The European women’s football scene was abuzz with excitement and controversy this weekend as late goals and refereeing decisions took center stage.
Here’s a roundup of the key highlights from the Women’s Super League (WSL) and beyond:
Referee Takes Center Stage in Manchester
In a match between Manchester City and Chelsea, referee Emily Heaslip found herself at the heart of a heated debate. The WSL has seen a crackdown on fouls, perceived time-wasting, and dissent, but Heaslip’s strict enforcement of these rules led to two Manchester City players being sent off in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The match turned chaotic after City captain Alex Greenwood was shown a second yellow card for taking too long over a free kick. In total, Heaslip issued 11 cautions, leading to criticism that the strict adherence to new rules had gone too far.
Champions Chelsea Continue to Struggle
Despite being the reigning WSL champions, Chelsea faced a challenging match against Manchester City. Even with a numerical advantage following Greenwood’s red card, Chelsea struggled to dominate the game.
Fresh legs from substitutes helped, but the team’s performance left room for improvement. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes will be looking for her side to regain their fluency and balance as they aim for a fifth consecutive WSL crown.
Liverpool’s Strong Start
Liverpool, under the leadership of coach Matt Beard, has started the season impressively. After securing promotion back to the WSL, Liverpool began their campaign with a 1-0 victory against Arsenal, followed by a 2-0 win against Aston Villa.
Beard’s team appears to be flourishing early in the season, with players showing unity and enjoyment on the field. The manager’s ability to bring out the best in his players is evident.
West Ham’s New Identity
West Ham, a club that has experienced various coaching changes and struggled to find its identity, showcased a new attacking style under coach Rehanne Skinner. Their 2-0 win over Brighton demonstrated their intent to play attractive football.
Summer signing Riko Ueki impressed, and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold kept her first clean sheet of the season. West Ham’s fans will be hoping that this performance marks a turning point for the club.
Late Goals a Trend in Europe
Late goals were the order of the day in European women’s football. Matches involving Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus, and Real Madrid all featured game-changing late goals.
Whether it was Cloe Lacasse’s rescue act for Arsenal or Signe Bruun’s late winner for Real Madrid, these dramatic moments added excitement to the games. Clubs like Real Madrid, despite a labored performance, managed to secure three points late in the match.
Goalkeeping Heroics in Sweden
In the Swedish Damallsvenskan, Vittsjö’s goalkeeper, Lainey Burdett, emerged as the unlikely hero. Trailing Häcken, she scored a stoppage-time equalizer from a corner, salvaging a crucial point for her team. This remarkable goal keeps Vittsjö’s hopes of earning a European berth alive as they strive to secure a qualification spot.
As the European women’s football season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling late-game drama and continued debates about refereeing standards. These stories underscore the growing excitement and competitiveness of the women’s game across the continent.
