Chelsea returned to the top of the Women's Super League on 1 November with a 6-0 win at Charlton Athletic, while Manchester City won 2-1 at London City Lionesses. Arsenal were held 1-1 by Aston Villa at the Emirates, needing an 85th-minute header from Alessia Russo to avoid defeat.
Arsenal frustrated again
Sky Sports reports that Villa scored with their only shot of the game, Chasity Grant's 25th-minute effort, which Arsenal.com says deflected in off Steph Catley. Goalkeeper Akane Okuma made 8 saves before Russo headed in Stina Blackstenius's cross. The Guardian says pressure is building on head coach Renée Slegers, with Liverpool, Barcelona, London City and Lyonnes to come. Sky Sports notes Arsenal have scored 8 goals and conceded 9 goals in their first 8 league games.
Chelsea and City level on 22
Chelsea.com says Sonia Bompastor's side scored four times in the first 19 minutes: Nathalie Bjorn headed in on 3 minutes, Melvine Malard struck on 10 and 19, and Ellie Carpenter scored on 13. Aggie Beever-Jones (57) and Giulia Dragoni (66) added second-half goals. The one worry was Lauren James, forced off injured in the first half; Bompastor told the Guardian it appeared to be a hamstring problem.
City won at Hayes Lane through Khadija Shaw, her 9th league goal of the season according to Sky Sports, and Lauren Hemp, who scored 122 seconds after Jana Fernández had equalised. Manager Andrée Jeglertz said: "the players should be so proud of what they put into this game". Before kick-off, Alexia Putellas put her third Ballon d'Or on display for London City fans, the Guardian notes.
Results reported by Sky Sports and the Guardian, compiled by KBVN+:
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Arsenal v Aston Villa | 1-1 |
| Charlton Athletic v Chelsea | 0-6 |
| London City Lionesses v Man City | 1-2 |
| Birmingham City v Tottenham | 1-4 |
| West Ham beat Liverpool | 4-1 |
| Brighton v Crystal Palace | 2-1 |
Chelsea have won 7 and drawn 1 of 8 games for 22 points and a goal difference of +23, putting them above City, also on 22. London City are 6 points behind City, according to the Guardian.
What comes next
Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge on 7 November. Arsenal visit Liverpool at Anfield on 8 November, then travel to Barcelona for the UEFA Women's Champions League on 12 November.