Welcome to this week’s edition of the Women's Super League Roundup, matchday 13, by Goalside Gossip!

This weekend in the WSL was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the resilience, skill, and drama we've come to expect from one of the most competitive leagues in women's football. From last-minute heroics to controversial decisions that kept fans on the edge of their seats, here are the highlight points that defined matchday 13

1. Late Equalizers and Heart-Stopping Moments: Marie Hobinger's injury-time goal for Liverpool against Tottenham ensured the points were shared at Prenton Park, highlighting the never-say-die attitude prevalent in the league.

2. Controversial Penalties Shape Outcomes: Chelsea's victory over Everton was marred by debate, with two contentious penalties contributing to their win and keeping their title hopes alive in pursuit of a fifth consecutive WSL title.

3. Defensive Grit and Goalkeeping Heroics: The Manchester City vs. Leicester match was a testament to defensive resilience, with City breaking through only in the closing stages thanks to Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly's brilliance, underlining the importance of persistence.

4. Battle for Top Four Intensifies: With critical goals and vital points on the line, teams like Liverpool and Tottenham remain neck-and-neck in the race for the top four, each showcasing their credentials in a tightly contested draw.

5. Managerial Drama Adds to the Spectacle: Everton's match against Chelsea saw Toffees manager Brian Sorensen sent off for dissent, adding a layer of managerial drama to the weekend's narrative.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each of these points, offering insights, analysis, and highlights from a weekend that once again proved why the Women's Super League is at the pinnacle of women's football.

Aston Villa vs Bristol City (2-2)

In a tightly contested Women's Super League match, Bristol City managed to secure a draw against Aston Villa, thanks to Carrie Jones' remarkable long-range strike, reducing their deficit at the bottom of the table. Despite Villa's early dominance and taking the lead twice through goals from Jordan Nobbs and Adriana Leon, Bristol City responded each time, first with Amalie Thestrup's equalizer and then Jones' stunning effort. Aston Villa, enjoying the majority of possession and creating numerous chances, failed to capitalize on their opportunities, partly due to Bristol City's solid defending and impressive goalkeeping by Shae Yanez. The result leaves Bristol City just two points behind West Ham, intensifying their survival bid in their return to the top flight, while Villa remains eighth despite their clear dominance in the match.

Manchester United vs Brighton (2-0)

Marc Skinner's Manchester United secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion at Leigh Sports Village, narrowing the gap with the top three in the Women's Super League. The win, built on the back of a previous league victory against Aston Villa, was marked by strong performances, including Geyse's outstanding contribution, assisting both goals scored by Nikita Parris. United's lineup featured consistent selections, with Lisa Naalsund starting for the third consecutive time and a solid back four supporting an attack-minded team. Despite a slow start and a possession-focused game, United capitalized on their chances, with Geyse's exceptional play on the right being pivotal in both goals. This win keeps United's hopes alive for a top-three finish, setting the stage for a significant upcoming match against third-placed Arsenal.

West Ham United vs Arsenal (2-1)

After taking a lead with Alessia Russo's goal, Arsenal suffered their first-ever WSL defeat against West Ham, conceding two goals from Viviane Asseyi and Hawa Cissoko. Leah Williamson returned to the starting lineup for the first time since April 2023, and despite Arsenal's early dominance and multiple chances, they were unable to secure a win. The game turned in the second half when West Ham was awarded a controversial penalty, leading to their comeback victory. Arsenal's efforts to equalize in the latter stages of the match were thwarted by West Ham's solid defense, leaving Arsenal in third place in the WSL table and facing a Conti Cup quarter-final against London City Lionesses next.

Manchester City vs Leicester City (2-0)

Manchester City secured their seventh consecutive Women's Super League win with late goals from Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly, overcoming Leicester City's defensive efforts after more than 80 minutes of play. Hemp's acrobatic finish and Kelly's direct corner goal broke the deadlock and sealed the victory, despite Manchester City facing challenges from the woodwork, offside decisions, and Leicester's goalkeeper Lize Kop throughout the match. The win momentarily placed Manchester City at the top of the table, though they later fell three points behind Chelsea in the title race. This victory maintains Manchester City's momentum as they prepare for a critical match against Chelsea, while Leicester remains seventh, still clear of relegation but without a point against Manchester City in their six WSL encounters.

Liverpool vs Tottenham (1-1)

Marie Hobinger's injury-time goal rescued a point for Liverpool in their Women's Super League match against Tottenham, ending the game in a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park. Tottenham's Celin Bizet had put the visitors ahead with a unique goal, but Hobinger's late finish ensured the points were shared. The match, largely scrappy and influenced by difficult weather conditions, seemed headed for a goalless draw until the late drama unfolded. This result keeps Liverpool and Tottenham level on points, just five behind fourth-placed Manchester United, with both teams aiming to close the gap to the top four in the league.

Chelsea vs Everton (3-0)

Chelsea secured a victory over Everton with a 3-0 scoreline, maintaining their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Women's Super League title, aided by two controversial penalties and a late goal from Erin Cuthbert. Both penalties, converted by Guro Reiten, were awarded for challenges on Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Mayra Ramirez, with replays suggesting the decisions were harsh. Despite these contentious moments, Chelsea demonstrated their dominance throughout the match and extended their WSL home winning streak to a record 22 games. This win reestablished Chelsea's position at the top of the league, three points clear, setting up a crucial title race clash with Manchester City. Meanwhile, Everton's defeat leaves them five points above the relegation zone, with their manager Brian Sorensen sent off for dissent.

Player Spotlight: Ebony Salmon

Ebony Salmon, born on May 27, 2001, in Dudley, England, is a professional soccer player renowned for her striking prowess and agility on the field. Currently playing as a forward for Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and having a significant history in the FA Women's Super League (FA WSL), Salmon has made a name for herself as a formidable goal scorer and a player with a bright future ahead.

Salmon's soccer journey commenced at Aston Villa's youth academy, where her evident talent and goal-scoring ability quickly made her stand out. Her professional debut came with Aston Villa, where she showcased her potential and caught the attention of larger clubs in the FA WSL. Her journey through the ranks of English football included impactful stints at Sheffield United (on loan), Bristol City Women, and Reading FC Women. At Bristol City, Salmon's performances were particularly noteworthy; she was a key player for the team, often single-handedly changing the outcomes of games with her speed and sharpshooting abilities.

In June 2021, Salmon made a significant move to Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL, marking the start of her career outside England. Her time in the United States has been marked by rapid development and adaptation to the physicality and pace of the American game. Her ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities has made her a valuable asset to her team.

Internationally, Ebony Salmon has represented England at various youth levels, showcasing her talent on the international stage and contributing to the success of the national youth teams. Her performances have put her on the radar for the senior national team, indicating a promising international career ahead.

Ebony Salmon's journey from the youth ranks of Aston Villa to becoming a key player in the NWSL is a testament to her hard work, determination, and natural talent. As she continues to develop and refine her skills, the soccer world eagerly watches, anticipating her next moves and the impact she will have on the field.

You can watch some of her highlights HERE.

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