen Eredivisie, Feyenoord won against FC Utrecht for the first time in history, Ajax scored twice in under a minute, and shoelaces became of vital importance.
Feyenoord celebrate first win ever over FC Utrecht
FC Utrecht 1-2 Feyenoord Rotterdam
Above: Feyenoord celebrate a historic victory. Photo: Feyenoord.
In a tense mid-table clash, Feyenoord earned a historic victory — their first ever against FC Utrecht. The Rotterdammers showed their intent early and fully deserved the three points.
In the 23rd minute, Kokona Iwasaki opened the scoring with a stunning strike into the top corner. Feyenoord capitalized on the danger created by Iwasaki and Itamura, while striker Ella van Kerkhoven is still searching for form. FC Utrecht managed a few small threats of their own, but Feyenoord controlled the game with tactical discipline, effectively neutralizing the influence of Nikita Tromp in midfield.
However, the first half took a awful turn when Lotje Keijzer, the young Jong Oranje winger, went down hard. While pressing, her leg got caught in the turf and she fell screaming in pain. She was stretchered off the field, and everyone present feared a serious injury that could end her season.
After the break, FC Utrecht tried to find an equalizer through quick combination play, but Feyenoord responded with aggressive pressing and fierce duels. Yellow cards didn’t faze them — every foul was followed by high fives and encouragement. Despite Utrechts growing number of attempts, precision was lacking, while Feyenoord remained sharp and alert in intercepting passing lanes.
Their high pressing paid off again, and goalkeeper Bastiaen made a crucial save in the 67th minute to keep out a deflected shot. A warning sign, because after eight minutes Dechemaily Lont doubled the lead for Feyenoord with a composed finish to make it 2–0.
In the closing stages, Utrecht brought on Sam de Jong and Rochellity Dapp, who injected attacking energy into the side. In contrast, Feyenoord’s substitutions from Koopman and De Graaf reduced their attacking threat. The 17-year-old Dapp added unpredictability, and when Sam de Jong on the right flank had big impact. De Jong delivered a perfect cross, but Loonen’s shot went narrowly wide.
In stoppage time, Utrecht earned a penalty after another overly aggressive defensive action from Feyenoord — the same issue that cost them a point against Ajax last week. This time, though, the late goal wasn’t enough. For FC Utrecht, this result came to late for them. They remain at midtable with six points hoping the puzzle pieces will fall together for Linda Helblings team. Feyenoord are now points ahead with PSV and are challenging Ajax, PSV and FC Twente.
FC Twente outclass rivals PSV
PSV Eindhoven 1 – 3 FC Twente
Above: PSV v Twente. Photo: FCTwenteVrouwen on X.
FC Twente claimed a crucial 3–1 away victory over title rivals PSV, striking an early blow in the race for the national championship.
Last season, the two sides drew twice and were separated only by goal difference in the title battle — but this time, Twente emerged clearly on top.
PSV took the lead in the first half through Nina Nijstad, who fired past goalkeeper Lemeij just before halftime. But Twente refused to let their heads drop and turned the game around after the break. They equalized with a stunning long-range effort from right-back Leonie Vliek. Renate Jansen was a constant threat for Twente, hitting the crossbar and seeing another powerful strike denied by Lemeij in the far corner.
That sequence summed up both sides perfectly — PSV often dominate early but tend to fade after an hour, while FC Twente rely on endurance and resilience to grind out results in big games. Their persistence paid off once again: Rose Ivens put Twente ahead in the 71st minute, and Jill Roord sealed the win with her first goal of the season in the 83rd.
A vital victory for FC Twente in the title race — and a statement performance against one of their fiercest rivals. FC Twente are now leading the table, with two points ahead of Ajax in second.
PEC Zwolle snatch a late win from Excelsior with help from a shoelace
Excelsior Rotterdam 0-1 PEC Zwolle
Above: PEC celebrate. Photo: PECVrouwen on X.
The Van Dongen & De Roon Stadium set the stage for Excelsior’s home clash — a true bottleneck match that ended in heartbreak for the hosts.
Excelsior fell 1–0 after a dramatic period of added time where everything was decided.
PEC Zwolle and Excelsior were evenly matched for most of the game. PEC showed more attacking intent, but were repeatedly denied by strong goalkeeping from Sophie Frankena and Excelsior’s superbly organized defense. While Excelsior’s attacking play wasn’t as sharp as in their win over Heerenveen, the danger was still there. PEC had clearly learned from that Heerenveen performance, which ended 3–1 in Excelsior’s favor.
As stoppage time ticked away, both sides seemed content to share the points — a result that would have suited two teams battling to stay clear of the relegation zone. But PEC wanted more, while Excelsior appeared to try and manage the result. In a bizarre twist, Excelsior’s Cherif was shown a red card for alleged time-wasting — the referee judged she spent too long tying her shoelaces!
Sensing an opportunity, PEC pushed forward against ten players. From a late corner, captain Judith Roosjen rose highest to head home and secure PEC’s second win of the season.
With this victory, PEC Zwolle climb away from the potential relegation zone. Even though they haven’t faced many top teams yet, six points early in the season is a valuable cushion. Excelsior, meanwhile, will now have to look over their shoulders — with HERA, NAC Breda, and Heerenveen breathing down their necks.
Ajax score twice in under a minute
Ajax 4-1 SC Heerenveen
Above: Touzani for Ajax. Photo: AjaxVrouwen on X.
Ajax defeated Heerenveen 4-1, but that doesn’t tell the full story. In the first half, Ajax did what was necessary, quickly building a 3-0 lead, yet both teams also showed a different side of the game at times.
Once again, a surprising talent from Ajax’s youth academy shone. Lina Touzani scored in the 13th minute from a rebound. After a shot from Danique Tolhoek, the Heerenveen goalkeeper could only punch the ball away. Touzani had only to finish—and she did, deservedly marking her second goal of the season.
In the 23rd minute, Heerenveen fell into even deeper trouble, conceding two goals in one minute. Danique Tolhoek received the ball from a long clearance and immediately fired it into the far corner past the keeper, proving her value as a key striker for Ajax. From the subsequent restart, the ball quickly reached Touzani, who passed it back to Tolhoek while the entire defense struggled to contain her. Tolhoek then found Sherida Spitse, who scored a powerful, low shot that hit the inside of the post—3-0 for Ajax!
Heerenveen showed resilience afterward, keeping Ajax from running up a massive score. After the break, right winger Sterre Kroeze scored an incredible long-range goal, beating keeper Regina van Eijk, who was positioned too far from her goal. It was a moment Heerenveen could take pride in and possibly carry confidence for upcoming matches.
Ajax, however, couldn’t maintain consistent focus to work on goal difference, which remains a concern for coach Anouk de Bruijl. The starting eleven still lacks stability and experience, preventing the tactical plan from fully flourishing. Instead, Ajax relied on individual brilliance from young talents like 17-year-old Ranneke Derks. Coming on as a substitute eager to score, she did so with class, rounding off Ajax’s 4-1 victory over Heerenveen.
ADO Den Haag continue to struggle
ADO Den Haag 0-1 AZ
AZ secured another victory on Sunday afternoon in the Eurojackpot Women’s Eredivisie.
The Alkmaar side defeated ADO Den Haag 0-1, claiming three important points, though Mark de Vries’ team has yet to fully impress. AZ did exactly what was necessary to shake off the uncertainties of recent weeks, but they still didn’t sparkle.
Ahead of the match, veteran goalkeeper Barbara Lorsheyd was celebrated as she started her 350th match for ADO – having been at the club for almost 20 years on/off after being signed by Sarina Wiegman in 2007.
Above: Barbara Lorsheyd is celebrated. Photo: ADODHVrouwen on X.
Unfortunately, Lorsheyd could not celebrate with a clean sheet. At the WerkTalent Stadium, AZ was the more dangerous side. Desiree van Lunteren, Fieke Kroese, and Jet van Beijeren created several chances, while ADO Den Haag struggled to play their way out from under the pressure. Midway through the first half, the home team narrowly avoided an own goal when Senna Koeleman almost deflected the ball into her own net.
After the break, the pattern of play remained the same. AZ dominated the midfield and again created opportunities through Van Lunteren, Shanique Dessing, and Kroese. The woodwork came to ADO’s rescue multiple times, but in the 71st minute, captain Van Lunteren finally broke the deadlock with a well-placed header, putting her team ahead 0-1.
That proved to be the decisive goal. AZ managed the final phase of the match without taking unnecessary risks, while ADO Den Haag could no longer mount any serious threat. It was a mature victory for AZ, who secured the win with solid play, though they still have some way to go before truly impressing.
With this win, AZ remains competitive in the mid-table and seems to be gradually regaining composure, although more conviction will be needed to consistently challenge the subtop.
Follow Jan for all the news about Dutch Women’s Football on www.fcleeuwinnen.nl. Read news about the star players, get strong point of views from our columnists and discover upcoming Dutch talents.
Above:Melchie Dumorney celebrates last night. Photo: Sky Sports.
Arsenal 1-2 Olympique Lyonnes
Five Impetus writers – Alice de Koster-Kitto, Ava Elliott, Ben Gilby, Genevieve Henry and Isabelle Campbell look at specific areas of Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Olympique Lyonnes last night.
Arsenal’s Champions League defence began with a defeat at Meadow Park as eight-time winners Olympique Lyonnes proved to be just too good.
The history of encounters between these two sides in recent times has seen the away side come out on top, and that was the case once more on a very mild evening in Hertfordshire – but Arsenal were their own worst enemies as they saw their winless streak extend to four games.
Misfiring Gunners overpowered
by Ben Gilbyat Meadow Park
To have any chance of defeating Lyon, every player has to be at 100% and there can be no basic errors. That was not the case for the defending European champions last night.
Renée Slegers made five changes from her side’s defeat at Manchester City on Saturday, whilst managing player minutes is important with two such huge games in close proximity, it also comes with major risk. Overall, that risk did not pay off for the North Londoners.
Arsenal’s back four consisted of two players in Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds, who have limited Champions League experience against the very best. Reid has been outstanding in the WSL, coming in for Leah Williamson, but it needs to be emphasised that she is a player at the beginning of her career, and facing the physicality and extreme press from Lyon is something that the Gunners’ more seasoned players found challenging.
Hinds stuck to her task doggedly, but was not able to offer the sort of offensive outlet and all-round nous that Katie McCabe has.
Arsenal’s strong start to the game was the result of fast-paced passing movements that allowed them to play through Lyon, resulting in Beth Mead feeding Alessia Russo for the home side’s early goal. However, after that, the French side showed exactly why they are this competition’s most successful club.
Jonatan Giráldez set his team up to play an ultra-high press – one that was employed with extreme pace. The Gunners had no time to play their passes and were forced into playing backwards, and the lack of time given to them was so marked that possession was coughed up with regularity.
In addition, Arsenal’s defence was uncomfortable with the physical presence and direct running of Lyon. The equaliser came when Daphne van Domselaar mistimed her clearance kick, which ran meekly to Melchie Dumorney. Whilst the Dutch keeper made an excellent save initially, the rebound fell for the Haitian superstar to score.
Dumorney made the most of another error at the back as the pressure on the home defence continued to rack up. An errant pass was rocketed into the net by the attacker for her second goal in five minutes.
Kadidiatou Diani was putting on a masterclass along the right. Put simply, Arsenal couldn’t handle her. Her physicality, pace, and know-how were just too much.
Faced with the ultra-press, the Gunners had very little outlet. They needed pace, and Mead wasn’t quite able to offer it.
Lyon had the time on the ball that the North Londoners were not allowed to have.
Above: Alessia Russo puts Arsenal ahead at Meadow Park. Photo: The Guardian.
Moving forwards
by Ava Elliott
Arsenal’s form in recent weeks has deviated far from expectation off the back of last year’s UWCL triumph. After a continuous run of impressive comebacks last season, there was no spark of inspiration or breakthrough to find an equaliser at the very least.
Whilst this defeat feels heavy, there is still time for the Gunners to turn the tides, but in order to do so the errors of last night’s game cannot keep occurring.
It’s clear that the absence of Leah Williamson is a burning, obvious loss from that backline. Whilst the defender is currently projected to make a return before Christmas, there has to be a vast improvement in defensive composure and organisation.
As mentioned previously, the pairing of Reid and Hinds is a duo that lack experience, and coming toe to toe with the likes of Diani and Dumornay is no easy feat. Further, the defence often pushed too high and exposed a lot of space that Lyon were quick to attack and exploit. Evaluating positioning, and crucially after Van Domselaar’s mistakes the communication on field, will be key to delve into to ensure no more risky passes cost a win or a lead.
Whilst Lyon were a level above, Arsenal struggled hugely. Overall they looked uncomfortable in possession, lacked a sense of urgency when in attacking positions and their performance on the pitch lacked the edge they seemed to have last season.
With countless variables to take into account moving forwards, it feels as if a reset is needed across all levels to rediscover that resilient team with so much potential to go the extra mile. Turning a season around after such a stale start will take a huge shift in energy, and the next fixtures both domestically and in Europe will be huge for the Gunners.
Above: Frida Maanum (12) looks to play the pass last night. Photo: Suzy Lycett.
Steph Catley: Standing up to a tough test
by Isabelle Campbell
In Arsenal’s first UEFA Women’s Champions League match of the season, and their first as defending champions, Steph Catley delivered a composed and reliable performance in a tough 2-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnes.
While she’s been without regular centre-back partner Leah Williamson for an extended period due to injury, Catley continues to adapt alongside young defender Katie Reid. This new partnership faced a serious test against Lyon’s stacked front line, but Catley held her shape well and remained a steady presence in a high-pressure environment.
She also looked to contribute further up the pitch, making a strong forward run in the 21st minute in an effort to spark some attacking momentum. Though no teammate was there to connect with the play, it showed her willingness to impact both ends of the pitch.
Defensively, she had to deal with constant threats from the likes of Melchie Dumornay, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, and Kadidiatou Diani, and her positioning and consistent tracking back helped to limit what could have been more damaging moments.
A highlight came in the 70th minute, when she denied Dumornay a likely hat-trick with a smart, well-timed block. It wasn’t her flashiest performance, and Arsenal struggled collectively at times, but Catley’s consistency, game sense, and work rate stood out once again.
In truth, what looks like a bad day for Steph Catley would still be one of the best performances a lot of players could hope for, a clear reflection of the level she operates at.
Above: Steph Catley covers Marie-Antoinette Katoto last night. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Caitlin Foord: Strong impact – should have started?
by Alice de Koster-Kitto
Caitlin Foord replaced Chloe Kelly in the match, coming off the bench in the 55th minute. Her attacking strength and speed made an immediate impact on the pace of the game.
Whilst Foord wasn’t able to get a goal back for her side, it wasn’t for the lack of effort. Notably, the Matilda’s effort four minutes into stoppage time was the closest the Gunners had come to an equalizer for most of the game; however, the ball fell just wide of the goal.
Foord provides a great replacement for Chloe Kelly, almost seamlessly slipping into her place. Both Kelly and Foord play a very physical, fast-paced game, which, while one of the most important elements in this Arsenal squad, isn’t always easily maintained for 90 minutes. Having these interchangeable, yet versatile forwards, allows that agility to stay at a steady level throughout the game, without the front line burning out under pressure.
Among her footwork and ability to take charge of the ball, it’s Foord’s speed and intuition that helped change the landscape for her teammates. She provides a sense of security on the pitch, which allows her teammates to take chances and risky passes, knowing that Foord is there to capitalise on them. The Australian’s footballing instincts and ability to read the game allowed her to accurately pass to her teammates in a way that caught the opponents off guard, consequently creating opportunities.
Although none of the chances created by or in conjunction with Foord came to fruition, there was a shift in momentum that could be felt throughout the second half, which gave her team and their fans a touch of promise at the tail end of a match that at times seemed quite lost.
Above: Olympique Lyonnes goalkeeper Christiane Endler punches as Alessia Russo (23) watches on. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Kyra Cooney-Cross: Time for more minutes?
by Genevieve Henry
After just getting her first minutes of the season on Saturday, Kyra Cooney-Cross got subbed in to face Lyon in the 75th minute. While she barely put a foot wrong in her brief stint on the field, her impact could have been maximised if she had been given more time.
Cooney-Cross’s ability to take control of a game and create chances is much better utilized when given more time to settle into the game – and during Arsenal’s moments out of possession, her relentless chasing could have been vital in winning momentum back.
As soon as she came on the pitch, Cooney-Cross was given license to deliver set-pieces. While neither of her deliveries made much impact due to Lyon’s aerial superiority, this shows great confidence in Cooney-Cross’s ability over a deadball.
The Australian was able to showcase some of her best qualities in her short time on the field. She was able to maneuver her way out of multiple players a few times and attempt to make a creative move. She showed good strength against Kadidiatou Diani and Melchie Dumornay, the latter of whom she chased around the pitch and frustrated until the final whistle.
Even with the lack of playing time, Cooney-Cross looked perfectly competent and energizing. Overall, her performance was that of a player who should be starting for her club.
Above: Olivia Smith fires home her sensational debut goal for Arsenal against London City Lionesses on 6th September. Photo: New York Times.
Arsenal’s big-money signing Olivia Smith has had an eye-catching opening to the season at the North London side. I have been present at the Canadian’s games over her first month at the Gunnersto carry out an in-depth analysis of why she has been so successful, how the opposition has tried to manage her threat, and how successful they were at doing so.
That debut
Smith shone like an absolute beacon on her WSL debut for the Gunners against London City Lionesses. Let’s leave aside that goal for a moment and focus on the other aspects of the Canadian starlet’s game.
My overriding memory of Smith in her side’s opening game was those powerful runs into channels, and an already thrilling partnership with Alessia Russo seemed to be cemented within the opening half hour of the match. Smith’s energetic and physical ability against the WSL newcomers raised the possibility that Russo would be able to play a slightly different role this season, potentially being able to be pushed further forward. But whatever transpires, WSL defences will be on their toes.
It will be, though, her stunning strike that levelled the scores against London City Lionesses that Smith will be remembered for. Pace allied with exceptional close control, and the presence of thought under pressure to look for bigger spaces to exploit, as well as having the sheer self-confidence to hit an absolute rocket across the goalkeeper from well outside the box.
Long-range finishes into the top corner are challenging enough – but to do it by smashing the ball at speed into the far top corner is something of a whole other level.
It does have to be said that London City Lionesses assisted the young attacker’s success throughout the game by continually backing off as she directly attacked them. Alanna Kennedy was regularly tied up in knots, and her defensive partners, still trying to gel after coming together during the summer, were unable to effectively assist the Australian.
So, Arsenal’s second league opponents, West Ham United, were well warned in advance about what Smith can do. Unfortunately, they failed to heed the flashing lights.
Smith’s skills leave the Irons Hammered
In her pre-game media conference, Gunners boss Renee Slegers hinted that Smith’s development needs to be carefully managed. Words that served as a preview to the Canadian star being placed on the substitutes’ bench for the trip to Dagenham.
“She’s…very young still, she’s just turned 21. What’s important for us is that we support her really well because she’s still very young.”
Renee Slegers, Arsenal head coach.
Whilst Smith was restricted to a cameo of around half an hour in the East End, she still gave plenty of signs of what an absolute weapon she is. Coming on with her side 3-1 up and cruising to a comfortable victory, the 21-year-old set to work with aplomb.
What was noticeable initially was her ability to drop back deeper into the hole in a zone between midfield and defence when West Ham were in possession before speeding out towards the right flank the instant the ball was won back.
Above: Half an hour on the pitch – one assist, one penalty, and the countless headaches for the right-hand side of West Ham’s defence – Olivia Smith’s Friday night out in Dagenham. Photo: Arsenal Women.
It was on this side of the park that the Canadian absolutely ripped it up. West Ham either failed to do their homework on her performance on the season’s opening day, or they were so flustered as a result of the relentless pressure and scoreline that they weren’t focused on the job at hand of stopping Smith before she got anywhere near the red zone.
In game one, Smith ran riot as the London City Lionesses’ defence backed off and let her rampage at will. West Ham did exactly the same this time round, as both Inès Belloumou and Smith’s Canadian international teammate, Shelina Zadorsky, allowed Smith to run at them and not put a tackle in.
Just three minutes later, the Hammers did find a way to stop Smith’s run along the right – but it was badly timed and ended with the award of a penalty, which Russo dispatched to seal a 5-1 win.
Two wins from two, one goal, one assist, and winning a penalty. That’s a heck of a way to start your career at a new club.
New challenges to overcome
Above: Olivia Smith (right) was tightly marshalled by Manchester United on matchday three, but still had the game’s best chance. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Week three’s trip to the Leigh Sports Village offered a degree of difficulty for Smith that the previous encounters didn’t pose, for both on and off-pitch reasons.
Less than 24 hours before the game, the sport was rocked by the devastatingly premature death of Matt Beard, who took the young Canadian to Liverpool last season, and Smith commented that he played an integral part in making her the player she is. Arsenal gave the attacker the option of not playing at Manchester United – but the number 15 requested to take to the field.
Smith started the encounter, and it was clear that Marc Skinner and his coaches had given a lot of thought to how to nullify her threat.
From the opening whistle, United gave the visitors’ starlet no breathing space whatsoever. She was tightly marshalled by Emma Sandberg for the entire game. Sandberg didn’t back off once, and was supported by an additional defender immediately behind the Canadian, which meant that any chances of the former Liverpool attacker completing maurauding runs with balls into the box, or shots on goal were very few and far between.
However, Smith was able to gain space to earn one opportunity – and a player such as her only needs one. The outcome was an absolute rocket that was superbly tipped over the bar by Phallon Tullis Joyce in the United goal, although to the mystery of the Gunners, no corner was awarded.
The forward showed another superb aspect to her play, with her tracking back and putting in a perfectly timed tackle to deny Ella Toone just as the Lionesses star was about to pull the trigger for the Red Devils.
Whilst United showed that close marking and working overtime to deny Smith space has real merits, it was also clear that it is a full-time occupation for a defender. As this tactic is repeated by future Arsenal opponents, Smith will be looking to play quick link passes to the likes of Russo and Stina Blackstenius around her, who can run into the space left by the defender marking the Canadian and profit.
It takes a very switched-on defender to stick with Smith for a whole game. Sandberg did it brilliantly at the LSV – but still the attacker conjured up one superb chance that brought the game’s closest chance.
Smith strives to shine despite Villa’s plan to frustrate
Above: Olivia Smith accelerates away against Aston Villa. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Aston Villa have a history of causing Arsenal grief. Last season, the Midlands side claimed a 5-2 win at Villa Park, and the season before were heading to a shock victory before goals in second-half stoppage time from Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo spared the Gunners’ blushes.
This time around, Natalia Arroyo’s side gifted the hosts the lead just 10 minutes in, but recovered to deploy an extreme high press that forced Arsenal to go backwards in a bid to go forward. It took the sting out of the North London side’s pep in attack and turned the game into a battle of transitions.
It meant that Smith, who started the encounter, was given far fewer opportunities to show her worth as the Gunners were swamped and not able to find their wide players as accurately and as regularly as in the previous three WSL games.
Yet, each time she was played in, the Canadian had the better of her marker, Océane Deslandes. With three minutes on the clock, Smith left the French-born defender trailing in her wake to accelerate into space and won the corner thanks to the resulting one-two with Frida Maanum.
Just before the half-hour mark, once more, Smith turned on the afterburners to rocket up the flank before cutting in to win her side another corner. After this inauspicious start from Deslandes, Villa pulled midfielder Missy Bo Kearns back to assist.
As the game edged towards the interval, Villa were forcing the hosts into errors and turnover possession. It left Smith and Beth Mead increasingly cut off from possession. However, the young Gunner showed her intelligence by moving rapidly inside to the centre of the field off and out to either flank off the ball, pulling Deslandes and, occasionally, Kearns as well with her in a bid to free up space for team-mates to run into.
Villa combined the high press with a physical approach. Smith copped a tackle in the early stages of the second half that required treatment, and left the field with 65 minutes played, replaced by Caitlin Foord.
Bigger challenges ahead
Above: Olivia Smith takes on Manchester City’s Leila Ouahabi on Saturday. Photo: Arsenal Women.
It’s been a powerful start to Smith’s Arsenal career. However, with her side now on a run of three WSL games without a win, the beginning of their Champions League defence starting tonight against Olympique Lyonnes, and a league showdown with Chelsea soon after the international break, the 21-year-old is about to face a series of games with a degree of pressure on them that she hasn’t experienced in her club career to date.
There is absolutely no doubt that the Toronto-born star has the potential and ability to lift her side to the heights they aspire to – a record of 44 goals in 69 games tells its own story.
Yet Smith now has to do it with not only the target of her strong start to the season on her back, but the reality that Arsenal cannot afford the five-point gap between themselves and Chelsea to widen any further. There is no more wriggle room. That brings a level of pressure that is new for the attacker. What she does next will be well worth watching.
Don’t miss Impetus’ major analysis of Arsenal’s Champions League opener with Olympique Lyonnes with SIX writers coming together to examine different aspects of the game. It’ll be on the site on Wednesday 8th October.
Above: The spurs team that lined up to face Brighton.Photo: Spurswomen on X.
By Aimee-Lou Caldecourt (5/10/25)
The Action
Both managers made one change from the last gameweek, with Ashleigh Neville coming in for Josefine Rybrink for Tottenham and Rachel McLauchlan coming in for MoekaMinami.
In the early stages Jess Naz was able to find herself in acres of space on the right hand side for Spurs to create chances and the first shot on target of the game which was calmly collected by Chiamaka Nnandozie in the sticks.
Spurs took the lead after 26 minutes. Cathinka Tandberg met the end of Olivia Holdt’s cross on the left hand side, and she tapped home. The Brighton defence struggled to keep up with the Spurs forward line and took their eye off Tandberg who slotted it into the net.
Brighton’s only real attempt of the first half came from a corner which floated in to find the head of Nadine Noordamthen to Michelle Agyemang who appealed for a foul in the box, but Lize Kop claimed the ball to her chest and nullified any further attempt. Brighton struggled to keep possession of the ball in the first half consequently not creating half as many dangerous attempts as Spurs.
The second half started quite quiet, with neither team really making an impact until around the 55 minute mark where it would be Spurs to challenge Nnadozie again, first with a free kick from Eveliina Summanen, then Bethany England who forced a near post collection.
After substitutions, Brighton seemed to have taken a 3-4-3 approach, with Marisa Olislagers on the left being more advanced up the pitch to try and challenge the more creative side of Spurs.
It was a tough day for the Seagulls as it seemed as though they were unable to keep up with the pace of Spurs, in particular when played out on the wing.
Tottenham end the match week in 3rd , much to the delight of Martin Ho who has transformed this team so far this season. Brighton remain 6th and look to bounce back in the Subway Cup midweek.
Above: Sunderland huddle post-match. Photo: @SAFCWomen on X.
This weekend’s action in the Barclays WSL2 competition sees a potentially fascinating clash between two of the top three sides. Both Sunderland and Charlton Athletic have had strong starts to the season, but who will come out on top on Sunday?
Form
Both sides have made a pretty strong start to the season to date.
Charlton Athletic are currently sitting second on the table, with three wins and one draw to their name, while Sunderland are merely two points behind them in third after starting the year with two wins and two draws.
Sunderland come into this match off a one all draw with Southampton, while Charlton Athletic come into the clash off a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
Free flowing attack vs tight defence
The interesting thing about this match up is that both sides have shown contrasting strengths this season.
For Sunderland, goals have not been an issue. They have the third best goals for tally so far this season (behind only Birmingham City on 12 and Southampton on nine), with five different players having gotten on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile for Charlton Athletic, it is their defence that is their strength.
Scoring has been a bit of an issue for them – with The Addicks currently holding the third lowest goals for tally in the competition – but their defence has been super strong, only conceding one goal so far this season.
Interestingly, in all of the matches Sunderland has conceded goals this season, the goals that Sunderland did concede came after the Lasses had scored all their goals they would end up scoring.
By contrast, the one goal Charlton has conceded this season was scored first in their match with Durham, but then Charlton came back and scored two goals to take the win.
This does also mean that the clean sheet stats are starkly different between the sides.
Charlton’s first choice keeper Sophie Whitehouse has kept three clean sheets, while Sunderland’s first choice keeper Grace Moloney has only done so once.
Where have the goals been coming from?
As previously mentioned, Sunderland have had five different players get on the scoresheet so far this season.
Emily Scarr has been the main source of Sunderland’s goals in 2025/26, scoring three goals to date. Katie Kitching has pitched in with two goals, while Isobel Atkinson, Rhiannon Roberts and Katie Watson have also gotten on the scoresheet.
In stark contrast, Charlton have not had anyone score more than one goal for it yet this season, with Emma Bissell, Gillian Kenney, Lucy Fitzgerald and Kate Bradley the ones to get on the scoreboard.
Sunderland v Charlton kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday. The game will be shown on the WSL 2 Youtube channel.
Above: a previous meeting between Arsenal and City. Photo: Arsenal website.
Arsenal head to the Joie Stadium this Saturday, where improvement will be top of mind as they take on Manchester City. The match follows a lackluster start to the season for the European champions, and their intent is to gain points and return to form, to restore their dreams of the title.
Head-to-Head history
The last two times Arsenal faced Manchester City, it was City’s game for the taking. A 1-2 defeat at home was a significant knock for the Gunners in the final stage of the Women’s League Cup, but overall, the two sides’ history is fairly even.
“This is one competition, and we’re very proud of what we have achieved, but very humbled and we want to do this consistently,” Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers reflected on success last season, “What we do now moving forward is to make sure that everyone stays sharp and invested. You have to keep evolving as well”, she added.
It was only in the past two trips to the Joie that Arsenal have been able to rewrite their history with the stadium, having not won a single match there between 2017-2024.
There is no real dominant side to this meeting historically, so a prediction is difficult. However, Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United has set up an electrifying match for the other half of the top four; one that could very well be an indicator of who will take charge in the title race.
Current form
Current form suggests it may be City who take home the points this round.
“[I look at it] game by game. [I’m] very disappointed, with the points we lost the last two games, we’re not happy with that,” Slegers reflected on her team’s recent drop in form. “But now we look forward, and every game you play for Arsenal, when you represent Arsenal, then you have to win and win every game” she added.
Slegers herself has faced Andree Jeglertz several times, calling him a “great guy, and a good coach”, who she is thoroughly impressed by.
The opening four games of the WSL have not been kind to the Gunners. A 1-1 draw with Aston Villa saw a streak of home wins come to an end and saw them drop to fourth on the ladder, with eight points. Although they are two places behind their opponents, there is only one point difference, with the hosts sitting on nine, and a neck-in-neck goal difference.
Slegers reflected on the recent draws, saying “with Arsenal, you want to go for the full points. If we don’t, there will be disappointment.”
A win for Arsenal could very easily see them make their way back into the top three.
Team News
Leah Williamson is still unavailable for selection, making for a makeshift Arsenal defence. All other players are currently available, with Katie Reid currently being the choice replacement, over Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Difference Makers
The absence of vice captain Leah Williamson has seen Katie Reid take the reins of Arsenal’s defence. The natural attacking threat of Manchester City will require an impenetrable back line if the Gunners want to hold their own and take home the points.
“We are still the same. We focus on ourselves. We look forward to the competition, but mostly we look forward to the game tomorrow”
All eyes will be on Chloe Kelly this match. The forward signed a permanent contract with Arsenal in the summer, after a loan stint with the club last season. Kelly’s development in this time has been astonishing, and the fire that comes with facing her past team, at her old home ground, could be exactly what Arsenal needs to break down the City side and get the goals they desperately need.
Above: Chloe Kelly for Arsenal. Photo: Suzy Lycett / @boodlepim.
Although Kelly has been mostly used as a substitute so far this season, her impact has been significant, and pulled together an often uncertain Arsenal squad. Slegers was asked what Kelly will bring to the clash:
“I think she will find the right levels, I think thats what special with Chloe, she has that fire inside her, which she uses in the right way, it creates so much for herself and her team, and that will be no different for tomorrow.”
Although recent results haven’t represented the powerhouse reputation Arsenal have built, Slegers and her team are taking it match-by-match, and have not given up their title hopes.
“I feel like we have had a good week with the players. Every game is important in the league because every opposition delivers different problems for us and we have to deliver consistently.”
Arsenal will take on Manchester City at the Joie Stadium on Saturday at 12pm UK time.
Above: Both teams come together for a moment of silence. Photo: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters.
In a wet and windy Manchester, the WSL’s current top two sides went head to head. Whilst no team emerged victorious, the draw will certainly feel like a win for the home team – they have only ever taken a single point from Chelsea in the league.
The context
Ahead of this game, most discussions seemed to focus on the title race. Whilst Chelsea have dominated recent years (clinching their eigth title last season), it looks like other clubs are beginning to close the gap. Arsenal have arguably gone one better by winning the one trophy that has eluded The Blues.
Before the summer, before the Euros and England’s unlikely triumph against Spain, The Gunners brought the Champions League back to England. That they achieved this by defeating the team that saw off Chelsea in the semi-finals by an aggregated 8-2 scoreline adds another element to the win.
Arsenal’s mixed recent form – including dropping points to both United and Aston Villa – opened the door for Chelsea to push ahead at the top of the table. United are occasionally mentioned as an outsider pick for the title race – and a first league win against Chelsea would certainly provide evidence for that.
Recent performances from Chelsea have been unconvincing, particularly defensively. Whilst they are still unbeaten under Sonia Bompastor, they are conceding more chances and completing more defensive actions, showing their defence is more frequently engaged. Their aggressive press is ruthless, creating a number of chances going forward, particularly through wingbacks pushing further up the pitch. Using a back three, this leaves space on the wings – areas where they have been vulnerable to overloads.
Friday evening’s game was tipped to be a ‘battle of the defences’. For their part, United had conceded one goal in the four WSL games so far – against London City Lionesses. The back five (including goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce) have extended their exemplary form from last season into the next, with the acquisition of Julia Zigiotti freeing up Dominique Janssen to return to the left-sided center-back role she plays for the Netherlands.
Given the two sides’ recent form, United fans would be forgiven for hoping that this would be a prime opportunity for that elusive first WSL win over Chelsea.
The teams
United head coach Marc Skinner made one change from the win over Liverpool as Swedish left-back Anna Sandberg came in for French forward Melvine Malard.
Chelsea utilised their impressive squad by making three changes. Australia’s electric Ellie Carpenter replaced Veerle Buurman, Catarina Macario was given the nod ahead of Oriane Jean-François in midfield, and Sandy Baltimore took Alyssa Thompson’s place in attack.
Aggie Beever-Jones had been in fine form, scoring four goals in Chelsea’s opening four games. However, she shifted to the left, with Macario up front.
The action
It was the home side who began the brightest as United forced Hannah Hampton into two early saves. Following this brief scare, Chelsea took control, bullying United in midfield. The trio of Wieke Kaptein, Erin Cuthbert and Keira Walsh have formed a consistent unit, and those relationships were clear to see in the visitors’ early flow. It didn’t take long for them to break the deadlock.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd played a low ball to the near post, where Catarina Macario expertly held up play before flicking a clever backheel into the path of Wieke Kaptein. It was light work for the Dutch teenager to beat Phallon Tullis-Joyce with a powerful shot into the far corner.
For a few minutes, it looked like United were in for a long evening. However, they regrouped and almost capitalised on a loose pass out from Hampton followed swiftly by having a shot blocked by Sandy Baltimore on the edge of the box. The equaliser came suddenly as Chelsea failed to clear a cross. Ella Toone bounced the ball into the path of Sandberg who volleyed into the far corner.
The rest of the half saw both teams have periods of momentum; Tullis-Joyce produced an instinctive save from Kaptein, whilst Jess Park slithered her way around the Blues’ defence to have a shot at the Chelsea goal.
The second half began with United again seeing the brighter start. The visitors were sloppy and lacked momentum, conceding a flurry of chances in quick succession. However, the introduction of club record signing Alyssa Thompson changed the momentum as it allowed Beever-Jones back into the central attacking role, whilst Thompson’s directness gave the blues more creative ways of breaking through United’s midfield.
In a relatively even battle, the teams seemed to cancel each other out with few clear cut chances for either side until the final fifteen minutes of the game. Sam Kerr’s introduction brought a new impetus to the visitors as they peppered United’s goal with shots. They were either off target or met with a block from a strong United defense.
Where the game was won / lost
For United, there are two ways to take this result. There could be frustration that perhaps one of the best opportunities to finally beat Chelsea went spare. However, there must also be a sense of achievement: United had only ever taken one point from the Blues in WSL history.
Chelsea were frustrated for much of the game. With their wingbacks pressing high up the pitch, they left spaces behind that United exploited, using their fast-paced wide players to attack that space. Jess Park was an important factor in navigating through the visitors’ midfield, using slinky movements to manouvere in the tight spaces between Chelsea players.
Whilst Chelsea’s reinforcements from the bench exemplified the difference between the clubs’ approaches to women’s football, they were met with a strong and spirited United defence. If there were any fears that United would not continue their defensive momentum into a new season, they can surely be laid to rest.
Where does this leave the teams?
Chelsea do not tend to drop too many points: every point dropped may make an eventual difference in the title race. Arsenal face fellow title rivals Manchester City tomorrow – a win for City would see them usurp United and claim second in the table.
TEAMS: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-1-4-1): Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Rolfö, Sandberg, Miyazawa, Park, Toone, Zigiotti Olme, Terland. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Blundell, George, Awujo, Bizet Dønnum (for Riviere 76′), Naalsund, Malard (for Terland 59′), Williams.
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