Graphic: Michael Alesich

As we approach the half-way mark of the season, our Australians and New Zealanders gave themselves plenty to write home about this round. 

Match of the round: Manchester City 2 – 1 Arsenal

If you’re looking for a Aussie-infused match (or mini-match!), you can’t go past heavy-weights Manchester City facing off against Arsenal. Much to the delight of Matildas’ fans, Gunners seem to be through to the other side of their injury deluge. Caitlin Foord started, Lydia Williams played another 90 minutes, and Steph Catley (or is that Kately?) was substituted on for Leonie Maier in the 66th for her second game back. 

Within three minutes, current league Golden Boot Vivianne Miedema punished City for sloppy defending, Keira Walsh stretching to reach Lucy Bronze‘s pass in from the wing. The Dutch forward leapt upon the ineffectual toe back to Steph Houghton (in a manner one could compare to a sprightly mountain goat) and placed the ball in the bottom right with precision.

However, that is where the Aus-centric happiness ends in the thoroughly entertaining match-up. City looked dangerous with waves of sustained possession in front of goal, but the equaliser came from a set-piece. Chloe Kelly whipped in the corner with Sam Mewis cutting through the clutter to nod it in. 

While possession for both sides continued to be even in the second half, City had the edge. They patiently waited for Arsenal’s mistakes with the likes of Georgia Stanway and Mewis breaking away quickly. While unable to stifle these opportunities completely, the Gunners’ backline did well to intervene at crucial moments in front of goal.

Caroline Weir had a stand-out performance and was unlucky to not grab the lead in the 67th minute. She sprang onto a poorly distributed ball from Williams, the shot bobbling just wide of the post. It was that same opportunism that won City the game in the 93rd minute. Stanway’s shot ricocheted off Leah Williamson‘s feet and fell to Weir, who wasted no time in sending it bottom left. 

The game also held significance of the pitch with Jen Beattie recently sharing her diagnosis of breast cancer. Both sides wore training kits with her name and number in support. We wish Jen all the best in her treatment and recovery.

Bristol City 0 – 4 Aston Villa 

This mid-week fixture was one of two catch up games for Villa following a COVID-19 outbreak at the club earlier in the year. It was another unfortunate loss for Bristol, with Ramona Petzelberger and Shania Hayles getting a brace each. 

Reading 1 – 2 Manchester United

Manchester United went undefeated once again with a hard-fought win over Reading. Leah Galton scored on the end of a tearing run down the left just past the half hour mark. The equaliser was an own goal, with Jess Fishlock‘s shot deflecting off a red shirt at an unfortunate angle.

After some strong chances from both sides in the second half, Hayley Ladd finished it off for United with a header in the 83rd minute. 

Bristol City 0 – 4 West Ham United

It was a quick turnaround for Bristol as they faced West Ham on Sunday but the results mirrored that of Wednesday. It was a must-win for Hammers as they seek to reestablish themselves mid-table – and a win they got.

The game started on shakily for the home side with an own goal at the 11th minute. The Robins quickly responded with Ella Mastrantonio‘s free kick assisting Gemma Evans at the far post, but the goal was called offside. 

Emily Van Egmond doubled the lead in the second half with her third goal of the season – a skillful one-touch flick across her body on the end of a Martha Thomas‘ cross. Rachel Daly then joined Van Egmond as top-scorer for the Hammers before 

Mastrantonio played out the full 90 (and got a yellow card in the 33rd). In more positive news for Bristol, Chloe Logarzo – who has been away with a facial injury – will be able to return to non-contact training soon. 

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 -1 Chelsea

Following her spectacular hat-trick last week, Sam Kerr was subbed off after a painful looking knock. Fan fears were quickly assuaged as she played the full game against Brighton. Rebekah Stott played the full second half for Brighton. 

It was Kerr’s goal in the 20th minute that made the slim difference for Chelsea. She cut diagonally through the box to reach Pernille Harder‘s cross, and then nailed the tricky angle to nod it in with the back of her head. She is the third-placed top-scorer in the league with 6 goals. 

Tottenham Hotspur 3 – 1 Aston Villa

New coach Rehanne Skinner earnt more stripes with Spurs winning their second WSL game in a row and second game overall. Alex Morgan in particular seems to be benefitting from the side-wide comeback. She opened the account in the 13th with her second WSL goal – another clinically placed penalty. 

Villa’s Nadine Hanssen equalised ten minutes later, taking her chances after spotting Rebecca Spencer off her line. Defender Caroline Siem’s sliding defensive effort in the 34th minute unluckily sent the ball into, not away from, goal, giving the lead back to Spurs. Ria Percival‘s clever run helped create the conditions for the own goal, and it was her floating cross from the right that gave Rosella Ayane the assist in the 63rd minute.

Alanna Kennedy played another full game for Spurs. 

Birmingham vs Everton

This match was postponed due to the Damson Park pitch being waterlogged. 

League table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Manchester United 9 7 2 0 21 8 13 23
2 Chelsea 8 6 2 0 23 5 18 20
3 Arsenal 9 6 1 2 34 8 26 19
4 Manchester City 9 5 3 1 23 9 14 18
5 Everton 9 4 2 2 17 11 6 14
6 Reading 9 2 4 3 10 14 -4 10
7 Birmingham City 9 3 0 5 9 13 -4 9
8 Tottenham Hotspur 9 2 3 4 12 18 -6 9
9 Brighton & Hove Albion 9 2 2 5 6 16 -10 8
10 West Ham United 9 2 1 6 13 23 -10 7
11 Aston Villa 8 2 0 6 8 17 -9 6
12 Bristol City 9 0 2 7 5 39 -34 2

Round 10 Games

Manchester United vs Bristol City at Leigh Sports Stadium – 11pm, Sunday 20/12
Arsenal vs Everton at Meadow Park – 11.30pm, Sunday 20/12
Birmingham City vs Manchester City at Damson Park – 1am Monday 21/12
Chelsea vs Tottenham at Kingsmeadow – 1am, Monday 21/12
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Reading at Broadfield Stadium – 1.30am, Monday 21/12. 
West Ham vs Aston Villa at Victoria Road – 2am, Monday 21/12. 

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