Alessia Russo’s 85th-minute goal spared Arsenal a home defeat against Aston Villa, but the 1-1 draw highlighted the attacking problems that have continued to affect Renée Slegers’s side.
Arsenal dominated possession and chances, recording almost 65% of the ball, 28 shots and 56 touches in Villa’s penalty area. However, Aston Villa scored with their only attempt on target when Lynn Wilms set up Chasity Grant, who found the bottom corner in the 25th minute.
Villa then defended deep and frustrated Arsenal, who struggled to break down a compact defence. Russo eventually levelled by flicking a header into the far post from Stina Blackstenius’s cross.
The result came after Arsenal had beaten Tottenham and Benfica in successive matches, but their difficult schedule continues with away games against Liverpool and later fixtures against Barcelona, London City and Lyonnes. The team’s lack of effectiveness in the final third remains a concern, while pressure is expected to return to Slegers.
Chelsea enjoyed a far more comfortable afternoon, defeating Charlton 6-0. The visitors were already 4-0 ahead when England forward Lauren James was substituted in the 35th minute, with Erin Cuthbert taking her place. Five different players scored for Chelsea, including Melvine Malard, who netted twice.
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said it was too early to assess the injury but indicated that it appeared to involve James’s hamstring and would require a further examination.
Tottenham moved up to fourth after beating Birmingham City 4-1. Drew Spence set a new WSL appearance record with 201 matches, moving one clear of former Chelsea defender Millie Bright.
West Ham also won 4-1, defeating Liverpool to claim their third league victory of the season and move above their opponents into 10th place.
Crystal Palace took the lead at Brighton through a superb long-range strike from Annabel Blanchard, but Brighton turned the match around. Caitlin Hayes and Sophie Peskett scored to secure a 2-1 victory for Arturo Ruiz’s side, their third consecutive win.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.