WSL talking points: time for VAR and Shaw masterclass sends City top | OneFootball

Time to introduce VAR

There were many interesting talking points from the dramatic draw between Arsenal and Chelsea – Alyssa Thompson’s stunning goal for the Blues, the impressive defensive performance of Lotte Wubben-Moy, the 56,537-strong crowd, Chelsea’s choice of a back four over a back five, Arsenal’s decision not to play with a natural No 6 – but, disappointingly, it is the quality of the officiating that has and will dominate. Both Renée Slegers and Sonia Bompastor said afterwards that they think the introduction of video assistant referees would be a positive step in helping eliminate the most obvious of errors, such as Blackstenius’s goal being ruled out for a nonexistent handball, and in assisting with the more marginal calls: whether Alessia Russo was offside for her goal or Frida Maanum was offside when her effort was ruled out.

The reality is that while there has been a big push to improve the standard of officiating in the Women’s Super League – there is investment in coaching and support around officials and steps are being taken to ensure as many as possible can operate as full-time professionals – refereeing is still playing catchup. VAR brings problems of its own but if technology can lift the pressure on referees in the WSL and help ensure they get the majority of big decisions right then it feels like a no-brainer. It’s a potentially costly endeavour, but if the WSL wants the focus to be on the football in a fixture that, as Bompastor put it, “is one of the most beautiful in the world”, then they need to ensure the controversies are at a minimum, for the sake of the game and the referees. Suzanne Wrack

Shaw shows class in sending City top

By Bunny Shaw’s extremely high standards, it has felt like a slow start to the season for last year’s WSL Golden Boot winner. However, with her goal against Everton on Sunday – a trademark bullet header to make the score 2-1 – she proved once again just how important she is to Manchester City. It should not come as a surprise when you dig into the data. Shaw has the highest expected goals in the league by some margin (5.8), has produced the greatest number of shots (33) and won the most aerial duels (also 33). City could have easily slipped up against the indefatigable Toffees but Andrée Jeglertz has added a new resilience since his arrival. Shaw put this down to “a mentality shift” within the group, one that now has them top for the first time this season. Sophie Downey

Lionesses produce statement win

Two former Arsenal stars sunk Tottenham as London City Lionesses earned their first statement WSL victory. The top-flight debutants have enjoyed a steady start to the season, but Sunday marked their biggest win at this level. The former Arsenal academy graduate Freya Godfrey, who joined in the summer for an undisclosed fee, was player of the match, netting twice and providing an assist. Former Gunner Nikita Parris also got on the scoresheet – and looked thrilled about it as she passionately punched the air in celebration. It would be fair to say the red side of north London was particularly happy with the outcome – especially as it meant Spurs dropped below Arsenal in the table. “It was tough, it was a fight,” Godfrey said. “I think it was more of a fighting game than a tactical game. Sometimes you have those games in football and we had to be ready to adapt to it.” Emillia Hawkins

Liverpool let points slip yet again

Liverpool have a first point on the board after their 1-1 draw with Brighton but their failure to hold on to a lead continues to be a major concern amid a grim start to the season. Gareth Taylor’s side have now dropped 11 points from games in which they have scored first in their seven WSL fixtures this season. Against Brighton there were real signs of progress. Liverpool looked the slickest they have this term and Beata Olsson turned the ball in at the near post, her second goal in two games, to open the scoring. Fuka Nagano’s effort then forced the Brighton goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, to push the ball on to the crossbar and Sam Kerr also hit the woodwork. They created chances, and every manager will point out that you can’t score if you aren’t creating chances, but Liverpool’s conversion rate has to improve to alleviate the pressure a one-goal margin ensures. The concession of the equaliser in the 93rd minute was a cruel blow, but it was one of their own making, again. SW

Skinner proud despite last-minute heartbreak

Rehanne Skinner praised her players’ desire to get their season on track despite another setback on Sunday. West Ham were on course for their first win of the season only for Leicester’s Shannon O’Brien to equalise in the 97th minute. “Everyone’s trying really hard to get the result,” the West Ham manager said. “The determination, desire and work-rate in training has been phenomenal … That’s a massive credit to the desire and intent of the side.” There are certainly positives she can take. Her team controlled proceedings for the most part. Once again, however, they were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal and had only one shot on target. That lack of quality in end product is the most worrying trend and poses the ultimate question about the mentality of players who get themselves in good positions but are unable to find the back of the net. It is a conundrum that needs to be solved. SD

Arroyo looks up, not down, for Villa

Natalia Arroyo is hopeful that Aston Villa’s win over Manchester United will spur the team on for the rest of the season. Before Saturday’s match she said Villa wanted to “be a problem for the bigger teams” in the league. They certainly achieved that against in-form United away from home. The visitors were clinical when they needed to be while remaining defensively robust to keep a clean sheet and win 1-0. In fact, they could have easily scored a few more in the second half. “We know that for these types of games probably no one expects us to win,” Arroyo said afterwards. “So if we can take something, the point at the Emirates and these three here at United, that allows us to believe and dream bigger.” EH

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