Five things we learned from WSL Matchday 8: VAR needs to be introduced after Arsenal vs Chelsea errors | OneFootball

The lack of VAR cost Stina Blackstenius a goal in the WSL clash between Arsenal and Chelsea (Photo: Jayde Chamberlain/SPP)

SheKicks examines five key talking points from Matchday 8 of the Women’s Super League, including why VAR is needed in the WSL after Arsenal were denied two goals against Chelsea.

Five things we learned from WSL Matchday 8

VAR needs to be introduced in the WSL after Arsenal vs Chelsea errors

The lack of VAR in the WSL arguably cost Arsenal a huge victory at the weekend against title rivals Chelsea.

Arsenal kept their hopes alive with a draw, but they desperately needed a win to close the five-point gap to Chelsea. However, pundits said that the Gunners were “robbed” after two massive calls went against them.

Stina Blackstenius thought she had equalised early in the second half, but it was ruled out for handball by referee Melissa Burgin.

Replays showed that the ball did not hit her arm, and she actually controlled the ball with her midriff. Sky Sports co-commentator Courtney Sweetman-Kirk described the decision as “really poor”.

Alessia Russo equalised in the 87th minute with a goal that could have been borderline offside.

Frida Maanum then scored what looked like a late winner, only for it to be ruled offside. However, replays showed that Maanum had appeared to be onside.

There was also another borderline call involving Victoria Pelova, who could have been sent off for a challenge on Keira Walsh.

In the biggest game of the season so far, the topic of officiating quality dominated the headlines and could have huge repercussions on which way the title swings.

Renee Slegers and Sonia Bompastor both called for VAR to be introduced after the game. Although it won’t remove every officiating error, VAR is desperately needed in the WSL and would help officials avoid obvious errors, such as Blackstenius’ goal being ruled out for handball.

Manchester City overtake Arsenal as main WSL challengers for Chelsea

Since losing to Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season, Manchester City have built a nine-game winning streak in all competitions.

Vivienne Miedema and Khadija Shaw netted in a 2-1 victory for Andree Jeglertz’s side, pushing them to the top of the table after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Since beating Arsenal 3-2, City have not looked overly convincing during their last three WSL clashes.

City only beat winless Liverpool 2-1 thanks to an 86th-minute winner from Aoba Fujino. The Japanese international then scored the only goal of the game in a victory over West Ham, who are also without a win in the WSL this season.

Jeglertz’s side held on for a victory at Goodison Park against an Everton side who have not won in the WSL since the opening weekend.

However, many title-winning sides of the past have shown the ability to win games, despite not always deserving the three points.

City’s average possession is down from 65 per cent at this stage of last season to 55 per cent this campaign. However, they are still dominating the attacking statistics with the most big chances (34), goals per match (2.5) and the highest total xG (20).

They are one point clear of Chelsea and six ahead of Arsenal with 14 games to play. Arsenal were expected to be Chelsea’s main rivals this season but it now looks like Manchester City are the most likely to take up the mantle as the top challengers.

(Credit: Jayde Chamberlain/SPP)

Liverpool’s unfortunate habit could send them down

Liverpool finally have a point in the WSL, though it should have been three.

Gareth Taylor’s side were moments away from an important victory thanks to Beata Olsson’s 26th-minute goal. That was until Brighton’s summer signing Rosa Kafaji netted an equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time.

Liverpool’s habit of dropping points from winning positions is hurting them massively this season. They have now thrown away 11 points from seven games played this season.

That is the difference between sitting 11th with one point and tied with sixth-placed London City Lionesses on 12 points.

Those dropped points include late defeats to Manchester City and London City Lionesses, and now two points thrown away against Brighton.

Taylor was frustrated after the game, and things don’t get easier for his side as they welcome Chelsea this weekend.

Gareth Taylor’s Liverpool have dropped 11 points this season. Credit: Liverpool X

Manchester United are crying out for the January transfer window

Manchester United suffered their first defeat in the WSL with a narrow 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.

However, the Red Devils are doing well to be just four points off the league leaders at this stage of the season.

They did not have enough players to fill their bench during the early games of the campaign, and their squad size is thinner than that of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Manchester United’s head of women’s football, Matt Johnson, has described winning the Champions League as his ultimate ambition.

However, if United are to achieve success in the WSL or the Champions League this season, they need to add to their squad in January.

The Red Devils face a horrible run of fixtures before the Christmas break, including clashes with PSG, Man City, Wolfsburg, Lyon and Tottenham.

Marc Skinner has called for January signings, and he hopes to keep his side in the challenge for both competitions by the time he can add some recruits to his squad.

Manchester United needs more additions if they are to challenge in the WSL and Champions League

London City Lionesses could be the best of the rest in the WSL

The top four of Chelsea, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs appear to be an unbreakable group to break into.

Then there is the fight for the best of the rest, which last season was occupied by Brighton, who finished fifth in the WSL.

Fifth place this season is occupied by Tottenham, who have taken a giant stride under Martin Ho, after finishing 11th last season.

However, they were outclassed by the London City Lionesses at the weekend, with Jocelyn Precheur’s side taking a 4-2 victory, to move just three points behind Arsenal and Tottenham.

The Lionesses have been a refreshing addition to the WSL following their promotion from the second tier. The question now remains over how high they can fly in the top-flight this season.

London City were by far the busiest side in the summer transfer window, and after Matchday 8, they look like a side that can challenge Tottenham for fifth in the WSL this season.

Who do Arsenal and Chelsea face in the WSL this weekend?

Arsenal will hope to avoid dropping more points in the WSL title race when they face local rivals Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday.

Chelsea have a much more comfortable-looking match against Liverpool, who are without a win in the WSL this season.

The biggest match of the weekend is undoubtedly the Manchester derby on Saturday, with Manchester City hoping to keep their place at the top of the WSL.

Aston Villa host the London City Lionesses, Brighton face Leicester, and West Ham hope to take their first win against Everton.