There were just three games this weekend in the FA Women’s Super League, as a heavy helping of snow in England caused three match postponements.
With their win, Manchester United leapfrogged Chelsea to take back the lead in the WSL table – although Chelsea now have two games in hand on United. Manchester City’s easy win over Brighton & Hove Albion kept them in the top three and the hunt for a Champions League berth, while newcomer Mana Iwabuchi helped Aston Villa on to an important point against Reading. Read on for all of the league news!
🔙🔛🔝@ManUtdWomen are back at the #BarclaysFAWSL summit! pic.twitter.com/FjKHqz5b5u
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 24, 2021
Manchester United 2, Birmingham City 0
A great defensive performance from Birmingham City kept things level through 45 minutes on Sunday. But it was outdone just moments into the second half, when Manchester United’s Leah Galton beat two Birmingham defenders at the back post and finished a cross sent in by Lauren James.
Ella Toone doubled United’s lead late in the second half, when she found space in the 18 and fired a shot that hit the far post and went in.
In off the post! 💥@ellatoone99 is on the scoresheet for @ManUtdWomen 👏#BarclaysFAWSL pic.twitter.com/P5H1kBgorA
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 24, 2021
Christen Press was available on the bench but did not feature. After the match, United head coach Casey Stoney provided an update on Tobin Heath, who is injured and was not available.
Casey Stoney on Tobin Heath: “She’s going to be out for a while now.” #MUFC
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) January 24, 2021
Manchester City 7, Brighton & Hove Albion 1
On the seventh anniversary of their relaunch, Manchester City scored seven goals en route to a painless win over Brighton. Goals by Caroline Weir (12’, 16’), Stephanie Houghton (41’, 61’), Ellen White (58’), Chloe Kelly (73’), and Janine Beckie (77’) sealed the three points.
Houghton’s beautiful free kick goal in the 41st minute was a nice way to mark her 150th appearance in the league. The England and City captain is the first player to ever reach this milestone.
Now that's some way to celebrate your 150th #BarclaysFAWSL appearance!
A STUNNING free-kick from @stephhoughton2! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Js2Lzgtrce
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 24, 2021
Aston Villa 2, Reading 2
In her first Aston Villa start, Mana Iwabuchi became just the second Japanese player ever to score a goal in the FA WSL (after Yūki Nagasato).
Saturday’s match featured a great midfield battle between Villa’s Iwabuchi and Reading’s Jess Fishlock, and goals were traded back and forth as the snow came down. Angharad James opened the scoring for Reading in the 3rd minute, and Iwabuchi equalized in the 55th. Rachel Rowe took back the lead for Reading shortly after, and Reading looked like they were headed for victory.
But in injury time, Villa forward Diana Silva got her foot on a pass from Iwabuchi, helping Villa on to the draw and a big point. They are now five points clear of Bristol City and the relegation zone.
At the death! @dmasilva19 stabs home a late leveller in the snow to earn @AVWFCOfficial a point! ❄️@buchi_mana with the assist 👏 pic.twitter.com/Cj1kGyuVG1
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 23, 2021
After a big performance against Arsenal last weekend, Reading will be disappointed with giving away the lead twice on Saturday.
Week 13 postponements
Birmingham City vs. Everton (Jan. 20)
Postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Arsenal vs. West Ham United (Jan. 24)
Postponed due to extreme weather.
M̶A̶T̶C̶H̶D̶A̶Y̶ ̶SNOW DAY! ⛄️ pic.twitter.com/cMXoTsYmFx
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) January 24, 2021
Bristol City vs. Chelsea (Jan. 24)
Postponed due to extreme weather.
Chelsea did get to play last Wednesday, as they came from behind to defeat Manchester City in the Continental League Cup quarterfinals. Goals from Guro Reiten and Sophie Ingle (the screamer below) in extra-time completed the 4-2 comeback.
No game for us today = a perfect excuse to show @SophieIngle01's screamer from Wednesday night again! 🤩👏 pic.twitter.com/rGzdSC3U27
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 24, 2021
Tottenham vs. Everton (Jan. 24)
Postponed due to extreme weather. That’s two in one week for Everton!
