The best of the best: A Melbourne City combined Invincible squad

By Emma Burke 3/5/25

Above: Kim Little & Jess Fishlock while at Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City

What would a combination of Melbourne City’s three undefeated A-League Women’s teams look like?

So Melbourne City have gone Invincible. They did not lose a single game throughout the regular season. While this is the first time they’ve done it in a full length home and away season, it’s not the first time they’ve done this, or the second even. 

Melbourne City’s first ever season in the A-League Women in 2015/16, then called the W-League, saw them not only go undefeated throughout the season, but they did not drop a single point to another team. All wins. That team also had a goal difference of +34. Which is the same goal difference they have this year, despite having only played 14 games back then.

They also did an Invincible Season in 2019/20, when they signed a slew of Matildas and National Team Fringe players, and some truly excellent International arrivals. It’s unsurprising they went without a loss in this campaign when you check out that season’s roster.

In honour of this incredible achievement, here’s what their best ever starting XI could look like, and why.

Goalkeeper

Melissa Barbieri 

Barbieri is an icon of the women’s game, and has now gone two seasons Invincible with City, having been on the team in the 19/20 season and this current one. While she may not appear on the pitch as frequently these days, she’s been a huge reason why City has been so successful due to her leadership.

Substitute: Brianna Davey

Defenders

Steph Catley

City’s Captain for a number of years before being snatched up to Arsenal Women, Steph Catley position as a left footed left back was performed second to none through her time with City. Her bombing runs forward and ability to track back made her incredible to watch. She also scored the Championship winning goal in the 2019/20 final.

Rebekah Stott

One of two, three time Invincible players and now Melbourne City’s current Captain, kiwi Rebekah Stott has all the experience and authority to run a smooth ship in defence. It’s unbelievable to think she has been doing this for so long.

Jennifer Beattie

Jennifer Beattie came to City on loan from parent club Manchester City for that first season and was an absolute brick wall in their defence. She also managed to score a couple goals too. 

Ellie Carpenter

Not much needs to be said about Ellie Carpenter, but her one Invincible season with City in 2019/20 was one for the ages. The football that side played under Rado Vidosic allowed Carpenter to play as Steph Catley’s opposite footed twin on the right side, something she does even better in today’s game.

Substitutes: Alexia Apostolakis, Lauren Barnes, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Taylor Otto

Midfielders

Kim Little

Another player who came to City for that inaugural season, only Kim Little came in on loan from Seattle Reign. Little was, as she still is, an absolute powerhouse of the midfield, and scored seven goals in her one and only season with City too. 

Emily van Egmond

Van Egmond played with City in 2019/20 under Rado Vidosic and had one of her best club seasons being able to play as an attacking midfielder. The free flowing football City played was so ridiculously up her alley she scored six goals while doing it (an equal Club best that season with Kyah Simon, I told you that team was stacked).

Aivi Luik

Having played for City in both the 2015/16 season and the 2019/20 season, Aivi Luik is an easy pick for this side. At her peak, Luik was a dominant force of City’s midfield, both stringing up attacks going forward and slowing down the ones that came back at her.

Jess Fishlock

One time, while playing for Melbourne City, Jess Fishlock became the team’s head coach after Joe Montemurro left for his stint at Arsenal, and dragged them into the finals, and to a Championship, and that wasn’t even an Invincible season. Fishlock is a player you always know is going to make something happen, even if she has to do it all herself.

Substitutes: Laura Hughes, Yukari Kinga, Leticia McKenna, Tameka Yallop

Forwards

Larissa Crummer

The 2015/16 season was Crummer’s career best, scoring 11 goals in 14 games and winning the golden boot. She was outrageously good that season and still stands as an undeniable “What if?” for the national team had injuries and strange position changes hadn’t come her way.

Holly McNamara 

This season’s golden boot winner with 15 goals to her name in only 17 games, Holly McNamara is the easiest pick of this list. McNamara brings something to the League that really hasn’t been seen perhaps since Sam Kerr last played here. Three ACL injuries have done nothing to stop McNamara as she remains only delayed, never denied.

Substitutes: Beattie Goad, Mariana Speckmaier 

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Skinner: “We want to qualify for the Champions League”

By Catherine MacKenzie (02/05/2025)

Above: United boss Marc Skinner. Photo: Martin Rickett / PA.

A derby day in Manchester is always special. This Sunday, Manchester United face cross-city foes Manchester City at Old Trafford, a pivotal game in the race to finish in the top three of the Women’s Super League.

United are currently four points ahead of City with a superior goal difference; a win would take a third place finish out of reach for City. If City were to win, however, that gap reduces to one point and it is all to play for in the last game of the season – when United face a tough trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.

City end the season at Crystal Palace, who are to be relegated to the Championship at the end of this season.

City come into the game off the back of a tight 1-0 win against Leicester City. The main positives in that game were the reintroduction of Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, who had both been missing for months with injury. Their reintegration buoyed the team to the win, with Hemp providing the assist for Jess Park’s winner.

What to expect from City

United were narrowly beaten by Chelsea mid-week, and ahead of the derby manager Marc Skinner has spoken about the positives of having such a short turnaround between big games:

“When you play a big game like that in the middle of the week, it always prepares me as a manager and players as a team for another big challenge. You kind of get in the flow of big challenges. It doesn’t hit you cold…You actually are disappointed because you should have won the game, so that bodes well going into this”.

Skinner was also asked about what he expects from City:

“You have to go full throttle against Manchester City for the whole game and take their threats.”

On the reintroduction of Hemp and Greenwood and what this teams for a team facing City, Skinner asserted that “it is about adapting again, more importantly, to the qualities of the players coming in, they have to make them adapt”.

He continued: “I expect a tough game. I expect, you know the quality of the players that are returning for them.”

If United win, they will have done the league double against City for the first time. This is not the focus for the United boss, however:

“For me, my ego doesn’t scream loud enough for that to be the case. For me, it’s about trying to win the game because we want to qualify for the Champions League…the reality hasn’t really changed for us – if we can beat City and we can beat Arsenal, we finish second in the table. So for us, that’s more of a carrot than just beating Manchester City again”.

On the game being at Old Trafford

When United face City on Sunday, the match will be played at United’s ‘Theatre of Dreams’; Old Trafford. The women’s team started their season there, beating West Ham 3-0 in front of a disappointing crowd of just over 12,000. Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this game.

A derby provides more excitement, particularly given the scoreline when the two sides met at the Etihad stadium earlier this year. United ran out 4-2 winners courtesy of a hattrick from Ella Toone. Skinner was asked about the impact Old Trafford may have on the game:

“I remember the last time we played them here, they were highly motivated, and we have to make sure we go and beat that motivation level.” He added that “we have to take the stadium away and just try to win the game”.

Above: Manchester United Women at Old Trafford earlier this season. Photo: Manchester United.

On the importance of Champions League football

If United do manage to cross the finish line in second or third place, they will enter the Champions League next season (third place to the qualifying round, second place to the group stage). Skinner spoke about the importance of Champions League football for recruitment:

“I feel that people want to come to Manchester but maybe we do not get picked because we’re not in the Champions League, and that’s where players want to play – so I think it is huge for recruitment”.

Recruitment was the theme when Skinner spoke about European competition; the United boss also highlighted the need for a deep squad to manage the number of games when you are in multiple competitions:

“But if you were to go into a European competition, our squad depth would not have been good enough this year. I have no doubt about that. And I think it’s recruiting the right team”.

On United’s season

Last year, United finished fifth and out of contention for Champions League football. Ahead of this season, there were a number of high-profile departures: club captain Katie Zelem, World’s Best goalkeeper Mary Earps, and World Cup winner Lucia Garcia all left the club.

Recruitment focused on a mixture of youth and experience: Grace Clinton returned from her loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, and United also recruited her best friend and Spurs teammate Celin Bizet.

Alongside Bizet and Clinton, Dominique Janssen was brought in from VfL Wolfsburg. Janssen won the league title with Arsenal, and was an important part of the Netherlands squad that won the 2017 European Championship.

Used primarily as a centre-back for her national team and at previous clubs, at United she has played as a central defensive midfielder.

Asked about the impact of Janssen on United’s season and against Chelsea in particular, Skinner was positive:

“She makes you defend less in the back line because she covers more in the midfield line. What I was really impressed with was her composure with the ball. I feel that she’s growing in there and I challenged her because she came from playing centre half…my challenge to her is to continue these last three games to try and do the same impactful job that she’s done.”

Above: Dominique Janssen for Manchester United. Photo: Sky Sports.

Speaking about United’s season more generally, the head coach was similarly positive:

“We’ve been excellent this season, considering we’ve had, you know, a start where we had to find out who we were…and then taking Chelsea toe to toe, which I don’t think we’ve done before in all honesty.”

Manchester United vs Manchester City kicks off at 12:00 on Sunday, the 4th May. UK viewers can watch the match on Sky Sports.

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Charli Grant: Embracing challenges & growing as a result

by Ben Gilby (2/5/25)

Above: Charli Grant in action for the Matildas against Korea Republic in the April international window. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

It’s been a challenging season for both Charli Grant and Tottenham Hotspur. At the time of writing, the North London side has only won five WSL games and are battling to hold off Leicester City and Aston Villa to ensure they finish in mid-table rather than just above the relegation zone.

After last season’s run to the FA Cup Final, a memorable first win over Arsenal, and a sixth-place finish, hopes were high that the club would push on towards challenging for Champions League places this time round.

Grant had settled in and was establishing herself as a regular member of the Spurs squad, either starting or coming off the bench to good effect. Opportunities for the South Australian this season have not been as plentiful, as the team more widely failed to build on last year’s promising advances.

Above: Charli Grant in action for Tottenham Hotspur last season. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.

Reflecting on the campaign, Grant said: “We are definitely disappointed by the outcome of our season so far. It is not up to the standards we set for ourselves and as a club. We have a couple more games to go, which we really want to use to prove to ourselves that we are capable.

“I think we all have the right intentions and great ideas on the pitch, but we have struggled to all be on the same page. If we can improve that connection and be consistently ruthless in our defensive actions, I think we can get some really good results in our last few games. 

“It’s been a very difficult season. Personally, it has been difficult sitting on the sides waiting for an opportunity, and as a team, we have struggled to get consistent results, which has taken a toll on our confidence. I am so proud of the girls for sticking it out and feeling very grateful for our fans, who no matter what will always show up for us.”

Whilst Grant has found it hard not to get as many minutes as she would have wished, she reveals she’s tried to use the time in positive ways, striving to enhance her game further in a bid to persuade head coach Robert Vilahamn she is worthy of a place in his match-day squad.

Above: Charli Grant (22) fully focused in the Matildas’ second game with Korea Republic during the April international window. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“When you’re not getting much game time, you really assess your game and how to take it to the next level. I look at what I can improve and look at the other players around me and see how I can learn off them and add it to my own game. It has given me the time to work on these skills after training, so when I do get the opportunity, I feel prepared to step up.” 

Whilst this season has been a frustrating one, Grant feels that the move to England has greatly enhanced her game, which has certainly had an impact on what she can offer the Australian national team.

Highlighting what the WSL has brought to her qualities, the 23-year-old said, “It has definitely been a step up. I love how fast-paced the game is and how competitive the league is.

“You have no room to make any errors; if you do, the world-class players will capitalise on it. This has helped me improve my decision-making and forced me to be more composed on the ball. The league is a lot more physical, so I think this has helped bring out this side of my game even more. I love being aggressive and showing my physical traits.”

Above: Charli Grant (left) battling away for the Matildas against China, back on home soil in Adelaide last year. Photo: Football Australia.

Both those aspects of Grant’s qualities were on show, along with searing pace and excellent reading of the play, in her performances for the Matildas in the last international window. The South Australian played an important role in both games against Korea Republic, and was greatly enthusiastic about the vibe in those matches, both on and off the pitch.

“It was a positive camp for the team in preparation for the Asian Cup. Those two wins really helped us build some confidence. I’ve loved playing under Tommy Sermanni. He’s been a breath of fresh air, giving us the freedom to play to our strengths.”

The encouragement gained from being around Matildas teammates has been an important part of keeping a positive frame of mind at Spurs this season, and the defender takes great strength from having Hayley Raso and Clare Hunt alongside her every day.

“I’ve loved having both Ras and Clare around, having that Aussie connection makes you feel more at home. They both offer so much experience and knowledge to the team, and it’s been so nice to work and learn off them on a daily basis.”

Above: Charli Grant (second right) in Matildas training ahead of their She Believes Cup campaign earlier this year. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

As the defender’s career has developed, so have the options that she offers both club and country, with an ability to perform strongly at both right and left back. This skill has been hugely beneficial for the Australian national team in the past, and has the option to be so in club football as well.

In terms of whether she has any preference for a position to play in, Grant flashed that trademark big smile.

“It honestly depends on the day! I love both sides; I think each side allows me to show my strengths in different ways. At the end of the day, I would do anything to play and represent my club or country. It’s an absolute honour every time I step out onto the pitch.”

Whilst you can take the woman out of South Australia, you certainly can’t take the South Australian out of the woman. Grant’s early days at Adelaide United in the A-League Women were what put her on the map.

Above: Charli Grant pictured during her Adelaide United days in 2021. Photo: Adelaide United.

Famously a tight-knit club, the defender is fiercely proud to have represented the Reds and is absolutely delighted at their third-place finish this season, which has seen them make the Semi-Finals for the first time in their history.

“I am so happy for the team. Ever since I left the club, I’ve always supported them from afar. I watch where I can, but it is difficult due to the time difference and clashing with my training schedule. But I will always keep track of the results!

“I’ve got some really close friends that play for the club, and it’s amazing to see them doing so well and making Adelaide proud. I’m definitely supporting them in the finals, they’re looking in really good form.”

Above: Charli Grant (5) in action for Adelaide United in 2021 – the defender is so proud of her former club’s achievements this season. Photo: Adelaide United.

There’s also lots ahead on the immediate schedule for the 23-year-old, both in North London and for the Australian national team.

“My focus is on the last few games with Spurs and trying to get the best results we can. There is also an upcoming camp in Australia with the national team, so I will just be working hard to be in the best form possible to give myself the best possible chance to be selected.”

Grant will be going flat out to play a role in Tottenham’s remaining campaign. Once given a chance, you just know in true Charli Grant style, she will grab it and run tenaciously.

(c) Impetus 2025.

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A new era in Germany as Bayern win historic double

FC Bayern Munchen 4-2 SV Werder Bremen

By Catherine MacKenzie (01/05/2025)

Above: Bayern Women starting lineup. Photo: FCBfrauen on X.

Lea Schuller was the star of the show in Cologne, scoring a cup-final hattrick to give Bayern Munich Frauen their first ever domestic double.

Regardless of the scoreline, Thursday’s DFB-Pokal final made history. For the first time in eleven years, a new cup champion would be crowned; the women in green, VfL Wolfsburg, were eliminated in the quarter finals by Hoffenheim, ending their chance of retaining the cup for a twelfth consecutive year. The final was instead fought in a battle between North and South, as FC Bayern Munchen faced SV Werder Bremen in Cologne.

The context

The match was extra special for both Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. Both head coaches – Alexander Straus and Thomas Horsch – are leaving their clubs at the end of this season.

Straus has led a period of success for Bayern: winning the league for the third consecutive year and now adding the DFB-Pokal to the mix, many have suggested that a new era has dawned in German women’s football.

Whether Wolfsburg have fallen or their competition grown stronger, Straus’ tenure in Munich has taken Bayern to new heights, meeting Wolfsburg’s domination with smart recruitment and an absolute determination that winning starts with team cohesion.

The team has also been besieged by injuries this year. England’s Georgia Stanway had been a pillar in the Bayern midfield, and in her absence, other players have had to play slightly out of position.

It is a testament to the team’s togetherness that this has been handled easily; Caro Simon played in Stanway’s role against Bremen, putting in a sublime performance.

The action

The team from Munich were ahead within the opening ten minutes. In a typically team-crafted goal that started its journey with a ball out from captain Glodis Viggosdottir in the back, her long ball met Giulia Gwinn who hit the crossbar. From there, Lea Schuller headed the rebound into the back of the net.

Werder had their moments in the opening period – however the Bayern press was too strong, and Simon got the second within half an hour. Seconds before half-time, Bremen got a goal back through a textbook counterattack, as Rieke Dieckmann volleyed in from a Tuana Mahmoud cross.

Bayern had the most success utilising their wide players. Gwinn, Simon, and then Tuva Hansen put plenty of crosses into the Bremen box, as they created chance after chance.

They finally made it 3-1 just after the hour mark, as Schuller met Hansen’s cross and headed in for her second of the game. It was the wing that was utilised again ten minutes later, as Schuller got her hattrick.

Above: Bayern Munich Frauen celebrate. Photo: @FCBfrauen on X.

The final quarter progressed in much the same way, with Bayern dominant and Werder creating the odd chance on the counter. As the game ebbed away, a series of set pieces finally resulted in something concrete for Bremen, as Germany U23 international Larissa Mulhaus scored from a free kick outside of the box.

Moving forward

A consolation goal perhaps, but the thousands of Bremen fans bathed in green did not care as they applauded.

Scoring against the reigning champions in the dying stages – with the goal scored by an exciting young prospect – showed the team’s progress, a positive sign as they hope to improve on their league position yet again next year.

For Alexander Straus, it is yet another trophy; he has led the German giants to three consecutive league titles and now a historic double. Upon leaving for California, behind him are a team with a togetherness that both sets them apart and plays a huge role in their continued success.

As Tuva Hansen commented after the game, “We made history today. It’s unbelievable!”.

Above: Bayern coach Alexander Straus ahead of the match. Photo: @FCBfrauen on X.

Teams: BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Mahmutovic, Gwinn, Viggosdottir, Eriksson, Simon, Zadrazil, Lohmann, Harder, Damnjanovic, Buhl, Schuller. Substitutes: Grohs, Sembrant, Hansen, Ulbrich, Dallman, Sehitler, Olme, Caruso, Kett.

Scorers: Schuller 6′, 65′, 79, Simon 30′.

WERDER BREMEN (3-4-3): Peng, Nemeth, Ronan, Penner, Wichmann, Walkling, Hausicke, Dieckmann, Keles, Weidauer, Muhlhaus. Substitutes: Schmidt, Nesterova, Dahms, Beck, Wirtz, Arfaoui, Sternad, Emoke, Wieder.

Scorers: Dieckmann 45+2′, Muhlhaus 90+4′.

Referee: Annika Kost

Attendance: 44,400

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What went wrong for Arsenal at Villa Park?

Aston Villa 5 – 2 Arsenal

By Ella McShane (1/5/25)

Above: Arsenal huddle after losing 5-2. Photo: Arsenal Women.

With a win at Villa Park, Arsenal would have put pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League. Mere days after their blockbuster performance that knocked Olympique Lyonnais out of the champions league, the trip to Birmingham would present a different challenge; one that proved too strong, as Arsenal fell 5-2. Impetus Football’s Ella McShane analyses where the Gunners went wrong, and what the Villains did to change the game.

Aston Villa had confidence in their style

The concluding weeks of club football can shine a unique light on both the vulnerability and strength within a league’s respective sides. And last night’s match up between Aston Villa and Arsenal was a demonstrative example. We saw Champions League finalists unravel at the hands of an exceptional Aston Villa side, who were facing relegation from the WSL only weeks ago.  

Aston Villa were refreshingly bold and courageous in their style of play. Their exploitation of space and astute transitions on multiple occasions, rewarded with an exceptional score line and outstanding goals.

The selected example being Jordan Nobbs’ opening goal. The ball began at a crowded Arsenal box and was carefully fed to an accelerated Ebony Salmon. Salmon’s speed on the wing allowed the ball to be delivered to Nobbs onside and open to net.

Above: Jordan Nobbs for Aston Villa. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

The dangers of rotation

The elevation of the score line was simultaneous to a growing confidence in Villa’s tactical identity. This was eventually profitable as risks were taken, and players of every position were intentional in their respective roles: they knew what to do, where to be, and what was going to happen.

Arsenal’s starting eleven was an unfamiliar group to the bold font of the team sheet. Subsequently, there was a lack of cohesiveness that came with these newfound partnerships – highlighting a potential lack of depth of the North London side.

On multiple occasions, Arsenal’s midfield was unable to take control of tempo or possession. The backline was caught off guard by Villa’s courageous attacking style of play. And when it ultimately came down to a Villa attacker and Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, the keeper’s decisions were misjudged, and Villa shots at goal found net with ease.

The ultimate 5-2 score line deservingly went in favour of Aston Villa. However, the physical and emotional toll of Sunday’s triumphant Champions League win in Lyon must be factored in when discussing Arsenal’s performance.

Arsenal’s Leah Williamson stated that the game was tough “physically, emotionally maybe it drained us a little too much”. The quick turnaround contributes to the ever-growing discourse surrounding the overloaded women’s football schedule.

Arsenal next face a trip to Brighton, before ending the season at home to Manchester United. Villa next face a resurgent West Ham side, in a duel that should be close.

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A-League Women Awards: April 2025

Above: Impetus’ Player of the Month for April, Izzy Holly McNamara (centre). Photo: Melbourne City.

Each month, Impetus‘ team of writers and photographers who cover the competition will vote to decide their best player, head coach, and young player in the A-League Women. Here are the winners from April.

Player of the month:
Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)

The Golden Boot winner, the star of the league and the Melbourne City Invincible, Holly Mac is Impetus’s player of the month for April. The Matildas striker scored three goals in April as she helped City finish top of the table and complete a season long unbeaten run.

Her finishing has been excellent, her movement sometimes thrilling and her ability to decide games seems to be increasing with each week. April was another outstanding month for the brilliant young striker and with two more trophies to win, it can still get better for Holly Mcnamara.

Young player of the month:
Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City)
Above: It’s been an excellent month for Alexia Apostolakis. Photo: Melbourne City.

It’s an all City month, but when you win the league without losing a game it is hard to ignore the individual quality that makes that happen.

Apostolakis has not been as spectacular as some young players in April, but rarely plays a wrong pass of mistimes a tackle in the Melbourne City defence.

She earned a call up to the Matildas squad as a train-on player at the start of the month and despite being only 18, that felt overdue.

Apostolakis was once again crucial for April’s two league games, where City had to get results to win the league. She is an assured and confident presence in a side brimming with talent.

Head Coach of the month
Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City)
Above: A third head coach of the month award for Melbourne City’s Michael Matricciani. Photo: Melbourne City.

Another unbeaten month, leading to the stunning achievement of ending the A-League Women home and away season having not lost a single match.

City were the previous side to go through an entire season without defeat back in 2019/20, but that was over a 12-game season. To do it over 23 matches in the way that Matricciani led his team to this time round is a totally different matter.

On domestic duties this month, Matricciani coached his side to two wins out of two – scoring a total of nine goals in those successes over Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory, conceding just twice.

There’s plenty still for City to achieve in May as they aim to clinch a first A-League Women Grand Final win since 2019/20, and also go into the Semi-Finals of the Asian Champions League.

Those achievements make Matricciani the first person to win an Impetus A-League Women monthly award more than once in a season and ensure his side complete a clean sweep of our awards for April.

Impetus‘ A-League Award Winners 2024/25:

November 2024:

Player: Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Sarah O’Donoghue (Perth Glory).

Head Coach: Alex Smith (Brisbane Roar).

December 2024:

Player: Laini Freier (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Tiana Fuller (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

January 2025:

Player: Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City).

Young Player: Alyssa Whinham (Wellington Phoenix).

Head Coach: Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory).

February 2025:

Player: Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United).

Young Player: Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Adrian Stenta (Adelaide United).

March 2025:

Player: Izzy Gomez (Central Coast Mariners).

Young Player: Alana Murphy (Melbourne Victory).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

April 2025:

Player: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City).

Young Player: Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

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Chelsea edge past Manchester United to win sixth consecutive title

Manchester United 0 – 1 Chelsea

By Boh Blythin (30/4/25)

Above: Chelsea celebrate their sixth successive league win. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.

Ahead of the game, Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, meaning that Chelsea would be crowned champions with two games to spare if they avoided a loss to Manchester United. In a tight duel that could have gone either way, Lucy bronze secured Chelsea’s sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title by scoring from a corner.

During the first 20 minutes, Manchester United were bold, with the hosts playing aggressively and without fear. Dutch midfielder Dominique Janssen made a daring opening challenge on Bronze which the crowd enjoyed. Both teams had early chances, but neither side managed to reach the back of the net. 

Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez went down after a race with United captain Maya Le Tissier, who had covered the backline exceptionally. Determined to continue, she returned to the pitch. However she didn’t last long.

Rytting Kaneryd was subbed on and took her place, whilst Beever-Jones moved further inside to the position of a number nine. Chelsea’s players easily adapted and the substitute had an immediate impact.

Many more opportunities came as the game continued with a fast pace. Nothing could make it past Phallon Tullis-Joyce or Hannah Hampton, proving how crucial each goalkeeper has been to their team this season.

Manchester United once again started the second half on the front foot. They had the better of the chances, however couldn’t find the goal.

The Red Devils carried on the way they finished the first half with Melvine Malard immediately taking a chance, attempting to set the tone for the rest of the game. Manchester United really pushed Chelsea all the way with their intense gameplay, trying to find a point to break through. 

By the 70th minute changes were made to United’s side, with Toone, Terland and Sandberg coming on to replace Malard, Clinton and George. This suggested head coach Marc Skinner’s gameplan: get to the hour mark without conceding, then bring on the impact substitutions.

With only 15 minutes to go, Lucy Bronze jumped highest, meeting the ball from a corner and headed into the net to give Chelsea the lead. Seven minutes were added to the game but despite chances Manchester United were unable to turn it around . 

Above: Lucy Bronze celebrates her goal with teammates. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.

Manchester United came across as the better side tonight at Leigh Sports Village, showing a strong and passionate performance but it was just not enough. The final whistle blew and Chelsea were crowned champions, for the sixth time straight! This is an incredible achievement for Sonia Bompastor, who has only been managing the side for a year since Emma Hayes’ departure. 

When the teams next meet at Wembley, will Chelsea be able to take the win against the reds and crown themselves FA Cup champions and treble winners, or will Manchester United retain the trophy? The FA Cup final is on Sunday 18th May.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-2-1): Tullis-Joyce, Rivière, Le Tissier (c), Turner, George, Miyazawa, Janssen, Bizet, Clinton, Galton, Malard. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Mannion, Sandberg, Awujo, Griffiths, Naalsund, Toone, Terland.

CHELSEA (4-4-2): Hampton, Bronze, Bright (c), Girma, Charles, Walsh; Kaptein, Cuthbert, Baltimore, Beever-Jones, Ramirez. Substitutes: Spencer, Nusken, Macario, Reiten, Lawrence, Rytting Kaneryd, Hamano, Mpome, Jean-Francois.

Scorer: Bronze 74′

Referee: Abigail Byrne

Attendance: 4,029.

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NPLW Vic Round Six: Butrus wonder goal helps Bulleen return to the winners list

By Kieran Yap 30/4/25

Above: Bulleen Lions celebrate Danella Butrus’s goal.

Bulleen Lions have broken a three game losing streak in the league with an entertaining win over Boroondara-Carey Eagles. Danella Butrus scored a contender for goal of the season in an outstanding performance that saw her earn a penalty before helping set up the opening chance as well.

Following losses to Essendon Royals, Preston Lions and Alamein, Bulleen needed a result. They had recovered some form, luck and injured players in the Nike FC Cup win over Keilor Park but that had to transfer to the NPL for the reigning premiers to return to the winners list.

Nia Salleh, Rosie Rodger and Sarah Cain made up an attacking midfield, while Mary Brown earned herself a start as the centre forward. Bulleen were dominant for most of this match, looking to make the most of their creative midfield trio with through balls to the pacey attackers.

Butrus was the most dangerous player on the pitch from the earliest stages of the game. The former Junior Matilda proved a handful for Kanako Higuchi in the Boroondara defence.

Butrus was the first to test Mia Mossman in goal with a low trajectory effort in the first half. Mossman saved well and then followed it up with an immediate block from Salleh’s effort on the rebound.

Butrus’s trickery earned her side a first half penalty. After wriggling free on the wing, she was brought down in the box, but Mossman was once again equal to the occasion and saved Salleh’s spot kick.

An opening goal felt inevitable, and it arrived soon after. Rodger’s defence splitting pass found Butrus who forced Mossman into yet another save, but Anais Josefski followed up the chance to tuck away the rebound.

That pair combined again before half time when Josefski’s trademark run created a chance for Butrus who’s shot bounced back off the far post.

It took something special to beat Mossman for the second time, and Butrus provided that in the second half. She doubled Bulleen’s lead with a spectacular overhead kick. Turning the corner into the net from near the edge of the 18 yard box with a piece of ridiculous skill.

Substitute Talor Golden made it 3-0 immediately from the kickoff with a composed finish after Bulleen won the ball back with intense pressure. The contest was effectively over and the result leaves Bulleen only a point outside the top four, and more importantly arrested a slide in results that while uncharacteristic for them, is not that unusual in the context of this NPLW Victoria season.

Other results in Round Six saw Alamein defeat Essendon Royals 4-2. Fujiwara Airi opened the scoring for the Royals, but Zoe Houghton levelled things up or the visitors. Savanna Anastasopoulos put Alamein ahead in the second half before another equalising goal by Mia Lantieri-Bartley.

Emma Runnalls and Paige Clemenson scored the vital goals to ensure Alamein left with an impressive three points.

Heidelberg United defeated Brunswick Juventus 2-1 thanks for goals from Samantha Curwood-Wagner and Sawa Matsuda. Shishido Nanami opened the scoring for the home side, but the Zebra’s were unable to hold that lead in the second half.

Footballs Victoria Acadamy got their first win of the season with a 2-1 result against Spring Hills FC. The young side looked headed for another loss when Sophie Papalia finished for the home side in the 54th minute Fiorina Iaria levelled the scores with an impressive response ten minte later before Ehva Gutszmit won it late.

South Melbourne continued their imperious form with a 4-1 win over Box Hills United. The result never felt in doubt after the visitors opened the scoring in the third minute through Mami Ambo.

South were 2-0 up after Bridie Cooling doubled their lead. Gabrielle Simpson pulled one back for the home team, but that was answered with another pair of strikes from new signings Alana Burn and Raquel Derales.

A Valentine Pursey hatrick was enough for Preston Lions to survive a late comeback by Bentleigh Greens. Eri Narita scored the other goal for the home side, while Sidney Allen brough up a brace for the visitors before Georgia Kandilas provided some hope with a goal in the 90th minute.

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Arsenal and Chelsea in Europe: The Lionesses Perspective

29/04/2025

Above: Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson celebrate. Photo: Jay Patel.

Impetus‘ UK co-editors Catherine MacKenzie and Ava-Marianne Elliot look back at four games of top-level European football: the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals between Chelsea and Barcelona, and Arsenal and Lyon.

A number of players from the England national team were on show across the ties; but how did they fare? We take a look at some key take-aways and consider what we can learn about the Lionesses from their UWCL appearances.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: the importance of maintaining a strong mindset

By Catherine MacKenzie

First leg: Barcelona 4 – 1 Chelsea

Second leg: Chelsea 1 – 4 Barcelona

Aggregate: Barcelona 8 – 2 Chelsea

No Lionesses started for Barcelona in either game; goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was on the bench. Chelsea, however, featured many Lionesses across the pitch: goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defenders Millie Bright, Niamh Charles and Lucy Bronze, midfielder Keira Walsh, and forward Aggie Beever-Jones all featured in the tie.

Whilst it was never going to be easy for Chelsea to get past their frequent foes Barcelona, few would have anticipated the 8-2 aggregate drubbing. The way the first game elapsed, there was a combination of defensive frailty and tactical naivety that left Chelsea exposed to a ruthless Barca side.

The frequency with which English clubs are eliminated from European competitions raises wider questions. Chelsea are the dominant force in English women’s football, and their squad to face Barcelona included four Lionesses with winning medals from the 2022 European Championships.

For Barcelona, five of the starting eleven lifted the World Cup trophy in Australia, with Salma Paralluelo also coming off the bench to make it six Spain players involved. The gulf in that final was smaller – Spain eventual 1-0 winners – but the Spanish have since gone on to dominate much of European international football, winning the inaugural Nations League.

If England’s lack of dominance does say something about the progress of women’s football in England, there is a chance to have a rebuttal: Arsenal will face Barcelona in the Champions League final, and England will soon face Spain in the Nations League.

So, with those games in mind – what can we learn from Chelsea’s double loss?

Moments of calamity make the difference

Chelsea’s starting defence for both games included a duo who are mainstays of the Lionesses back line: Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright. They were joined in the return leg by relative youngster Niamh Charles – Charles has been in and out of the Lionesses starting lineup and returned from injury earlier this year.

Above: MIllie Bright for England. Photo: Shell Lawrence for Impetus.

The England defence has had a mixed run of form. Friendlies in late 2024 were used as a way of tweaking defensive tactics, and the team conceded four in a loss to Germany at Wembley, going 3-0 down within half an hour.

A capitulation like that has been rare from Sarina Wiegman’s England side – perhaps the closest they had come before was going 2-0 down to the Netherlands in the Nations League in the autumn of 2023.

The third iteration of England defending calamitously came in their most recent game away to Belgium, where Bright and Charles were withdrawn at half-time with the Lionesses 3-1 down. The team did eventually stage a comeback to reduce the scoreline to 3-2, and the second half performance was much stronger.

These games show that England can be easily rattled at times — and when they are, they often collapse, at least for a moment.

When Chelsea conceded their second goal (in either leg) against Barcelona, there was a sense of immediate panic that was reminiscent of England when they conceded their second against Belgium.

For a few moments, Chelsea looked so shaken that they seemed to forget the basics, and it was obvious that a third goal would be conceded.

The panicked moments for both England and Chelsea were small in duration – lasting mere minutes in a long game. However, at these levels, those small moments will be exploited, particularly when opposing teams know it is likely to happen and can tailor their press towards it.

It must be said that England are not alone in having these moments. Spain themselves ended up 2-0 down to Belgium.

The difference was that they eventually staged a comeback to win 3-2, and there was a longer length of time between the two goals; England and Chelsea both conceded in quick succession.

These moments of chaos after first conceding should be something both Bompastor and Wiegman are eager to stop – particularly as an increasing number of teams will be able to exploit them.

What does this mean for England’s starting XI?

It is unfortunate for Bronze, Bright and Charles that these performances have come at a time when there are increasing calls for Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner to get more game time for England. The duo have been a rock-solid centre back pairing this season for the Red Devils, contributing to the league’s best defensive record.

Above: Millie Turner and Maya Le Tissier with Aggie Beever-Jones. Photo: @MayaLeTissier on X.

Whilst it is likely that recent Chelsea performances have only heightened those calls, the fact remains that England are currently two months away from a major tournament, with little time to experiment.

Le Tissier and Turner have both featured as recently as winter 2024, and whilst it is unlikely they will be promoted to the starting lineup with the Euros so quickly approaching, their form does point to an interesting discussion about what happens to England’s starting defence post-2025.

Arsenal vs Lyon: a more positive outlook

By Ava-Marianne Elliot

First leg: Arsenal 1 – 2 Olympique Lyonnais

Second leg: Olympique Lyonnais 1 – 4 Arsenal

Aggregate: Arsenal 5 – 3 Lyon

For Arsenal, turning around a 2-1 first-leg deficit away in Lyon was going to be no easy feat. The Gunners struggled against the French giants on home turf.

Three Lionesses appeared in the starting lineup. The usual centre-back choice of vice-captain Leah Williamson was no surprise, Chloe Kelly made a start on the wing, and Alessia Russo was of course the one to lead the line. Beth Mead lost her spot in the lineup to Kelly this time around, starting on the bench alongside a now injury-free Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Whilst Kelly was originally a question mark for Wiegman’s Euros squad, it feels like her place should be set in stone now. The winger has found flying form since departing Manchester City for Arsenal on loan, and the confidence and joy she’s found in North London has reflected hugely in her displays on the pitch.

Above: Chloe Kelly celebrates Arsenal’s win. Photo: Alex Burstow.

Against Lyon, Kelly was stellar. She caused a number of problems and kept Lyon’s Australian fullback, Ellie Carpenter, on her toes. In particular, Kelly was brilliant at exploiting space to push Arsenal forwards. She certainly gave Lyon the run around.

Beth Mead is in good form, and always seems to be in the right place on the pitch, particularly excellent at finding space. In the first leg, she had a good first half despite Arsenal’s loss, but in the second leg, she came on the 72nd minute, not really having the time to make a significant impact with her side already far in the lead.

At this point, it seems cemented that both players will be heading to Switzerland. The debate now falls to who is more likely to get the starting spot, and who will be an impact substitution for Wiegman’s side.

One figure who will never be in doubt for Wiegman is England captain Williamson, who was crucial in the Gunners’ fight against Lyon. With an 80% pass accuracy and forceful when meeting the threat of Ada Hegerberg, Williamson seems to never fail to be a reliable figure.

Similarly, Russo appears to be another incredibly reliable figure, especially as of late. In the Champions League, the striker has scored seven goals, meaning she’s joint second for the competition’s leading goal-scorer with Ewa Pajor.

Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her goal against Lyon. Photo: @ArsenalWFC on X.

Her goal was clever, and she’s been so phenomenal this season, it feels inevitable that we may see her have a brilliant run in Switzerland.

Wubben-Moy is one of the biggest question marks. Whilst the centre-back is solid for her club side and works well paired with Williamson, she seems to be further away from Wiegman’s vision, and rarely features on pitch for the country.

Against Lyon, Wubben-Moy was brought on in the 87th minute to see out the game. In the few minutes she featured, she was a solid figure at the back for Arsenal. Being just off the back of an injury and a huge competition for spots in the defender position, whether Wubben-Moy will be named will be unclear until the final Euros squad is released.

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Parris and Vidošić react to narrow victory over Everton

Above: The Brighton team celebrate their win. Photo: Craig Galloway.

By Alyce Collett (29/04/25)

On Sunday, Brighton and Hove Albion snapped a three match losing streak with a thrilling 3-2 win over Everton. In a high scoring, very even match, a 93rd minute winner from Nikita Parris saw the Seagulls head back to the south coast with all three points in hand.

The joy in Parris’ voice after the match was clear for all to hear, noting that she was “very happy we got the result today.”

“I felt in the first half we started too slow, and then we had to come back every time. But to get the response was so important for us as a team, our mentality, the resilience.”

“In the second half we dominated. We didn’t create clear good chances, which I feel like has been our theme throughout the season. We need to be able to have something to the end product of our possession because we absolutely battered Everton in the second off and we just needed that final ball, and that came in the final seconds of the game, which is the Brighton way right now talking about” Parris said with a chuckle.  

The star striker also noted that she had her pre-planning to thank for being able to generate that match winner. 

“I think that goal came from repetition practice from training, but also my analysis of the Everton defence and where the areas and the gaps will appear and when a new one is running behind them that the keeper would come rushing out, and I knew I had to put it either side of her,” she said. 

Parris’ coach Dario Vidošić was just as happy post match as his star forward was, saying that he was “pleased and very happy, I think for the group as well. We’ve had some tough results, some where we played some good football and just didn’t get the rewards. But I think today we had to show character twice going down one nil to something that we spoke about, we practice. So it’s always a little bit harder, but again, fantastic reaction.

“I thought first half we got our rhythm, we were starting to get control. Probably got sucker punched by the two goals, but excellent response. Even at the start of the second half, we broke one on one, had a terrific chance, and that sort of set the tone.”

The calmness of his side was what pleased Vidošić most about his team’s performance.

“It felt, even though we had probably, you can have every right to [panic], you’re chasing the result, you want rectify things, you want to get back, but even in the second half we showed that calmness, even first half calmness. Even when we went one nail down, we started to play, stuff that we work on, that we practice.”

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