GW7: A New London Derby (And A Whole Lot Of Tension)

Following October's international break, the Barclays Women's Super League got back up and running this weekend, with tensions mounting both on and off pitch.

CHELSEA V LONDON CITY LIONESSES (2–0)

As the international break concluded and the WSL revved back into full speed, here was a new London derby: Chelsea versus London City Lionesses. The dominant, reigning champions, versus the rookies. The heritage versus the new.

On their own soil, Chelsea unsurprisingly took home a victory – making it now 32 games unbeaten – with goals produced from Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr, in the 6th and 94th minutes respectively. It was also the first goal in a blue shirt for Carpenter, who shared with us post match that, “I’m just really happy and proud to be helping the team get the three points.”

While this was yet another display of Chelsea’s prowess, it was also a solid presentation for London City Lionesses who have shown time and time again this season that they deserve to be in the top flight of women’s football in England – they’ve taken down West Ham, Liverpool, and Everton. Prêcheur’s squad were consistently able to place pressure on Bomapstor’s defence, and created numerous chances and shots on goal. Although, none resulted in a goal.

Post-match, Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor took time to share with the press her relationship and trust in goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who has become the centre of much conversation following the serialisation of an excerpt of Mary Earps’ new autobiography. As the ex-England No.1 hinted at tension between herself, Hampton, and Sarina Wiegman, Bompastor was eager to note, “[Hannah is] such a professional athlete, and also a good person.” On Earps’ account of interactions with Wiegman, Bompastor shared, “I think when you use some words, saying something about someone who won the European Championship three times in a row, you should probably think about it before you speak.”

Focus for both sides turns to gameweek eight and a fresh run of London derby’s as Chelsea face Arsenal at the Emirates, while London City welcome Tottenham to the Copperjax Stadium.

TOTTENHAM V LIVERPOOL (2–1)

There’s no polite way of putting it, but Liverpool are having an absolute stinker of a season in the WSL, sitting eleventh in the league table and beaten by Manchester City, London City Lionesses, Manchester United, Leicester City, and Everton. To be clear, that is every one of their WSL fixtures this season thus far.

To come face to face with Tottenham, who are by all measures performing solidly and consistently, was ever going to be a tough ask for the Reds – particularly after the recent ACL injuries of Marie Höbinger and Sophie Román Haug.

And it was injury that dominated the narrative of this game of football. While Liverpool initially showed some genuine promise, with a 10th minute goal for Beata Olsson (her first at the club), Spurs eventually got two up (from Beth England and Tōko Kogato) to secure victory and three more points. As the game slowly drew to a close, with the fate of Liverpool sealed, Mia Enderby received lengthy on pitch treatment for what seems to be an injury to the neck.

She was subsequently stretchered off, with manager Gareth Taylor confirming to us post-match that, “I think she has gone to hospital. At one point I thought she was going to re-enter in terms of getting back up and start to play again but with those types of injuries it's really crucial we take care of them.” It’s yet another highly unfortunate injury knock, and match outcome, for Liverpool.

OTHER GAMES ACROSS THE WEEKEND

Manchester City V West Ham

1–0

Aston Villa V Everton

3–3

Brighton V Manchester United

2–3

Leicester City V Arsenal

1–4