WSL Weekend Roundup: Shaw's Record Hat-Trick, Kelly's Return, and Late Drama
The Women's Super League delivered a thrilling weekend of action, with goal records, injury setbacks, and dramatic late winners shaping the title race and European qualification battles. Key performances from star players and pivotal results kept fans on the edge of their seats across multiple fixtures.
Shaw Storms to WSL Hat-Trick Record
Khadija Shaw of Manchester City etched her name into the history books with a stunning 13-minute hat-trick in a commanding 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Jamaican striker, a strong contender for player of the season, scored her 18th goal in 18 league games, showcasing her lethal form. This marked her fourth consecutive hat-trick at home against Spurs and set a new record as the fastest treble in WSL history. Notably, all three goals were headers, highlighting City's aerial dominance from set pieces as Tottenham's defence crumbled.
Shaw's remarkable tally of 15 goals against Spurs is the highest any player has scored against a single opponent in the league. With her contract expiring in the summer, City and their supporters are eager to see her stay. The club now needs just eight points to secure the title, and Shaw emphasised focus, stating, "Keep going, keep our heads down, keep focused. Don't watch the noise in the market, watch the sale."
Kelly Back to Form with Treble
Chloe Kelly made a triumphant return to form for Arsenal, scoring a hat-trick in a resounding 5-0 win against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. After a frustrating season marred by knee and ligament injuries that sidelined her until late January, Kelly's performance signalled a full recovery. Her early goal, initially credited to Stina Blackstenius before being awarded to Kelly, injected energy into Arsenal's attacking display.
Head coach Renée Slegers praised Kelly's impact, saying, "We missed Chloe when she was away with injury. She's back now and she's the best version of Chloe Kelly." The victory extended Arsenal's winning streak to nine matches in all competitions, with another clean sheet marking 98 days since they last conceded in the league, boosting confidence ahead of their Champions League quarter-final.
Chelsea Drop Points as Injuries Deepen
Chelsea's momentum was halted as they were held to a 1-1 draw by London City Lionesses, with injury woes compounding their struggles. Manager Sonia Bompastor made several changes, including starts for academy products like 17-year-old Chloe Sarwie and 19-year-old Lexi Potter, which energised the team in the first half. However, the script flipped after the break when an ankle injury to Aggie Beever-Jones forced defensive reshuffles, including Sjoeke Nüsken moving to an attacking role and Erin Cuthbert slotting in at right-back.
London City capitalised on the disruption, peppering Chelsea's goal with 14 shots, six on target, leading to Isobel Goodwin's 82nd-minute equaliser. The draw dealt a blow to Chelsea's hopes of securing European football next season, highlighting the impact of their deepening injury crisis.
Late Show Keeps United in European Hunt
Manchester United snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton with a 94th-minute winner from Melvine Malard, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive. The late header lifted United above Chelsea into second place in the table. Manager Marc Skinner described it as an "epic win", noting the team's resilience after a cup final loss and a midweek draw against West Ham, which involved limited training due to squad constraints.
Hanson on Hand Again for Villa
Aston Villa's Kirsty Hanson scored her 10th goal of the season with an 84th-minute winner in a 2-1 comeback victory over Leicester, solidifying her second place in the Golden Boot race behind Khadija Shaw. Hanson's low finish through the goalkeeper's legs exemplified her thriving form in a central role. She attributed her success to belief from the club, staff, and teammates, telling the BBC, "It's the belief the club, the team, the staff and the players have in me."
Liverpool Still Struggling on Travels
Liverpool's winless away run extended to 10 league matches after a goalless draw against out-of-form Brighton. Despite a decent performance and a late chance denied by Maelys Mpomé's clearance off the line, they failed to secure a victory. The point moved them five points clear of the relegation playoff spot, though Leicester have a game in hand, keeping pressure on their survival hopes.
Key Takeaways from the Weekend:
- Khadija Shaw's record-breaking hat-trick edges Manchester City closer to the WSL title.
- Chloe Kelly's return to form boosts Arsenal ahead of Champions League fixtures.
- Chelsea's injury crisis impacts their European qualification chances.
- Manchester United's late winner keeps them in contention for Champions League spots.
- Kirsty Hanson's consistent scoring strengthens Aston Villa's position.
- Liverpool's away struggles continue, affecting their relegation battle.
