WSL team of the week - round 5

11 October 2021 02:15

The WSL signed off before the upcoming October international break with another weekend of action that saw Arsenal continue their blistering start to the season, Chelsea move into second place, Tottenham drop their first points of the campaign and Reading claim their first win.

There was also a tense Manchester derby and impressive performances from both Brighton and Birmingham.

Man Utd 2-2 Man City (Saturday)
Chelsea 2-0 Leicester (Sunday)
Brighton 2-1 Tottenham (Sunday)
Reading 3-0 Aston Villa (Sunday)
Arsenal 3-0 Everton (Sunday)
West Ham 1-1 Birmingham (Sunday)

Here's 90min's WSL team of of the for the latest round of games.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Megan Walsh (GK) – Brighton: Walsh was equal to the challenge as a Tottenham side that has started the season in fine form peppered Brighton’s goals with shots. There was no clean sheet but it was enough to earn the impressive Seagulls another win.

Hannah Blundell (RB) – Man Utd: Versatility is a huge part of modern football and Blundell’s ability to play on both sides of the back four has become a tremendous asset for Manchester United. Her bursts forward were crucial to securing a point in the Manchester derby.

Victoria Williams (CB) – Brighton: Williams popped up with her second goal of the season for the decisive goal in Brighton’s win. The centre-back was in excellent form in September and a big performance helped get the Seagulls back to winning ways.

Louise Quinn (CB) – Birmingham: Quinn was outstanding against Manchester United a week ago, keeping the scoreline respectable, and this time played a direct role in securing Birmingham’s first point of the season. She scored in the 1-1 draw and led at the back.

Katie McCabe (LB) – Arsenal: Although pushed back to left-back to make room for Tobin Heath in the starting XI, McCabe didn’t let that limit her attacking impact and both scored and assisted in Arsenal’s convincing win. Her goal was a sensational volley.

2. Midfielders

Frida Maanum (CM) – Arsenal: Everton tried to sign Maanum in the summer but she ended up joining Arsenal instead and showed the Toffees exactly what they are missing. The Norwegian capped off a fine performance with her first WSL goal.

Jessie Fleming (CM) – Chelsea: Blues boss Emma Hayes singled out for Ballon d’Or nominee Fleming for praise following Chelsea’s late win over Leicester. The Canadian was a creative force, assisting the breakthrough goal and making other chances, but didn’t shy away from the gritty work.

Caroline Weir (CM) – Man City: Weir once more showed the class that fans have come to expect from her in challenging circumstances. She was in top form as City dominated the early stages of the derby and was crucial after the team was reduced to 10 players in the first half.

3. Forwards

Amelie Eikeland (RW) – Reading: With Reading searching a first win of the season, Eikeland had a goal and assist to her name inside 20 minutes of a crucial game against an Aston Villa side that had started the season in good form.

Natasha Dowie (ST) – Reading: Dowie scored her first WSL goal since 2016 after returning to English football in the summer. It was a thunderbolt from outside the penalty area and sealed Reading’s victory inside the first half against Villa.

Lauren Hemp (LW) – Man City: Hemp was a livewire from start to finish in the Manchester derby and posed a constant danger to Manchester United, even though City were playing with a player less for much of the game. Her consistency at an unplayable level is genuinely remarkable.

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Source: 90min