WSL Review: Chelsea on the charge, whilst Edmondson exits Bristol

The WSL got off to a blistering start but will soon take a mid-season break for the Women’s World Cup in Canada. Neil Evans casts his eye over the story so far . . .

Reigning champions Liverpool Ladies opened up the new season in the live televised match against newly-promoted Sunderland Ladies – the first ever side to be promoted into the top tier. Carlton Fairweather’s side announced their arrival on the big stage with a deserved 2-1 win at Select Security stadium, thanks to star striker Beth Mead. Food for thought, not just for Liverpool boss Matt Beard but the whole league.

Birmingham’s goalless draw with Manchester City women would mark a stuttering start for Blues as they have yet to record a victory. In contrast, Chelsea’s start could not have been better. A narrow 2-1 away win at an improving Notts County was followed up by an emphatic four-goal rout at Bristol Academy. Chelsea look more than up for the fight to land the prize they threw away last term, with their ability to grind out narrow wins in tight games, which they showed against Birmingham and Liverpool. The new-look defence has allowed one league goal with new keeper Hedvig Lindahl impressive. Make no mistake, Emma Hayes’ Blues are there for the long haul. Throw in two FA Cup wins, including knocking out perennial winners Arsenal Ladies, and they can be very satisfied. Only a home stalemate with Lady Gunners has prevented a 100 per cent start. They already look like the team to beat.

Arsenal are two points behind the early pacesetters. Despite FA Cup disappointment against Chelsea, they have started solidly. Their opening game at Notts County was most memorable for the wonderful free-kick scored by County’s Ellen White. Young striker Chioma Ubogagu has already formed an eye-catching partnership with former Vixen Natalia Pablos Sanchon and with, PFA Young Player of the Season Leah Williamson continuing to shine, Arsenal will surely remain in contention.

Surprisingly, Notts County are WSL1’s top scorers, averaging over two goals a game. Rachel Williams is top scorer with four goals in five and has, along with White, provided the punch previously lacking. How different the tone might have been had Carly Telford not saved a last-minute spot-kick away at Birmingham. County also have Wembley in their sights after beating Everton to reach the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time.

Lower down the league, both Manchester City Women and Birmingham have been plagued by inconsistency. One solitary league goal for Brum says it all and, though hard to beat, seventh isn’t where they expected to be. While it’s been a sluggish start for star-studded City, who have also found goals hard to come by. They have reached the cup semi-final against Chelsea but they’ve almost had as many players sent off as goals scored. After the Sunderland loss, Liverpool have began to recover. Asisat Oshoala has begun to make her presence felt in attack and was outstanding in the recent home win over City. Those two face off again before the World Cup break and that result may determine whether either challenge for the top two.

At the bottom, it has been a disastrous start for Bristol Academy. A comprehensive defeat against FFC Frankfurt in the Women’s Champions League wasn’t a surprise. The slide began with an extra-time FA Cup loss to Everton and confidence was, understandably, lowered by an opening WSL defeat to Chelsea. Coach Dave Edmondson was sacked after losing a goal lead to Sunderland and replaced by former Hibs Ladies manager Willie Kirk. In spite of a 5-2 home defeat by Notts County, the performance was much improved and Bristol would finally claim their first point with a feisty display at Birmingham. A much-needed clean sheet came at a price with star defender Jasmine Matthews injured, while goalkeeper Mary Earps has earned rave reviews after a string of stellar displays.

It’s been a breathless start to the new season. With one more round of games before the World Cup break there is everything to play for. Roll on part two!

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