WSL 2025–26 Gameweek 5 Recap: City Edge Arsenal Thriller as Chelsea Stumble and Lionesses Strike Late
City toppled Arsenal 3–2 in a pulsating clash, Chelsea’s perfect start halted by United, Aston Villa claimed their first win, and London City Lionesses stunned Liverpool with a dramatic late penalty.
Overview
Gameweek 5 produced 13 goals across six fixtures (2.2 per match) — the lowest-scoring round so far this season, but one filled with late drama and pivotal results.
At Leigh, Manchester United halted Chelsea’s perfect start with a battling 1–1 draw in front of 5,105 fans, Anna Sandberg cancelling out Wieke Kaptein’s opener to underline United’s resilience.
Over in Manchester, a pulsating contest ended with City edging Arsenal 3–2 thanks to Iman Beney’s late strike, while Aston Villa claimed their first win of the campaign by defeating West Ham 2–0 in East London.
Tottenham eked out a narrow 1–0 victory over Brighton, Leicester and Everton shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at the King Power, and newly promoted London City Lionesses earned a landmark 1–0 win over Liverpool via Elena Linari’s late penalty.
Chelsea remain unbeaten but lost ground in the title race, while Manchester City’s statement victory lifted them back into contention. London City’s triumph pushed Liverpool deeper into early-season struggles, and Villa’s breakthrough relieved pressure at the bottom.
With five matchweeks played, the campaign’s competitive balance — tight margins, standout young performers, and tactical battles — continues to shine through.
Match-by-Match Breakdown
Manchester United 1–1 Chelsea
Venue: Progress with Unity Stadium (Leigh) | Attendance: 5,105 (46% Capacity)
Chelsea’s perfect start to the season was halted in Leigh as Manchester United dug deep for a deserved draw. Wieke Kaptein fired Chelsea ahead early (9’) after being set up by Catarina Macario, but United responded quickly when Anna Sandberg swept home Ella Toone’s cutback (20’).
Key Stats that Influenced the Outcome
Early Blows Exchanged: Chelsea struck first through Wieke Kaptein (9’, xG 0.64) after a clever Macario assist, but United levelled soon after with Anna Sandberg’s thunderous left-footed strike (20’, xG 0.05) from distance. Two goals in the opening 20 minutes set the tone for a fiercely contested draw.
Chelsea’s Chance Volume, United’s Resistance: Chelsea generated 2.86 xG from 19 shots (6 on target) but were limited to one goal by United’s defensive wall — 7 blocks and 5 GK saves — plus one United effort off the woodwork at the other end. The draw ends Chelsea’s perfect start despite their superior chance quality.
Player Spotlight – Anna Sandberg (Man United, LB)
Scored United’s equaliser and delivered a standout all-round display. Logged 1 goal, 3 chances created, 48/55 passes completed (87%), plus 12 defensive actions (6 tackles, 5 clearances). Her 92 touches (match-high) underlined her influence at both ends. Her contribution at both ends was pivotal in keeping United unbeaten at home.
Retrospection: Our preview model gave Chelsea a 45% win probability, reflecting their superior depth and historical dominance (14 wins in 16 prior meetings). Yet United, unbeaten in the league this season, again proved resilient. The 1–1 outcome fell within the model’s most likely scorelines (0–1, 1–2, 1–1), underscoring the fine margins at play.
Manchester City 3–2 Arsenal
Venue: Joie Stadium (Manchester) | Attendance: TBC
Manchester City edged a five-goal thriller against Arsenal, sealing victory late through Iman Beney (88’) after a back-and-forth contest. Khadija Shaw opened the scoring on 36 minutes with a header from Kerstin Casparij’s delivery, but Arsenal responded immediately after half-time when Mariona Caldentey equalised (46’) via Emily Fox’s cross.
Casparij then restored City’s lead from a corner (61’), only for Chloe Kelly to level again for the Gunners (83’) after good work from substitute Stina Blackstenius. Just when Arsenal looked set to escape with a point, Beney rifled home inside the box (88’) to cap a pulsating encounter.
Key Stats that Influenced the Outcome
Late Knockout Blow: After Arsenal levelled through Chloe Kelly (83’), City found a winner via Iman Beney (88’) to take all three points. Momentum swung twice in the final 10 minutes, with Beney’s close-range finish sealing it 3–2.
Set-Piece & Aerial Edge: Kerstin Casparij (61’) scored from a corner and Khadija Shaw scored a header and dominated in the air (8/9 aerials won). City repeatedly threatened from crosses and restarts, turning delivery into decisive moments.
Chance Quality Favoured City: City led the chance metrics – xG 2.22–1.78, shots 18–16, shots on target 9–7, and big chances 6–2 – illustrating sustained pressure despite four big chances going begging before the late winner.
Player Spotlight – Khadija Shaw (Manchester City, FW)
Relentless throughout. Scored the opener, registered 7 shots (4 on target), won 12 duels (8/9 aerial), and recorded a match-high 12 touches in the opposition box.
Retrospection:
Our preview model gave Arsenal a slight edge (39% vs City’s 33%), but highlighted how finely balanced the matchup was. That proved correct: momentum swung multiple times, and the most likely outcomes (1–1) were in play until Beney’s late winner. City’s resilience at home and Shaw’s dominance in the air tipped the balance, handing them a statement win.
West Ham United 0–2 Aston Villa
Venue: Chigwell Construction Stadium (Dagenham) | Attendance: 1,286 (21% Capacity)
Aston Villa picked up their first win of the season with a composed away performance in East London. After a cagey first half, the breakthrough came on the hour mark when Kirsty Hanson tucked home from close range following Lynn Wilms’ delivery. Just seven minutes later, Wilms herself doubled the advantage with a stunning free kick, sealing the points.
Key Stats that Influenced the Outcome
Villa’s Ruthless Second-Half Finishing: Aston Villa scored both goals in a decisive seven-minute spell after the break. Kirsty Hanson broke the deadlock (60’) from close range before Lynn Wilms added a stunning free-kick (67’). The difference in clinical execution – 2 goals from 2 shots on target – highlighted Villa’s efficiency.
West Ham’s Lack of Cutting Edge: Despite enjoying dangerous moments, West Ham failed to register a goal. They mustered attempts but couldn’t convert, leaving Villa’s defence and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo largely untroubled.
West Ham have now gone 8 matches without a clean sheet and are struggling to turn possession into points.
Player Spotlight – Lynn Wilms (Aston Villa, DF)
Outstanding all-round display at both ends. Scored Villa’s second with a direct free kick, assisted Hanson’s opener, and completed 41/54 passes (76%), adding 2 chances created, 5 defensive actions, and 87 touches (Most in the game).
Retrospection: Pre-match models gave Villa the edge (45% win probability) over struggling West Ham, who were bottom with four straight defeats. That prediction proved accurate: Villa’s resilience at Arsenal last week carried through, this time rewarded with clinical finishing.
Tottenham Hotspur 1–0 Brighton
Venue: BetWright Stadium (London) | Attendance: TBC
Tottenham edged past Brighton with a narrow but deserved home win, decided by Cathinka Tandberg’s precise 26th-minute strike after smart link-up with Jessica Naz. Spurs held their shape well after the breakthrough, limiting Brighton’s attacking threat and relying on a disciplined defensive display.
Brighton had more of the ball (53% possession) but struggled to turn control into penetration. They managed only two shots on target, comfortably dealt with by Lize Kop. Spurs, meanwhile, carved out the clearer chances and held firm in a cagey second half where yellow cards (three in total) disrupted the flow.
Key Stats that Influenced the Outcome
Tandberg’s Decisive Moment: Cathinka Tandberg’s 26th-minute strike (xG 0.39) proved the difference. Assisted by Jessica Naz, it was Spurs’ clinical edge that separated the sides in a tight contest.
Spurs’ Attacking Control: Tottenham created more threat in key areas – 11 shots to Brighton’s 8, with 7 on targetcompared to just 2 for the visitors. They also produced the only two “big chances” of the game, underlining their offensive intent.
Brighton’s Possession Without Punch: Despite edging possession (53%), Brighton generated a lower xG (0.73 vs 1.08) and failed to register a single big chance. Their 349 accurate passes (79%) showed control but lacked penetration in the final third.
Player Spotlight – Jessica Naz (Tottenham, FW)
Registered the assist for Tandberg’s winner, created 1 chance, completed 21/26 passes (81%), and contributed defensively with 5 actions (3 tackles, 2 interceptions). Won 7/13 ground duels and was a constant outlet down the right.
Retrospection: The preview model leaned Brighton (39%) with Spurs at 35% and a 26% draw chance. Predicted scorelines were tight (0–1, 1–1, 1–2), but Spurs’ superior chance conversion proved decisive.
Leicester City 1–1 Everton
Venue: King Power Stadium (Leicester) | Attendance: TBC
Everton halted their losing streak with a hard-fought draw, but it was Leicester who finished stronger at the King Power. After a quiet first half, the game came alive shortly after the restart when Ornella Vignola latched onto a break and fired the visitors ahead on 51 minutes. Leicester kept pushing and eventually found the equaliser through Noemie Mouchon (81’), assisted by Samantha Tierney.
Both sides traded blows late on, with heavy midfield duels and four yellow cards (Julie Thibaud, Mayumi Pacheco, Asmita Ale, Janice Cayman) underscoring the contest’s intensity. Everton looked set to end their run of defeats, but Leicester’s persistence secured them a deserved point.
Key Stats that Influenced the Outcome
Vignola’s Spark for Everton: Ornella Vignola opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a sharp left-footed finish (xG 0.05).
Leicester’s Late Response: Noemie Mouchon equalised in the 81st minute from Tierney’s assist (xG 0.08). It was Leicester’s persistence that paid off in the end, leading to the first draw between both sides in their last five meetings.
Both Sides’ Struggles at the Back: Everton extended their run without a clean sheet to six matches, while Leicester have only kept one clean sheet in their last ten league games. Both teams had momentum in spells but lacked the defensive solidity to secure three points.
Player Spotlight – Ornella Vignola (Everton, FW)
A constant outlet in transition. Scored once, had 2 shots (1 on target), created 2 chances, completed 11/14 passes (79%), and won 7/12 ground duels. Her pressing and movement stretched Leicester’s backline throughout.
Retrospection:
Our preview model had this as a near coin flip (Everton 37%, Leicester 34%, draw 28%), with likely scorelines of 1–1, 0–1, 1–0. The outcome fit expectations perfectly: a 1–1 draw where both sides had moments, but neither could pull clear. Everton halted their losing run; Leicester showed resilience at home.
London City Lionesses 1–0 Liverpool
Venue: Copperjax Community Stadium (London) | Attendance: TBC
London City Lionesses edged Liverpool in a tense battle, decided by a late penalty. After both sides struggled to carve out clear chances, the breakthrough came in the 89th minute when Elena Linari coolly dispatched from the spot. The hosts had earlier wasted several good openings but finally made their dominance count, leaving Liverpool winless in four league games.
Liverpool’s attack once again faltered, registering just one shot on target across 90 minutes despite enjoying spells of possession.
Key Stats that Influenced the Outcome
Linari’s Late Composure: Centre-back Elena Linari held her nerve to convert an 89th-minute penalty (xG 0.73). It was London City’s only goal, but enough to seal all three points.
Lionesses’ Missed Chances: Despite 5 big chances created, London City missed 4 of them before the breakthrough. Their 2.06 xG from 9 shots (5 on target) highlighted dominance that nearly went unrewarded.
Liverpool’s Blunt Attack: The Reds registered just 3 shots (1 on target) and a tiny 0.23 xG, struggling to break through London City’s defence. They’ve now lost 4 of their opening 4 league games, scoring just once in all four.
Player Spotlight – Elena Linari (London City, DF)
Match-winner and standout performer. Scored the decisive penalty, completed 76/84 passes (90%), made 4 defensive actions, and won both her aerial and ground duels. Calm at the back and clinical from the spot.
Retrospection: Our preview leaned slightly toward LCL (44% win probability vs Liverpool 32%, draw 24%) with a narrow, low-scoring game expected. The match unfolded accordingly, settled late by a penalty: 1–0 to the hosts, exactly within the forecast range.
Final Word
Five weeks in, Chelsea remain unbeaten but have lost ground, City have reasserted themselves, and the promoted Lionesses look increasingly at home. Tight margins, breakthrough moments, and standout young performers are shaping what already feels like the WSL’s most competitive season in years.
Which storyline grabbed your attention this week?
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