FA WSL 2020-2021 – Round 2 Wrap

After an exciting first week of FA WSL action, we couldn’t wait to see what Round 2 had in store for our Australians and New Zealanders abroad.

It was a weekend of big score lines, with some familiar names finding the back of the net. Read below to catch up on the second round.

https://twitter.com/BarclaysFAWSL/status/1305406432511221763

West Ham 1 Arsenal 9

In what was probably the match of the round, Arsenal dominated West Ham in front of 800 fans at Chigwell Construction Stadium. West Ham captain Gilly Flaherty received a red card after her second yellow for dissent, and it was all downhill for West Ham after that.

It wasn’t such a good day for West Ham’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, as Jill Roord scored her second hat-trick in two games while Vivianne Miedema scored a brace.

Kim Little, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Caitlin Foord also added their names to the scoresheet. Foord netted her goal in the 86th minute after being subbed onto the field to replace Roord in the 59th minute.

Steph Catley started the game but came off after 19 minutes due to injury and was replaced by Katie McCabe, while Emily Van Egmond entered the field at half time to replace Kenza Dali for West Ham.

Arsenal are now top of the table after scoring 15 goals in the first two rounds.

https://twitter.com/BarclaysFAWSL/status/1305261220488937473

Chelsea 9 Bristol City 0

It was a great day for Chelsea. Nine different players added their names to the scoresheet, including Sam Kerr who hit the back of the net in the last 10 minutes of the match.

Chloe Logarzo and Ella Mastrantonio both clocked 90 minutes for Bristol City, but they won’t be too happy with their side now sitting at the bottom of the table, having not yet recorded a win or goal.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1305135091996332032

Everton 1 Tottenham 0

England midfielder Izzy Christiansen scored Everton’s lone goal from a Nicoline Sorensen cross early in the second half.

Everton looked most likely to score for the majority of the match, with Hayley Raso forcing Tottenham’s goalkeeper Becky Spencer to make two saves early in the game. Alanna Kennedy made her debut for Spurs and played the full 90 minutes, while New Zealand defender Ria Percival also attended the full 90.

Kennedy makes her starting debut for Tottenham! #Matildas https://t.co/EUiRKu8Jjb

— Samantha Lewis (@battledinosaur) September 13, 2020

Reading 3 Aston Villa 1

Amalie Eikeland put the hosts in front after 24 minutes. Laura Bruton and Fara Williams also scored in the first 45 minutes to make it 3-0.

Despite the three goal deficit, Villa once again displayed an improved second half performance, with Stine Larsen scoring her first goal from the penalty spot to make the final result 3-1.

Manchester City 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0

Although City recorded 68% possession, the home side couldn’t find the back of the net, and quality was lacking in the front third from both sides.

Ferns defender Rebekah Stott played the full 90 minutes for Brighton, while W-League legend Denise O’Sullivan replaced Megan Connolly at the break. Towards the end of the game O’Sullivan took a shot from the middle of the box which edged towards the bottom left-hand corner but was saved by City’s goalkeeper.

https://twitter.com/ElaineBucko/status/1305160051359965184

Birmingham City 2 Manchester United 5

Scotland striker Jane Ross put United in front early from a header. Birmingham were quick to respond with Claudia Walker’s equaliser, and an Abbie McManus own goal saw the home side take the lead.

Manchester United then came from behind to claim their first win of the season, with Katie Zelem levelling the score before Ella Toone’s goal and Kirsty Hanson’s brace put the game to bed.

League table