A review of the weekend’s action in the Women’s Super League, highlighting Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor’s anger at a tactical timeout, Ella Toone’s emotional goal for Manchester United, and Ornella Vignola’s stunning hat-trick for Everton against Liverpool. Also, Tottenham’s Toko Koga impressed on her debut, and Aston Villa secured a goalless draw away to Brighton.
The Women's Super League (WSL) kicked off with a weekend full of drama, tactical controversies, emotional moments, and stunning individual performances. From Chelsea's manager Sonia Bompastor expressing her anger over Manchester City's tactical timeout to Everton's Ornella Vignola stunning Anfield with a hat-trick, here's a look at the talking points from the weekend's action.
Sonia Bompastor, the Chelsea manager, didn't hold back her feelings regarding what she believed to be a deliberate tactical timeout by Manchester City during their season-opening clash. The incident occurred when City's goalkeeper, Ayaka Yamashita, was receiving treatment. City's head coach, Andrée Jeglertz, seized the opportunity to use a tactics board to convey instructions to his players. Bompastor's frustration was evident as she remonstrated with the officials. After the game, she voiced her displeasure, stating, "For me, that’s not fair. It’s not in the rules...it was obvious for everyone, they had the board and everything." The Chelsea manager insinuated that Man City were trying to use injury breaks to their advantage.
Arsenal's 4-1 victory over London City Lionesses was significantly influenced by their substitutes. Olivia Smith's debut goal grabbed headlines, but the combined impact of Beth Mead, Stina Blackstenius, and Frida Maanum proved decisive. Mead and Blackstenius combined for the third goal, while Maanum capitalized on their buildup play for Arsenal's fourth. Head coach Renée Slegers highlighted the importance of squad depth, especially with Arsenal competing on multiple fronts this season. “The players who start the game problem-solved, they had to create a team connection and the rhythm on the pitch, and then the players that finished the game when things were more open – it was brilliant today,” she said.
Ella Toone's performance in Manchester United's 4-0 victory against Leicester City was particularly poignant. Playing on the anniversary of her father's death, Toone scored in the 13th minute. The goal added extra emotion to her already impressive display. Toone was central to United's dominance, pulling the strings behind Elisabeth Terland and assisting Melvine Malard's goal. With 100 touches on the ball, she was instrumental in securing a routine opening-day win for Marc Skinner's side.
However, the standout individual performance of the weekend belonged to Everton's Ornella Vignola. The 20-year-old announced herself in spectacular fashion. Vignola scored a hat-trick in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield. She became the first Everton player to achieve this feat in 94 years. Manager Brian Sørensen praised her, saying, "She was superb and she has been like that in training. Her runs are so well-timed...she just wants to score.” Everton secured a 4-1 comeback victory, continuing their dominance in this fixture. They have now won their last four matches against Liverpool, including all six encounters at Anfield.
Tottenham Hotspur's new signing, Toko Koga, made a strong impression on her debut. The 19-year-old helped Spurs keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 win against West Ham United. Despite interest from Champions League clubs, Koga chose to join Tottenham. Martin Ho, Tottenham's head coach, believes she has the potential to become one of the best players in the world. “For a 19-year-old she’s very mature...you’re going to see a real, talented player, and I believe probably one of the best in world football,” Ho commented.
Aston Villa secured a point away to Brighton in a goalless draw. Villa's manager, Natalia Arroyo, expressed her pride in her team's performance, especially considering it was their first game of the season. Brighton controlled possession and had more attacking statistics but struggled to break down Villa's defense. Michelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal, led the line for Brighton. She hit the post but was well-marshalled by the Aston Villa defense, resulting in a frustrating day for the Seagulls.