Maanum’s retribution hands Eidevall a problem
We witnessed Beth Mead’s revenge tour after she was cut from Team GB before the Olympics. Now the Frida Maanum tour of vengeance has begun. The Norway midfielder has seized her opportunity to shine after starting the season and spending the majority of her time since joining Arsenal from Swedish club Linkoping on the bench. The 23-year-old has scored four goals in five games since replacing Vivianne Miedema in the starting lineup, including a goal in a 4-0 win at Leicester. Her outstanding form has caused boss Jonas Eidevall a headache.
Miedema has been granted a leave of absence to “relax and recharge” before the international break. Upon her return, though, she will have to dislodge the in-form Maanum or restore her starting position ahead of Stina Blackstenius. Having so many world-class alternatives in a team’s roster is a blessing, but it might also be a burden for Eidevall. Suzanne Wrack
Hemp shines on Mukandi’s forgettable day.
Reading’s captain Emma Mukandi had a game she would rather forget after scoring two own goals in a 3–0 loss to Manchester City. Lauren Hemp was instrumental in both goals, delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area after the Reading defense left her unguarded. Mukandi, who was scrambling to stop Hemp’s assault, scored the first goal to give City the lead, while the second ricocheted off a player’s leg.
With a header, Bunny Shaw, who has scored frequently in the WSL, made it 3-0 for the visitors. Hemp, though, was the game’s star; she was a constant threat, which is not surprising given that she has been involved in 13 goals in her last 13 games. Renuka Odedra
Seagulls whine during a downpour in Dagenham.
Dagenham was surrounded by apocalyptic weather for West Ham’s home game against Brighton. The WSL was at its most chaotic during a nine-goal thriller between two teams that occurred after the weather improved. Brighton has endured a difficult week following an 8-0 loss to Tottenham and the subsequent departure of manager Hope Powell. When the visitors went behind after two minutes on Sunday, things did not look good, but they rallied under the leadership of Danielle Carter. By halftime, she had scored her first two goals of the season and assisted on Brighton’s third goal by setting up Veatriki Sarri.
Victoria Williams’ own goal gave the home team a ray of hope, but the visitors answered with Elisabeth Terland and Jorja Fox each scoring their first goals for the club to reclaim the lead. Just as Brighton appeared to be in command, chaos broke out; Viviane Asseyi scored twice in quick succession to set up a dramatic conclusion. Following seven minutes of injury time, the Seagulls held on with their backs against the wall to secure a vital victory. Catherine Downey
United’s deterioration is cause for alarm.
Manchester United could take away some positives from their loss to Chelsea. Erin Cuthbert’s goal in extra time made a close game appear somewhat one-sided, even though the 3-1 result did not accurately reflect the contest. United faced several challenges, however. Despite their excellent play, they struggled to create opportunities. In the first half, each team had one shot on goal, but in the second half, Chelsea outshot the opposition five to one.
The disintegration of United’s shape after falling behind for the first time this season was more significant. The hosts, who had not conceded a goal in their previous five games, conceded two goals in four minutes. The players appeared shaken after Chelsea took the lead, and their defensive strength immediately weakened. After Alessia Russo drew one back, they regained their rhythm, but it was too late. SW
Cards abound as Beard sweats over infractions
Aston Villa defeated Liverpool 1-0 thanks to Rachel Daly’s fifth WSL goal of the season. Rachel Laws knocked down Kirsty Hanson, but she was unable to prevent Daly from converting the resulting penalty. At that point, the dissatisfaction at Prenton Park reached a boiling point. Robert Massey-Ellis reached into his pocket seven times as yellow cards were distributed as though Oprah Winfrey were giving away vehicles. Bookings were issued for trivial fouls and some very blatant Villa time-wasting strategies.
Liverpool, who have now lost five consecutive games, continued to be frustrated after the final whistle. Matt Beard questioned the legitimacy of the penalty. “I have rewatched it. The manager stated, “I have respect for the referee, but this is not a penalty.” It’s irritating because I no longer understand what a penalty is. RO
