Goals, drama and late twists defined the final Women’s Super League weekend of the year as momentum shifted across the table. Arsenal and Manchester City underlined their title credentials with convincing victories, Chelsea rediscovered their cutting edge, and Manchester United salvaged a thrilling comeback in a six-goal spectacle. At the other end, Leicester finally found relief after months without a win, while Liverpool and West Ham shared points in a tense relegation battle. With records broken, milestones reached and the winter break looming, the weekend offered a fittingly chaotic close to 2025’s WSL action. Read our last WSL recap of the year.
Everton 1-3 Arsenal
Alessia Russo celebrated a landmark 100th Women’s Super League appearance by getting on the scoresheet as Arsenal eased past Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park to climb to second. The visitors set the tone early and were rewarded when Katie McCabe swept a clever half-volley into the far corner. Everton responded swiftly, Honoka Hayashi thundering a spectacular strike from distance to level matters against the run of play. Parity was brief, however, as Arsenal regained control moments later when Russo, alert in the box, turned Kim Little’s effort over the line.
The Gunners’ authority never wavered, with Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan repeatedly called into action to keep the deficit down. Any lingering doubt was removed late on when substitute Olivia Smith struck from range to secure the points. Leah Williamson also returned from injury for her first appearance of the season. Everton, limited to rare attacking moments, remain without a home point and sit ninth at the winter break, while Arsenal head into the pause firmly in the title picture.
West Ham United 2-2 Liverpool
Beata Olsson struck late to spare Liverpool from a damaging defeat, earning a 2-2 draw against West Ham in a tense clash between the WSL’s bottom two. The Reds looked set to leave empty-handed after playing more than 70 minutes with 10 players following Gemma Bonner’s controversial early red card. West Ham had taken the lead through Riko Ueki’s header before Liverpool briefly rallied, Mia Enderby finishing smartly after Olsson’s flick-on.
The Hammers regained control when Ffion Morgan fired home from the edge of the box and appeared to have done enough to secure a crucial win. However, with three minutes remaining, Olsson pounced on a defensive lapse to level the scores and snatch a vital point. Liverpool remain winless and rooted to the foot of the table at Christmas, but the late equaliser eases the pressure after a difficult afternoon. West Ham stay just two points clear, their defensive frailties again proving costly in a match neither side could afford to lose.
Manchester City 6-1 Aston Villa
Khadija Shaw delivered a stunning four-goal performance as Manchester City swept aside Aston Villa to head into 2026 with a commanding six-point lead at the top of the Women’s Super League. Shaw reached a historic milestone with the opener, her 100th goal for City, before adding a second before the break to put the hosts firmly in control. Villa showed early promise but were unable to live with City’s quality once Shaw took charge. Aoba Fujino extended the lead after half-time, before Lucy Parker briefly offered Villa hope with a headed consolation from a corner. Any momentum was swiftly extinguished as Vivianne Miedema finished clinically, and Shaw completed her hat-trick late on. The Jamaican was not done there, hammering home a fourth in stoppage time to cap a dominant display. City also welcomed back captain Alex Greenwood from injury, while Kerstin Casparij marked her 100th appearance. Villa finish the year eighth, while City strengthen their grip on the title race.
Brighton & Hove Albion 0-3 Chelsea
Chelsea rediscovered their cutting edge with a polished 3-0 victory away at Brighton, ending a four-match winless run in the Women’s Super League.
After early frustration against an inspired Sophie Baggaley, the breakthrough came when Sandy Baltimore surged inside and bent a superb strike into the top corner before the break.
That goal settled the champions and shifted the momentum decisively.
Sam Kerr’s half-time introduction immediately stretched Brighton’s defence, her presence forcing Caitlin Hayes into an own goal from Erin Cuthbert’s driven cross. Chelsea began to play with greater tempo and confidence, pinning the hosts back for long spells. Alyssa Thompson wrapped up the points in the 73rd minute, finishing crisply from Kerr’s low delivery.
Brighton, despite late changes including the return of Fran Kirby, were unable to mount a response. The win lifts Chelsea into second place and restores belief after a testing spell. They remain six points adrift of leaders Manchester City, while Brighton stay seventh heading into the break.
Leicester City 1-0 London City Lionesses
Janina Leitzig was Leicester’s match-winner as the Foxes edged London City Lionesses to end a long wait for victory. After a cautious opening half, the breakthrough arrived just before the hour mark. Shannon O’Brien reacted quickest to Asmita Ale’s clever header, forcing the ball over the line.
London City pushed for an equaliser and went close through Isobel Goodwin, denied by the post and Leitzig. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Leicester conceded a penalty. Leitzig held her nerve, saving Kosovare Asllani’s spot-kick to preserve the lead. The final whistle sparked relief as Leicester ended an eight-game winless league run. The result lifts them to ninth and six points clear of danger. London City leave frustrated after another missed opportunity but remain safely mid-table heading into the break.
Manchester United 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United staged a remarkable late comeback to draw 3-3 with Tottenham in a breathless finale to 2025. Spurs looked set for a landmark win after racing into a three-goal lead at Old Trafford. Bethany England and Eveliina Summanen struck before former United forward Martha Thomas added a third.
United, wasteful throughout, threatened to be punished after repeatedly hitting the woodwork. Hope arrived when Ella Toone hooked home with 16 minutes remaining. Fridolina Rolfö then bundled in a second to ignite belief and momentum. The pressure was relentless as Tottenham clung on under sustained attacks.
Deep into stoppage time, Rolfö struck again, finishing Leah Galton’s cross to complete the comeback. It was United’s 34th attempt and finally one too many for Spurs to resist. The draw leaves United fourth at the break, one point off the Champions League places. Tottenham sit fifth, frustrated but encouraged after another statement performance.
WSL Recap
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