- The second weekend of the 2024/25 WSL weekend is complete
- Rachel Daly's goal was instrumental in a battle with Spurs
- Man Utd's Grace Clinton scored for the second game running
The second week of the Barclays Women's Super League brought us tighter (mostly) games and crucial points in what is still very early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.
Tottenham's clash with Aston Villa was tipped to be one of the most exciting of the weekend. The north London club finished one spot above Villa at the end of last season, so it was all to play for at Villa Park.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace had to swallow their second loss of the 2024/25 campaign after a 7-0 battering from Chelsea at Selhurst Park. The rest of the weekend saw victories from Manchester United and Arsenal, with West Ham taking a point from their 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
WSL gameweek 2 results
- Crystal Palace 0-7 Chelsea
- Manchester City 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
- Everton 0-1 Manchester United
- Leicester City 0-1 Arsenal
- West Ham United 1-1 Liverpool
- Aston Villa 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
After all the action, these are the bext six players of the Women's Super League from the weekend - ranked, of course.
6. Daphne van Domeslaar (Arsenal)
Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made her Arsenal debut at the weekend in place of Manuela Zinsberger.
The Gunners were fresh from securing their spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage in midweek and it showed. The squad looked tired at points and, despite a goal from Frida Maanum in the second half, Leicester were threatening throughout.
However, they were stopped by Van Domselaar pulling off three notable saves to help Arsenal take three points back to north London. An impressive start.
5. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)
Rachel Daly is often reliable and she proved just why during Aston Villa's game against Spurs.
The Lilywhites were lucky enough to secure an early lead after a penalty from Eveliina Summanen. However, their decision to sit deep afterwards meant Robert Vilahamn's side were very much on the back foot for the majority of the game.
There were a notable few sloppy passes in the second half, helping to put Villa in a promising spot. Three goals came in the last fifteen minutes of the game, with Daly's header being the one to help Robert de Pauw’s side take a 2-1 lead. It eventually finished 2-2.
4. Pauline Bremer (Brighton)
Although Brighton lost three points at the Joie Stadium against Manchester City, they put on a very encouraging display.
The Seagulls created chances and exposed City's left-side a handful of times. Pauline Bremer was at the forefront, storming past debutant Naomi Layzell.
Against her former club, the forward's pace was impressive and it'll be interesting to see how Brighton continue to fare under new leader Dario Vidosic as the season progresses.
3. Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Opening her Chelsea account, @LucyBronze. 👏#CFCW pic.twitter.com/RiCWCoAiiX
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) September 28, 2024
Chelsea absolutely thrashed Crystal Palace and Lucy Bronze's debut goal for the club was the salt rubbed into the wound.
The right-back made the move to west London during the summer following her exit from Barcelona and has quickly become a starting choice for new head coach Sonia Bompastor – the pair previously crossed paths at Lyon.
The 32-year-old bagged one of seven goals on offer over the weekend, proving her ability and experience remains unmatched.
2. Grace Clinton (Man Utd)
Cool, calm and collected from Grace 😎👏#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 30, 2024
Grace Clinton's return to Manchester United has certainly been a welcome one so far this season.
The England midfielder bagged her second goal in as many games at the weekend as United saw of Everton. It was an early strike capitalising on a defensive mistake, with Marc Skinner's team holding onto the 1-0 lead.
It's even more evident that Clinton's time on loan at Tottenham last season was the step that her career needed. Now, United are reaping the rewards.
1. Ruby Mace (Leicester City)
Leicester will be pleased to have secured Ruby Mace on a permanent deal over the summer after the midfielder's latest performance.
She was instrumental in ensuring the Foxes remained threatening against Arsenal, despite ultimately falling to a 1-0 defeat in the end.
The 21-year-old was a standout, working hard to create chances and defend when needed. It's understandable as to why there's so much excitement surrounding her at present.
