The Guardian’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast reviews a weekend of WSL action, including big wins for Arsenal and Manchester United, Sam Kerr’s return for Chelsea, and discusses England’s upcoming friendlies and potential changes at Barcelona.
The latest edition of The Guardian's Women's Football Weekly podcast is here, and it's brimming with analysis following a thrilling weekend of action in the WSL and Championship. Hosted by Faye Carruthers, alongside Suzy Wrack, Emma Sanders, and Tom Garry, the episode dives deep into the standout performances and key talking points from across the divisions.
The panel began by celebrating the dominant displays from both Arsenal and Manchester United, who both secured emphatic 5-0 victories. Alessia Russo and Melvine Malard were singled out for their exceptional contributions, with the discussion focusing on how their goals impacted their respective teams’ confidence and momentum. The podcast explored the tactical approaches that underpinned these high-scoring wins, and what they might mean for the title race.
Chelsea’s performance against Aston Villa also came under scrutiny. While the Blues secured the three points, the panel acknowledged that it wasn’t their most convincing display. The return of Sam Kerr, however, provided a significant boost, with the Australian international finding the net within just 13 minutes of her comeback. The discussion revolved around how Kerr’s presence will reshape Chelsea’s attacking options and their overall competitiveness.
The podcast didn’t shy away from discussing the tighter contests of the weekend. Leicester’s gritty win over Liverpool was praised for its resilience and tactical discipline, while Tottenham’s comfortable victory against Everton at Goodison Park highlighted their growing attacking prowess. Manchester City’s comeback win against Brighton was also dissected, with the panel examining the key moments that turned the tide in their favour.
Beyond the WSL, the episode also turned its attention to the Championship, where drama unfolded both on and off the pitch. The suspension of Ash Thompson at Sheffield United was a major talking point, prompting a discussion about the challenges facing clubs in the second tier and the importance of maintaining a positive environment for players.
Looking ahead, the podcast previewed England’s upcoming autumn friendlies, analysing the squad selection and the potential tactical approaches that Sarina Wiegman might employ. The conversation also touched upon a controversial topic: reports suggesting Barcelona might consider selling off their women’s team. The panel debated the implications of such a move, both for the club and for the wider landscape of women’s football.
The episode concluded with the team answering listener questions, providing insights and analysis on a range of topics. As always, the podcast offered a comprehensive and engaging overview of the week’s events, solidifying its position as a must-listen for fans of women’s football.
Don't forget to sign up for the weekly women’s football newsletter, “Moving the Goalposts,” by searching for the sign-up link or visiting this link. And if you value the Guardian’s coverage of women’s football, consider supporting their work here.
