Arsenal Dominate in North London Derby, United Extend Winning Streak
Arsenal delivered a statement performance in the North London derby, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium, while Manchester United continued their fine form with a sixth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) victory, overcoming Crystal Palace.
Elsewhere, Chelsea left it late to secure a hard-fought win against Everton, West Ham outclassed Brighton & Hove Albion, and Leicester City cruised past Aston Villa to move further from the relegation zone.
Here’s how the action unfolded across the league.
Gunners Run Riot Against Spurs
Arsenal maintained their flawless home record in the North London derby with a dominant 5-0 triumph over Tottenham, asserting their superiority in emphatic fashion.
The Gunners took control early when Clare Hunt inadvertently turned the ball into her own net in the 15th minute. Twenty minutes later, Mariona Caldentey doubled the lead with a clinical finish, giving Arsenal a firm grip on the match before the break.
Frida Maanum extended the advantage shortly after the restart, her powerful effort deflecting off Hunt on its way past the goalkeeper. Seven minutes later, Alessia Russo got in on the act, finishing off a well-executed counterattack to make it 4-0.
Arsenal weren’t done yet, as Emily Fox put the icing on the cake in the final minute of regulation time, unleashing a stunning long-range strike to complete a resounding victory.
Red Devils See Off Palace to Make It Six in a Row
Manchester United’s momentum in the WSL showed no signs of slowing down as they secured a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Leigh Sports Village, extending their unbeaten run to six matches.
Elisabeth Terland wasted no time in making her mark, breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute with a calm finish after a perfectly weighted pass from Hinata Miyazawa.
However, Palace fought back and found an equalizer late in the first half when Mille Gejl struck a precise effort beyond the reach of United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, ensuring the sides went into halftime level.
United reclaimed control after the hour mark when Terland bagged her second of the match, rounding Milla-Maj Majasaari before slotting into an empty net.
Grace Clinton then put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages, rising highest to nod home a well-timed header with five minutes remaining.
James’ Last-Minute Heroics Keep Chelsea on Top
Chelsea needed every bit of resilience to maintain their place at the WSL summit, securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Everton thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Lauren James.
A tightly contested first half produced few clear-cut chances, but it was Everton who struck first early in the second period. Kelly Gago fired the visitors ahead in the 51st minute with a composed first-time strike that left the Chelsea defense stunned.
The response from the Blues was swift, as Mayra Ramirez brought them level just 12 minutes later. The forward demonstrated excellent composure, deftly controlling Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s pass before finishing calmly.
Just as the game seemed destined to end in a draw, James stepped up in the dying moments, finding space in the area before rifling a low shot into the net to snatch all three points for Chelsea.
Hammers Outclass Brighton to Climb the Table
West Ham put on a confident display to claim a 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, with Shekiera Martinez, Riko Ueki, and Viviane Asseyi all finding the net.
Martinez gave the Hammers the perfect start in the 11th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Melina Loeck’s initial save. Brighton, however, responded swiftly, as Nikita Parris converted from close range to bring the visitors level.
The turning point came in the 64th minute when Ueki regained the lead for West Ham, winning possession on the edge of the box before finishing with precision.
Asseyi then put the result beyond doubt from the penalty spot, confidently dispatching her effort after being brought down in the area.
The victory lifts West Ham into eighth place, giving them valuable breathing room in the league table.
Leicester Ease Past Villa with Commanding Win
Leicester City secured a vital 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, with Janice Cayman bagging a brace and Julie Thibaud adding a third to ensure a comfortable win.
Cayman opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, finishing clinically from Sophie Howard’s precise cutback.
The Belgian international doubled her tally early in the second half, unleashing a superb volley from outside the box that left the Villa goalkeeper with no chance.
Moments later, Thibaud put the result beyond doubt, reacting quickest inside the area to poke home from close range.
The win moves Leicester six points clear of the relegation zone, offering them much-needed breathing space in their fight for survival.
