Ellie Carpenter’s Chelsea Debut: Pace, Precision, and Promise

By Emmanuel Faith 7/9/25

Above: Ellie Carpenter in her debut on Friday night Photo: chelseafc.com

It is not every time you win the “player of the match” on your debut, especially in a talent-stacked team like Chelsea, where almost everyone is an overperformer, but that’s what Ellie Carpenter did.

Chelsea began their 2025/26 Women’s Super League title defense with a 2–1 victory over Manchester City, and the most compelling storyline of the night was the blistering debut of summer signing Ellie Carpenter.

From the moment she stepped onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge, Carpenter was a live wire with rapid pace in attack, and when tracking back.

Her first 20 minutes were a showcase of control, aggression, and acute timing. In fact, she won eight of nine duels, put six crosses into the box, made nine recoveries, six tackles, and two interceptions all while crafting two key goal-scoring opportunities.

It was her low, precise cross in the 31st minute that unlocked the game: Aggie Beever-Jones clipped it home from close range, seamlessly demonstrating how Carpenter’s offensive instincts slot into Chelsea’s rhythmic dominance and fast counter-attacking power.

Carpenter’s presence stretched Manchester City’s defensive structure, exploiting space in transition and pushing opponents back with relentless width. Her tactical intelligence was as resounding as her runs.

What This Means Going Forward

Carpenter’s debut was a signal, symbolising exactly why she was bought. With Lucy Bronze out for a while, the fans can look forward to witnessing a lot of her amazing traits as a footballer. That is either in a back three, five or a more traditional four. her ability to cover a lot of ground with her pace is valuable to Chelsea’s style of play.

Looking ahead, Carpenter’s role could be transformative for Chelsea’s season. In the WSL, her energy ensures the Blues won’t be outworked on the flanks, particularly against sides like Arsenal and Manchester United that thrive on exploiting wide areas.

Her ability to handle one-on-one duels gives Chelsea an insurance policy they’ve occasionally lacked in defence. Offensively, her overlapping and underlapping runs offer Bompastor tactical flexibility: Carpenter can operate as a traditional full-back hugging the touchline, or invert into a wing-back to add another passing option.

Her presence in the squad also reinforces the balance of Chelsea’s ambitions. In the WSL, her energy ensures defensive security against high-pressing sides while offering an outlet in transition. In Europe, where wide spaces are often decisive, her pace and decision-making could prove crucial in Chelsea’s quest for their first Champions League title.

Her experience with Lyon in continental competition equips her with both the mentality and tactical awareness to thrive on the biggest stage. With Carpenter, Chelsea are plugging gaps while future-proofing their squad for the battles that will popup as the season keeps evolving, especially during the busiest part of the season, as Chelsea aim to compete on all four fronts.

Of course, one game doesn’t define a career at Chelsea, and Carpenter herself will know there’s more to come. There were moments on Sunday where her eagerness to push forward left small gaps at the back, and she will need to fine-tune that balance with her new teammates. But if this debut is any indication, the adjustment period will be short.

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Toone, Malard, and Terland shine as Manchester United cruise to victory over Foxes

Manchester United 4 – 0 Leicester City

By Catherine Mackenzie

Above: United celebrate their win. Photo: ManUtdWomen on X.

Manchester United kicked off the new WSL season in style with a 4-0 demolition of Leicester City.

Whilst Leicester City are currently reeling from the controversial sacking of head coach Amandine Miquel 11 days ahead of the new season, United have already been in action this summer – facing PSV and Hammarby in Champions League qualifiers.

The Red Devils are looking to sustain their top-three finish from last season and compete in Europe, which made Sunday’s opening day duel with Leicester a must-win. With Rick Passmoor in interim charge of a Leicester team tipped for relegation this season, their trip to Leigh Sports Village provided a difficult start for the head coach.

The teams

A common complaint from United fans is that the club’s summer transfer business (comprising of Julia Zigiotti Olme, Fridolina Rolfö and Jess Park) has not provided enough depth to cover runs in four competitions. Their bench against Leicester exemplified this: only five players were named, including a goalkeeper and academy prospect Mared Griffifths.

Despite Millie Turner returning to fitness, Swedish international Anna Sandberg has enjoyed strong pre-season performances and was given the nod at left-back with Dominique Janssen continuing to partner Maya Le Tissier in the center. The midfield comprised of a WSL debut for Zigiotti Olme alongside Toone and Miyazawa. Leicester were missing a number of the key players from last season, including England international Ruby Mace. 20-year-old new signing Olivia McLaughlin started on the bench.

The action

With a trip to Norway awaiting them later in the week, United were eager to get the game done and dusted early. It was an electrifying start for the Red Devils, as they capitalised on an understandable lack of cohesion within the Leicester midfield. Manchester native Toone was in particularly fine form; the signing of Zigiotti Olme giving her more space to be creative in the number 10 role.

For Leicester, the opening stages were resigned to defending, however it did not take long for United to break the deadlock. They were afforded space inside the box, and in a characteristically unselfish move, Elisabeth Terland tapped the ball into Toone’s path, leaving Toone to slot home.

The partnership between Sandberg and Malard down the left was particularly effective in disrupting the Foxes every time they managed to break out of United’s press – winning the ball back and getting it back towards the Leicester box. They did not have long to wait for the second goal, as Terland met a sublime cross from Riviere, claiming her goal with a strong header.

With a midweek trip to Norway in mind, United took their foot off the gas after their second goal. Leicester failed to capitalise on this despite a few miscommunications amongst the United back-line. They had the occasional chance but lacked the quality to get the ball over the line.

Following the break, play continued in much the same vein: United dominated without creating much, with Leicester occasionally making a charge on the break. A third goal did eventually come for the hosts, as Dutch defender Janssen perfectly placed her cross for Malard to head in, and the French forward got her second goal only minutes later.

Jess Park was given her debut, and she made a quick imprint on the game, using her technicality to get the ball into the box through a packed Leicester defensive line. A debut goal was not to be, but a positive impression on a first outing.

Player of the match – Ella Toone

Toone was everywhere. Given license to be creative, the midfielder can be electric, and she appeared to enjoy linking up with Terland and Malard.

Above: Ella Toone. Photo: ManUtdWomen on X.

What was perhaps most impressive was that whilst United did lose some of the attacking momentum they started the game with, Toone was consistent in her press throughout the whole 90 minutes; evidenced by her goal and assist coming at either ends of the match.

An honourable mention does need to be paid to Malard, Sandberg, and Janssen – none of whom put a foot wrong throughout the 90, and who all contributed in some way to the build-up of the goals.

Final thoughts

It was a positive afternoon for United, and they will be pleased with their goalscoring form ahead of their final Champions League qualifier mid-week. However, there were points for improvement: the communication between shot-stopper Tullis-Joyce and her backline was missing at times, and head coach Marc Skinner will have been worried to see a few players go down with knocks. 

Leicester struggled – particularly defensively – at times, and most worryingly lacked a sense of on-pitch leadership. There were the occasional forays forward, but Passmoor has a lot of work to do ahead of a tricky run of fixtures, facing Liverpool and treble-winners Chelsea in the coming weeks.

United head to Norway where they face Brann Kvinner in their final qualifier for the Champions League this Thursday, before facing newly-promoted London City Lionesses next Sunday. Leicester await a Liverpool side beaten 4-1 by rivals Everton in their first outing.

TEAMS: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg, Zigiotti Olme, Miyazawa, Bizet, Toone, Malard, Terland. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Turner (for Sandberg 69’), Park (for Janssen 57’), Naalsund (for Zigiotti Olme 65’), Griffifths.

Scorers: Toone 13’, Terland 25’, Malard 73’, 87’.

LEICESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Leitzig, Thibaud, Boureille, Kees, Ale, Tierney, Cayman, O’Brien, van Egmond, Cain, Eiríksdóttir. Substitutes: Kaczmar, Clark, Wellesley-Smith, Payne (for Cayman 70’), Las (for Eiríksdóttir 65’), Sherwood, Rantala (for Cain 82’), Ayane, McLaughlin (for O’Brien 46’).

Attendance: 4,325

Referee: Grace Lowe

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Vignola hat-trick seals Everton Derby Demolition

Liverpool 1-4 Everton

By Gethin Thurlow 7/9/25

Above: Ornella Vignola celebrates after one of her goals at Anfield today for Everton. Photo: The Straits Times.

Ornella Vignola’s dream debut saw Everton to a perfect start to the WSL campaign, as Brian Sorensen’s tactical nous shone through and the Gareth Taylor era at Liverpool got off to an unceremonious start at Anfield.

A Merseyside derby at Anfield to kick off the Gareth Taylor era at Liverpool and the Freidkin group era-proper at Everton. Both teams come into the season looking to assert themselves as a top team, having been mid table fillers over the last few years.

To do this, Liverpool had hired ex Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor, we led them to second in the 2023/24 season – only missing out by goal difference. Everton’s strategy was to stick with Brian Sorenson and bring in new players instead.

The Teams

With Gareth Taylor’s first team selection at Liverpool, we began to see a picture of what he envisioned for the club. It looked like the 4-3-3 he favoured at City, with Kapocs and Holland on the wing and Mia Enderby in the middle.

Everton, meanwhile named a vastly changed team, with Ishikawa, Pacheco, Vignola, Robinson, van Gool, and Momiki given club debuts. Kelly Gago was left on the bench after her outstanding campaign last year. England U-21’s winger Katie Robinson started her Everton career at right back.

The Action

Known for his slow, methodical style of build-up play at City, it was clear that keeping possession was also going to be a staple of Taylor’s Liverpool team. The use of Hobinger to press aggressively and become a second striker when pressing was also a regular tactic at City.

The first moments of the game were dominated by the battle between Ceri Holland on the right wing and Maz Pacheco, with the Welsh winger getting through and putting dangerous crosses in a few times, while Pacheco was able to intercept a number of passes and stop those attacks.

It was Cornelia Kapocs, thoug,h who opened the scoring, cutting in from the left flank and smashing the ball into the top corner, giving Brosnan no chance to save.

Everton really struggled to get a foothold in the game early. Even when passing out from the back, they couldn’t find that out ball to give them some control or even a sniff of possession in Liverpool’s half.

All it takes is once chance, however, and from a Liverpool corner, Hayley Ladd smashed a long ball up towards Vignola, who brilliantly dribbled it all the way into the box, cut over to her left foot and bent a shot into the far corner. Having had no notable attacks all game long, Everton had levelled it up.

Liverpool continued to plug away, and it was Ceri Holland who threatened most, hitting the post with a shot and having more crosses cleared away. Marie Hobinger spurned a glorious chance when Hayley Ladd misjudged a back pass and played her right in, but the Austrian Midfielder could only fire it wide.

Towards the end of the half, Everton started to have some success with the ball, but Liverpool stayed disciplined in defence. Deep into injury time, Maz Pacheco put in a wonderful cross, and Snoeijs was able to get a strong header, which flew into the net even despite Faye Kirby getting a hand to it.

Despite the scoreline, Brian Sorenson made three changes at halftime, including Ruby Mace’s first appearance for the club. This completely flipped the game, and it was now Everton dominating the ball, with Liverpool resorting to counterattacks. Pacheco picked up the ball on the left, once again put a great cross in, and Vignola headed home for 3-1.

Wheeler, van Gool, and Holmgaard combined very well in the opening minutes of that second half, and it was this combo that killed the game off for good. Holmgaard ran all the way down the right, finding Vignola, who cut inside and shot towards goal. It took a huge deflection and slowly rolled past the wrong-footed Kirby. Liverpool tried to get back into it, but never had any clear chances from this point o,n and Everton marched back across the city with three points.

Where this leaves the teams

For Everton, it was the perfect start to the season. Soaking up all the pressure in the first half, they were clinical and came away with a lead. The changes in personnel and game plan worked brilliantly in the second half, and Liverpool didn’t know what had hit them.

 Whether or not the plan was to counterattack in the first and dominate the second with those changes or not, Brian Sorensen read the game perfectly and exploited the main weakness of Gareth Taylor’s tactics – something he did against City last year as well, with Taylor at the helm.

Sorensen further proved his side’s ability to adapt to whatever the opposition brings them, and Everton surely look on for their best season in the WSL for a good few years if they can keep up this clinical edge.

The transfer window also seems to have been a great success for the Toffees, as all their new signings looked right at home.

For Liverpool, it was an incredibly frustrating afternoon. They did everything planned in the first half, but just couldn’t finish the chances when they were ahead in the game. Coming out in the second half, they were too slow to adjust and were pinned in by Everton for 15 minutes. By the time they did sort this out, the game was already gone.

Most concerning, perhaps, is that Everton have created a blueprint of how to beat this team.

Everton host London City Lionesses on Friday night, while Liverpool head to Villa Park on Sunday in the team’s next matches..

Teams: LIVERPOOL (4-1-2-1-2): Kirby, FisK, Bonner, Evans, Woodham, Nagano, Hobinger, Kerr, Holland, Enderby, Kapocs. Substitutes: Morgan, Parry, Shimisu (for Woodham 88’), Kiernan, Roman Haug (for Hobinger 81’), Olsson (for Kapocs 64’), Clark, Maclean (for Nagano 64’), Silcock.

Scorer: Kapocs 12’.

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Brosnan, Fernandez, Pacheco, Ishikawa, van Gool, Ladd, Vignola, Hayashi, Robinson, Snoeijs, Momiki. Substitutes: Gago (for Vignola 70’), Mace (for Robinson 46’), Payne (for Snoeijs 80’), Ramsey, Holmgaard (for Ladd 46’), Stenevik, Weir, Wheeler (for Hayashi 46’).

Scorers: Vignola 24’, Snoeijs 45+4’, Vignola 54’, Vignola 56’.

Referee: Melissa Burgin.

Attendance: TBC.

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Birmingham City’s Amy Merricks on WSL2 and ‘serial winner’ Ji So-Yun

By Rachel Gore (6/9/25)

Above: Amy Merricks. Photo: Birmingham City Women.

Ahead of Birmingham City’s opening match against Bristol City on Sunday, Impetus Football spoke to Amy Merricks, Birmingham’s manager, about the upcoming season.

The 25/26 season is Merricks’ second one in charge of the Blues. She’s “really proud” of what the club did last season but aims to go one step further this year. She wants to win the league and ultimately find a way back into the Champions League.

Merricks made the move to Birmingham City ahead of the 24/25 season, having previously managed the England Women’s U19s squad. Working with an international side poses different challenges to that of domestic football however, if anything, it is domestic football that Merricks knows best.

Experience serving as Assistant Manager and then Interim Head Coach on three occasions for Brighton & Hove Albion means that Merricks knows English football well. She is aware of what “WSL ready looks like” and is building “the club, the infrastructure and the team” to ensure that they can play in the best way possible.

After last season, where the Blues narrowly missed out on promotion to the WSL after finishing second in the league, Merricks knows “what the Championship brings” which “is another string” to the club’s “bow”.

Their short fall last summer has led the squad to be “driven more than ever” and after preseason it is evident that players are “in a really healthy place”.

Merricks described how the club’s variety of preseason fixtures have been useful as they’ve challenged the team “physically, technically and tactically”.

To build on the team’s existing depth and excellence, Merricks has made numerous additions to the squad over the transfer window. This conversation with Merricks took place only an hour after it was announced that Ji So-yun had signed with Brimingham on a loan from Seattle Reign.

So-yun is an experienced midfielder who won six league titles in a 10-year period with Chelsea before she moved over to the NWSL. Merricks described the South Korean international as a “serial winner”.

Lucy Newell and Libby Bance have also joined the Blues on loan. Bance joins from Brighton and Newell from Manchester United. Both are young ballers who will be looking to get minutes at the WSL2 side.

Birmingham City have also made seven permanent signings during the recent transfer window. One of which is the singing of Océane Hurtré from PSG. Hurtré is a French youth international who is “eager to play in front of the supporters” and is excited to “discover the stadium and win many matches” there.

The stadium in question is St Andrews, which became the Blues official home last season. Merricks said that her team are “so fortunate to play there” and described the experience as “incredible”. In the stadium, the staff and players can “feel the fans behind” them.

Speaking on the club’s fans, Merricks expressed how they came out in full force last year. She sends out some instructions for fans ahead of Sunday’s opening match: “Come and get behind us, sing for us and be with us every step of the way because it’s going to be a hell of a season”.

Birmingham City play Bristol City on Sunday 7th September at St. Andrews Stadium.

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Bayern Munich set new attendance record in German women’s football

Bayern Munich 2 – 0 Bayer Leverkusen

By Catherine MacKenzie (6/9/25)

Above: Bayern celebrate. Photo: Sven Simon / IMAGO.

Last season’s Frauen Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich kicked off their title defence against Bayer Leverkusen in front of over 55,000 fans at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern had the advantage of a recent competitive game: their Supercup win against rivals Wolfsburg the previous weekend set the bar high. In new head coach José Barcala’s first game in charge, the Bavarians dominated their rivals in green, with goals from Stanway, Eriksson, Damnjanović and Schüller. It was brilliant attacking performance which gave Barcala his first piece of silverware at the Munich club. The boost from this win was buoyed by the fact that they would play their opening match of the league season at the Allianz Arena.

Over 50,000 tickets were sold, meaning the game would set a new record for women’s football in Germany (previously 38,365) and more than doubling Bayern’s record of 24,000).

Above: the attendance. Photo: FCBFrauen on X.

For Leverkusen, their last competitive game was back in May, a 3-1 defeat to Wolfsburg in the league. Since then, they have played a number of friendly games including a 3-2 loss (again to Wolfsburg), a 0-0 draw against PSV, and a 1-0 win over Ajax. Roberto Pätzold led Leverkusen to a historic fourth-place finish last season – the highest in the club’s history. However, they were unable to overcome Bayern in either of their duels, falling 3-2 in Leverkusen and 2-0 in Munich.

The teams

With Germany captain and first-choice right-back Giulia Gwinn injured during the summer’s European Championships, 20-year-old Franziska Kett was given the start at right-back. Denmark international Pernille Harder was left on the bench, likely to support a phased return from injury. In her absence, Lea Schüller started up top, supported by Linda Dallman, Momoko Tanikawa and Jovana Damnjanović. Canadian Vanessa Gilles was given the nod at centre-back alongside Magdalena Eriksson, with Caro Simon on the right. For Leverkusen, new signing Vanessa Fudalla was given the nod up front alongside Cornelia Kramer, lining up in a 4-4-2 formation with England U23 international Ruby Grant in midfield.

The action

During the first half, neither team created many chances of note. Bayern looked toothless going forward: with Harder on the bench, the relationship between Damnjanović and Schüller was disjointed. Misjudged crosses in, neither picking out the other in the right spaces, and Leverkusen had plenty of time to interrupt Bayern’s attack. Whilst the Bavarians dominated the possession – over 60% in the opening half – they did little with it, and Leverkusen had the better chances, forcing Ena Mahmutovic into a couple of saves in the Bayern goal.

The momentum changed with the introduction of Klara Bühl after half-time, alongside some positional tweaks: Damnjanović was moved to a more natural central position which gave her more space to be creative. Defensively, Munich continued to look slightly disjointed; natural given the makeshift nature of their backline. Towards the mid-point of the half, Leverkusen had the ball in the back of the net after a good save from Mahmutovic was tapped in on the rebound, but the goal was chalked off for an obvious handball in the build-up.

Moments later, Damnjanović hit the bar, and the game opened up. Bayern had looked dangerous from set-pieces throughout the match, and it was a corner that Gilles put her head to for the opener. Munich doubled their lead minutes later, with Alara Şehitler sublimely winning the ball back in midfield, ending with Bühl shooting home from close range via a Damnjanović cross.

The latter stages of the game ebbed out with the main highlight being Lena Oberdorf making her long-awaited league debut for Bayern following her transfer over a year ago: as she entered the pitch, the Arena erupted with over 57,000 happy to finally see their ‘new’ player in action.

Where does this leave the teams?

Leverkusen will feel like they could – or even should – have left Munich with at least one point. In the first half, there were numerous opportunities to take advantage of Bayern’s toothlessness in front of goal and disorganisation at the back. However, chances were missed and Mahmutovic made two fine saves. Bayern will know that there is work to do, the fall in quality between the Supercup and Saturday clear to see. In front of goal is where the Bavarian team are in particular need of tweaking, however individual quality and a more cohesive setup with Damnjanović back in a central position were enough to see the game through.

Bayern travel to Leipzig on the 14th of September, where they will hope for another three points. Leverkusen await Union Berlin at home; a game which they will be expecting to lead to their first win of the season.

TEAMS: BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Mahmutovic, Kett, Gilles, Eriksson, Simon, Zadrazil, Stanway, Dallmann, Tanikawa, Damnjanović, Schüller. Substitutes: Grohs, Hansen, Naschenweng, Pedersen, Caruso (for Damnjanović 84’), Şehitler (for Tanikawa 68’), Oberdorf (for Stanway 81’), Bühl (for Schüller 46’) , Harder (for Dallman 68’).

Scorers: Gilles 76’, Bühl 77’.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN (4-4-2): Abt, Mickenhagen, Turányi, Wenger, Wamser, Kögel, Piljić, Zdebel, Grant, Fudalla, Kramer. Substitutes: Voll, Friedrich, Gonzales (for Kramer 66’), Schwartze, Daedelow, Vidal (for Piljić 66’), Bartz (for Grant 66’), Madl (for Kögel 81’), Haim (for Fudalla 66’).

Attendance: 57,762

Referee: TBC

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Masterful Carpenter runs riot on WSL debut as Chelsea win

Chelsea 2 – 1 Manchester City

By Catherine MacKenzie (5/9/25)

Above: Ellie Carpenter celebrates. Photo: ChelseaFCW on X.

Chelsea and Manchester City ended last season in very different ways. Whilst Chelsea won the league unbeaten, City stumbled; an injury crisis stretching their squad too far. At one point without winger Lauren Hemp, captain Alex Greenwood, top scorer Bunny Shaw and electric forward Vivienne Miedema, City finished fourth, out of contention for the Champions League.

Ahead of the game, both teams’ England internationals were celebrated for their European Championship win – including the injured Lucy Bronze and Lauren James – and Chelsea’s club record signing Alyssa Thompson was presented to the crowd.

The teams

Both sides included new names in the starting eleven. For City, German midfielder Sydney Lohmann was given the nod whilst Chelsea gave Australian import Ellie Carpenter her first WSL start.

City gambled with a young backline including academy prospects Gracie Prior and Jade Rose, who started alongside Alex Greenwood at left back and Kerstin Casparij on the right.

Without James or Mayra Ramirez, Chelsea started Aggie Beever-Jones up top, with Maika Hamano and Wieke Kaptein behind her.

The action

In a physical start, City had the upper hand. Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was forced into an early save, and the London club did not escape their own half for the opening five minutes.

The momentum changed as the half progressed, with Chelsea being dangerous on the counter through the pace of Carpenter. City looked vulnerable from corners, and defensively fragile. Their young backline struggled and at times seemed to not know where to pass the ball.

Above: the physicality on show in the opening stages. Photo: ManCityWomen on X.

Yamashita saved well from a Sandy Baltimore shot at close range before Carpenter and Beever-Jones combined sublimely to put Chelsea ahead.

Carpenter ran riot against Alex Greenwood at left-back, beating her for pace and causing City constant problems with her speed. In midfield, City mastermind Yui Hasegawa was managed well – the minute she had the ball, three Chelsea players surrounded her.

Following half-time, City had a period of momentum defined by a number of chances for Hasegawa. Despite this, it was Chelsea who made it 2-0 as Wieke Kaptein got the better of Greenwood and her cross found Maika Hamano who shot home.

City did get their goal – an unfortunate own goal for Niamh Charles after Greenwood’s free into the box.

The final moments were marred by two injuries for City – a painful reminder of their troubles last season. First Greenwood was forced off with a suspected ankle injury, before Lily Murphy was down with a possible broken arm.

The referee did not stop play – to the aggravation of City fans – and it was down to Chelsea’s Hampton to check on Murphy.

Player of the match: Ellie Carpenter

Chelsea’s new right-back put in a faultless WSL debut, playing a pivotal role in setting up both goals.

Above: Ellie Carpenter against Manchester City. Photo: ChelseaFCW on X.
What this means for the teams

Chelsea start their season by continuing their WSL winning streak against a formidable opponent at home. They will take some confidence in keeping a stacked City attack largely at bay, as well as in the fact that the forward line seemed relatively symbiotic.

City will be disappointed not to leave London with a point. At times during the closing stages, City had a definite upper hand; particularly through Hasegawa who had a flurry of shots within a ten minute period. The injuries to Greenwood and Murphy are concerning – particularly as Greenwood has only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and they have not recruited much in the way of a backup this summer.

There were also visible signs of frustration for City as their attack did not seem to have the same cohesion as their London counterparts, and they do not have much time to cement those relationships.

Chelsea next face Aston Villa away, whilst City welcome Brighton to the Joie Stadium.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Carpenter, Bjorn, Bright, Charles, Walsh, Kaptein, Hamano, Cuthbert, Baltimore, Beever-Jones. Substitutes: Peng, Buurman, Nusken, Macario, Reiten, Rytting Kaneryd, Kerr, Jean-Francois, Potter.

Scorers: Beever-Jones 31’, Hamano 54’.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Yamashita, Casparij, Rose, Greenwood, Prior, Hasegawa, Lohmann, Murphy, Miedema, Hemp, Shaw. Substitutes: Keating, Layzell, Coombs, Weinroither, Ouahabi, Blinkilde Brown, Thomas, Lewis.

Scorer: Charles (OG) 70’.

Attendance: TBC

Referee: Emily Heaslip.

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Game Changers of the NPLW Vic: Deven Jackson

By Kieran Yap 6/9/25

Above: Deven Jackson with the Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Jets

Essendon Royals have had another strong season, after making the final in 2024 immediately after promotion, they have backed that up with another top four finish this season.

One of the big reasons for their impressive NPLW campaign is new signing, Deven Jackson. The New Zealand international has scored six goals from the wing, making an instant and lasting impact on the club.

Now at Melbourne City, Jackson will be unavailable for the NPLW finals, but she spoke to Impetus about why she joined Essendon after departing The Newcastle Jets.

“Seeing what they did last year and the success they achieved, being around them and seeing the unity as a group. That’s something that’s hard to come by.

“They’re such a good group of girls… it’s quite a fun environment which is key to success.

“It was kind of a no-brainer.”

Jackson adjusted instantly to the league. That was no surprise after a strong individual season with The Newcastle Jets. She scored twice against Preston Lions in her third Royals appearance and immediately looked like the right player to step in for injured captain Ava Groba.

Jackson is a fast, direct winger who is a clinical finisher. Once she is goal side, there is virtually no way to stop her, and Essendon have the players to provide excellent service. Jackson was joined by fellow A-League Women starters Grace Maher and Alana Cerne.

Those names added experience and firepower to a squad already boasting the talents of Airi Fujiwara, Sasha Coorey and an eight goal season from the deadly Emma Langley.  

After 18 games of the A-League Women, Jackson was still eager to take to the pitch in the Victorian NPLW

“The ALW season is quite long, and it’s quite intense, but I figured that I’m going to be trying to stay fit anyway. You’re still training and putting in the work, so why not play and be with your friends?

“It’s such a really, inclusive, supporting environment. I feel like our team just kind of clicked and I thankfully fit into that really seamlessly.”

In one of the most tightly contested NPLW Vic season’s in history, nobody could take their ladder position for granted. Essendon faced stiff competition from Box Hill United, Alamain, and South Melbourne for that fourth spot, and were chasing second on the table until the last two rounds.

The competitiveness and quality of the league meant that the Royals had to be at their best every week, and occasionally rely on help from other results. A six game winning streak began in early July which included wins over Bulleen and Alamain, and helped establish Essendon as title contenders once again.

Although the last two rounds did not yield the best performances, the top four spot was locked away by then through over a month of mini-finals. The experience of back to back must-win matches has prepared Essendon to potentially go one step farther than they did in 2024.

“We kind of had our backs to the wall abit and pressure was on us,” said Jackson.

“We were treating each game like a Grand Final. We had very clear expectations and a path of what we needed to do to get to where we wanted to be.

“We thrived in the high-pressure environment. The turning point was probably Preston away and we got a win and went on a little unbeaten streak.

“That created a really good vibe within the team and we were kind of ticking off what we needed to do to make the top four.

“We’ve done that hard part and now it’s the second part of that.

“That’s what finals is, its pressure and that’s why it’s a privilege to be there.

“We’ll have a game plan and go out and execute it, knowing what we’ve come from and being in that pressure environment we’re used to it, so I’m looking forward to Saturday and seeing what the girls do.”

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Preview: Arsenal v London City Lionesses

By Catherine MacKenzie (5/9/25)

Above: Arsenal last season. Photo: Jay Patel / SPP.

Arsenal kick off their 2025-26 WSL campaign this Saturday following major European success.

The Champions League win was followed by the European Championship, where Arsenal’s hefty England contingent followed up the UWCL with the Euros trophy.

The team that won the UWCL in May is largely unchanged, with the main departure being Switzerland international Lia Wälti. A major reinforcement has come in the form of club-record signing Olivia Smith from Liverpool; a tribute to Wälti and introduction for Smith is set for the Emirates on Saturday.

The Gunners’ foe on this occasion is an unknown entity – one that nobody entirely knows how to define. London City Lionesses were promoted from WSL2 after clinching the title last season against runners-up Birmingham City, and they have made a major splash in the summer transfer market.

Additions include Netherlands international Danielle van de Donk from Lyon; Katie Zelem and Alanna Kennedy from Angel City; Nikita Parris from Brighton, and Grace Geyoro from PSG.

Ahead of a typical match, coaches and technical staff work together to work out the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. With such a new starting eleven, it is difficult to know how to prepare. Arsenal boss Renée Slegers alluded to this pre-match:

“It’s new. Of course, they’ve had their season in the WSL 2. This is also new for them and it’s new for us. That’s part of the challenge for us on Saturday. There are a lot of unknowns.

Of course, we’ve seen them play last season and we have a good idea of who they are and what they are. At the end of the day, we haven’t played against this team because it’s very new with a lot of new players.

Just as many unknowns for me as for you, I guess. Of course, we’re very happy and it’s an exciting project. The more investment, the better to grow the women’s game.”

Arsenal will be hoping to pick up points – champions Chelsea start their campaign with a tough home duel against Manchester City, in a game that could see the reigning champions stumble. Having picked up the Champions League, the WSL – and toppling their London neighbours – will be Arsenal’s major ambition this season.

Pre-match, Slegers confirmed that barring Leah Williamson, she has a fully fit squad to work with, and the squad is feeling positive ahead of the season:

“I feel we’re in a really good place. I think as a group of staff and players, we’ve tried to tackle everything that we think will impact us in the season early. We set a foundation during pre-season and we’ve done a lot of good work together.“

Arsenal v London City Lionesses kicks off at 13:30 UK time. The match will be broadcast on BBC Sport in the UK and on Stan Sport in Australia.

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Game Changers of the NPL Victoria Finals: Tamar Levin

By Kieran Yap 5/9/25

Above: Tamar Levin for Heidelberg United. Photo: Adrian Geremia.

Tamar Levin made an impact right off the plane. In her first appearance in the Victorian NPLW, she scored a brace to announce herself as the latest Heidelberg United star. Now the midfielder looms as a not-so-secret weapon in the quest for the club’s second consecutive championship.

“I was really keen on coming to the club last year,” Levin said to Impetus.  

“But certain circumstances meant I couldn’t make it last year, so it was in the back of my mind to move here, seeing what they’ve achieved last year.

“They won the championship, which was great, and I just wanted to be a part of that.

“Obviously I knew a couple of the girls on the team, and just wanted to make the move to Melbourne, and play in the off-season down here, and it’s been great.”

For some players it takes time to adapt to a new city, league and teammates, but Levin joined fellow Queenslanders Mia Bailey and Sara O’Donoghue in becoming a key pler immediately on arrival.

Her talents were well known after scoring a goal of the season contender with Brisbane and impressing in the A-League Women. She has carried that form into the Victorian NPLW season with a series of dominant performances as The Warriors stormed to first place on the table with three games to spare.

Levin is a pure attacking midfielder. Able to score from range or time runs into the box and surprise the defence. Since that debut brace against Boroondara-Carey Eagles, she has continued to be one of the standout midfielders in the league, and added two more to her tally.

Levin is quick to credit her Heidelberg teammates the club for helping her settle so easily.

“From day one, I came in, and the girls were amazing. The coaching staff, as well were just really encouraging and positive.

“As soon as I went out there, I just had some fun, and ended up getting on the score sheet.

“I scored two goals in my first game. So yeah, it was a good start to the season for me.

“I think my role is similar to what I’ve played before. Obviously, as an attacking player, like, I want to create chances and make things happen in the final third.

“But obviously, like, doing whatever I can to help the team get the win is the most important for me.”

Levin has paired up with a former teammate from Queensland’s youth system, Sara O’Donogue. The Perth Glory playmaker was a key part of Heidelberg’s success in 2024 and Levin has relished the chance to play together again.

“I’ve known Sarah for a long time now.

“We’ve played together, like, in Brisbane, at QAS growing up. So, yeah, it’s been great having her in the midfield with me.”

Heidelberg won the league with 50 points, five clear of second placed Bulleen, and 12 ahead of this weekend’s opponents, Essendon Royals.

They did it in style too, scoring 52 times and only ending one game goalless (against fellow top four side Box Hill United.)

In the end, the Premiership was won without anybody in yellow and black having to kick a ball. A draw between Bulleen and South Melbourne meant that the title was headed to Olympic Park, with their own game postponed by weather, all that was left was to celebrate.

It was a moment Levin cherished, but she is still  hungry to add another trophy this season.

“It was such a good feeling, getting Premiership.

 “We were all watching that Boolean, vs. South Melbourne game, and that ended up as a draw, and then we found out we got Premiers.

“It was just so good to have that locked away.

“Personally, I haven’t been part of a premiership-winning team before.

“It was so special, lifting that with all the girls, the girls are amazing.”

Since top spot was sealed, Heidelberg have had to face both Bulleen Lions and this weeks opposition, Essendon Royals. Results were mixed but they ended the season on a high with a 3-0 win.

Injuries have been managed, players rested and The Warriors are set to make one more charge to the mountaintop.

They have a great team, united by hardship and success, and they have a goalscoring midfielder who could make all the difference in the knockout stage of the season.

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