Chelsea returned to the top of the Women’s Super League after thrashing Charlton Athletic 6-0, while Manchester City kept pace with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses.
Elsewhere, Arsenal needed a late Alessia Russo equaliser to rescue a point against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur ended their three-match losing streak with a convincing win at Birmingham City, and West Ham United produced an impressive performance against Liverpool.
Brighton came from behind to beat Crystal Palace, while Everton and Manchester United shared the points in a goalless draw. Here is our WSL Matchweek 8 recap from 31 October and 1 November 2026.
WSL Matchweek 8 recap
Chelsea Thrash Charlton Athletic 6-0 to Return to the Top
Chelsea produced the weekend’s most emphatic result, scoring four times inside the opening 19 minutes against Charlton Athletic at The Valley. Nathalie Björn opened the scoring with a header from Katie McCabe’s cross after just three minutes. Melvine Malard doubled the advantage before Ellie Carpenter reacted quickest to a rebound from Lauren James’ shot.
Malard added her second to make it 4-0, although a potential hat-trick goal was ruled out for offside. Chelsea continued their dominance after the interval. Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones scored following a clever flick from Keira Walsh, before Giulia Dragoni completed the scoring with her first Chelsea goal.
The only concern for Sonia Bompastor’s side was Lauren James’ substitution after 35 minutes. Chelsea have now won seven consecutive league matches and lead Manchester City on goal difference.
For Charlton, the defeat leaves them bottom with zero points from eight matches and 25 goals conceded.
Manchester City Survive London City Lionesses Challenge
Manchester City maintained their position alongside Chelsea at the top after defeating London City Lionesses 2-1 at Hayes Lane. However, the scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of play.
London City were the stronger team for much of the afternoon, registering 24 shots but managing only six on target. Manchester City demonstrated their clinical finishing, with Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp scoring against the run of play.
London City manager Eder Maestre expressed frustration with the result, believing his team had performed well enough to deserve more. City head coach Andrée Jeglertz acknowledged the quality of the opposition while emphasising the importance of consistently finding ways to win.
Despite the defeat, London City’s performance demonstrated their ability to challenge the WSL’s leading clubs.
Arsenal Rescue Late Draw Against Aston Villa
Alessia Russo scored a late equaliser as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Villa took the lead in the 25th minute when Chastity Grant collected Lynn Wilms’ pass, beat Steph Catley and finished into the bottom corner.
Arsenal dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, but struggled to find a breakthrough. Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma made important saves from Georgia Stanway and Kim Little, while Kyra Cooney-Cross headed wide from a promising position.
Russo eventually rescued a point, heading home Stina Blackstenius’ cross late in the match. The statistics highlighted Arsenal’s finishing problems. The Gunners registered 28 shots, eight on target, while Villa scored with their only attempt.
Arsenal have now drawn four consecutive home league matches and remain without a home victory this season. Both teams have 10 points, with Arsenal sixth and Aston Villa eighth following the result.
Tottenham End Losing Run With 4-1 Victory at Birmingham
Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways with a clinical 4-1 victory over Birmingham City. Birmingham started positively, with Océane Hurtré shooting narrowly wide and Lee Geum-min forcing Tottenham goalkeeper Lize Kop to tip an effort onto the crossbar.
However, Spurs took the lead in the 37th minute when Cathinka Tandberg collected a loose ball and set up Julie Blakstad to score. Olivia Holdt doubled the advantage with an excellent free-kick shortly after half-time, before Signe Gaupset made it 3-0 three minutes later.
Neve Herron pulled a goal back for Birmingham from a corner, but Victoria Pelova sealed Tottenham’s victory with a low finish in the 84th minute. The result ended Tottenham’s three-match losing streak and lifted Martin Ho’s side to fourth.
The match also marked a significant milestone for captain Drew Spence, who made a record 217th WSL appearance, surpassing Millie Bright. Birmingham, meanwhile, suffered their first home defeat of the campaign.
West Ham United Deliver Four-Goal Victory Over Liverpool
West Ham United secured their third league victory of the season with a dominant 4-1 win against Liverpool. Viviane Asseyi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute after being fouled by Fuka Nagano.
Leila Wandeler doubled West Ham’s lead eight minutes later following an exchange of passes with Seraina Piubel. Laia Codina made it 3-0 before half-time when her long-range effort took a significant deflection off Jenna Clark.
Asseyi added her second in the 62nd minute, curling a free-kick underneath the crossbar. Liverpool substitute Vivien Endemann pulled one back with a deflected shot, but the visitors were unable to mount a comeback. The victory moved West Ham above Liverpool into 10th place, with the Reds dropping to 11th.
Brighton Come From Behind to Beat Crystal Palace
Brighton & Hove Albion recovered from a goal down to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1. Palace took a surprise lead in the 34th minute when Annabel Blanchard capitalised on a misplaced pass from Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and curled home from distance.
Despite creating several opportunities in the first half, Brighton had to wait until the 59th minute to equalise. Caitlin Hayes headed home Manuela Vanegas’ cross before Sophie Peskett redirected Emilie Joramo’s low effort into the net five minutes later.
Brighton’s second-half response secured a deserved victory and moved them up to sixth in the WSL. Crystal Palace remain without a win in seven matches and have now suffered three consecutive defeats.
Everton Hold Manchester United to Goalless Draw
Everton and Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday. United extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 matches, but once again struggled to convert their attacking play into goals in the WSL.
Elisabeth Terland came closest to breaking the deadlock, but Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan produced an excellent save after Jess Park played the striker through. Everton also had opportunities, with Ornella Vignola twice shooting straight at Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Scott Phelan’s side defended effectively, using their pressing and high defensive line to restrict United’s attacking options. The draw leaves Manchester United four points behind third place and the Champions League qualification positions.
WSL Title Race Remains Tight
Chelsea and Manchester City remain level on points at the top of the Women’s Super League, with Chelsea holding the advantage on goal difference.
Chelsea’s six-goal victory over Charlton demonstrated their attacking strength, while Manchester City showed their resilience in overcoming a strong London City Lionesses performance.
Arsenal’s home struggles continued, Tottenham returned to winning ways, and West Ham secured an important victory over Liverpool.
With the season developing, Matchweek 8 highlighted the importance of clinical finishing, defensive organisation and consistency across the Women’s Super League.
WSL Matchweek 8 recap
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