Last week consisted of make-up games as COVID-19 has interrupted the original 2020/21 FA WSL schedule throughout the season.
Chelsea claimed a 4-0 win at Aston Villa to kick off the week on Wednesday. On Saturday, Bristol City won its first game of the season at home over Brighton & Hove Albion, giving the Robins hope in their fight to climb out of last place and avoid relegation. And the top three sides on the league – Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City – asserted their dominance on Sunday to keep them at the top of the table as Matchday 14 looms on the horizon.
Top five teams in the FA WSL until February 2
FA WSL Top 3 scorers
Despite not playing last week, Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema stayed on top of the league's goalscoring charts with 12 goals in 11 starts for the Gunners. The reigning golden boot recipient also leads in goals per 90 with an average of 1.21.
Chelsea's Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby are also on the chase for this year's top goalscorer award. Kerr edged closer to Miedema, scoring a goal in each game last week to bring up her tally to nine goals after 12 appearances. However, Kirby, who sits in third place with eight goals, had a quiet week after not featuring in the game against Villa and not scoring against Tottenham on the weekend.
FA WSL – Top headlines
- The race for the title intensified last week as Chelsea won its two games against Aston Villa and Tottenham, while Manchester United closed out the week with an important 2-0 win over Willie Kirk's Everton to stay level with Chelsea on points.
- The Robins secured their first league win of the season, defeating Brighton 3-0 at home on Thursday. Bristol City is two points away from Aston Villa and West Ham but has a goal differential of -40 compared to the Villains' -20 and Hammers' -15.
- Arsenal's game against Aston Villa was postponed last weekend, making it the second straight week where the Gunners have had their match postponed on the day of the game because of weather conditions.
- Goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck pens a new three-year deal with Manchester City.
- Midfielder Cho So-Hyun joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan from West Ham.
- Forward Aisha Lehmann joined Everton on loan from West Ham.
- Birmingham City signed 17-year-old Ruby Mace from Arsenal's WSL Academy and 24-year-old goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse from Tottenham Hotspur on loans until the end of the season.
Top FA WSL matches to watch, Feb. 6 & 7
Manchester United vs. Reading – Sunday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 a.m. ET
The Red Devils will need to tread carefully against the Royals, who have taken points from Arsenal and Manchester City this season. A Manchester United win would put pressure on Chelsea, whose game is set to kick off after Man Utd's.
Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – Sunday, Feb. 7, at 9 a.m. ET
Emma Hayes' Blues will have to beat Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday morning to secure first place.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City – Sunday, Feb. 7, at 9:30 p.m. ET
Sunday's game between Arsenal and Manchester City is a must-win game for both sides. The team that loses will miss out on a chance for a last push in the second half of the season for the title. There are zero margins of error. Also, a draw would see both teams fall behind dramatically.
Keep track of all the activity in the FA Women's Super League following the link here: https://www.livesoccertv.com/competitions/england/fa-wsl/
