Women’s Super League Team of the Week for Matchday 5 | OneFootball

After Matchday 5 of the Women’s Super League, SheKicks gives our latest Team of the Week.

This past weekend featured two huge matches between the teams expected to finish in the top-four in the WSL.

Chelsea lost their 100 per cent record with a 1-1 draw away at Manchester United, before Arsenal’s title hopes suffered a huge dent after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Manchester City.

Tottenham moved up to third after picking up their fourth victory in five games.

There was more disappointment for West Ham and Liverpool who are yet to pick up a point this season, while Everton were held to a draw by Leicester City.

Women’s Super League Team of the Week for Matchday 5

Goalkeeper

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon-Tullis Joyce made some top saves to earn the Red Devils a share of the spoils in their draw with Chelsea.

Her highlight was a save from point-blank range to deny Wieke Kaptein in the first-half.

She also kept out Keira Walsh and Alyssa Thompson, making five saves in total.

Her performance proved why she got a higher shot-stopping score than Hannah Hampton in our recent comparison of the two goalkeepers.

(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Defenders

Kerstin Kasparij (Manchester City)

Dutch international Kerstin Kasparij is enjoying an excellent season so far and produced her best performance yet in the 3-2 win over Arsenal.

She set up City’s opening goal for Khadija Shaw before scoring a goal of her own to make it 2-1.

Her flying runs down the wing caused Arsenal all sorts of problems, while she also made five blocks and three headed clearances.

Lynn Wilms (Aston Villa)

Like Casparij, Aston Villa defender Lynn Wilms bagged a goal and assist for Aston Villa in their victory over West Ham.

Kirsty Hanson fired in the corner after some link-up play with Wilms, before the centre-back scored a free-kick from the edge of the box.

Wilms was also solid in defence, with four recoveries and as many clearances to deny the Hammers.

Elena Linari (London City Lionesses)

Elena Linari scored the controversial late winner for the London City Lionesses against Liverpool from the penalty spot.

The Italian centre-back had an excellent all-round performance with her 76 passes – the most of any player on the pitch – helping build up play for the Lionesses.

She also made nine ball recoveries as Liverpool fell to their fourth straight defeat in the WSL.

Anna Sandberg (Manchester United)

Manchester United left-back Anna Sandberg has been their best player so far this season and was rewarded by being added onto the shortlist for September’s Player of the Month.

The 22-year-old Swedish star scored her first goal for the club to earn United a point against Chelsea.

It was a brilliant goal from Sandberg, who met the ball on the half-volley from outside of the box, giving Hannah Hampton no chance.

Midfielders

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

PFA Players’ Player of the Year for last season Mariona Caldentey makes the XI despite being on the losing side.

Caldentey scored a brilliant goal to level the score after half-time and showed plenty of energy for the Gunners.

Was Arsenal’s brightest spark on a difficult day as they slipped further behind in the WSL title race.

Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea)

Dutch international Wieke Kaptein pressed well and carried a big attacking threat during her 52 minutes on the pitch against Manchester United.

She was rewarded for her hard work with a goal, but will be disappointed she didn’t score a second thanks to a big save from Tullis-Joyce.

Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United)

A big part of the reason why Chelsea lost their 100 per cent record was the defensive work of Hinata Miyazawa.

The Japanese international was like a brick wall in the middle of the pitch making four tackles, two blocks and five clearances.

She also made nine successful recoveries as United extended their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Hinata Miyazawa (seen playing for Japan) makes our WSL Team of the Week (Photo by MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)

Forwards

Jess Park (Manchester United)

Jess Park has made a big impact at Manchester United since her cross-city switch from Manchester City, which saw Grace Clinton head in the opposite direction.

The England international was a bright spark for the Red Devils, as she looked to take on the opposing full-back and get some shots off on goal.

She completed the most dribbles (six) and won the most duels (seven) during the contest.

Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw gets the centre-forward spot in our WSL Team of the Week for Matchday 5.

Shaw made it three goals in two WSL appearances by finding the back of the net against Arsenal.

Arsenal’s defenders struggled to deal with Shaw who won 12 duels during the contest.

Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)

Completing the team is Aston Villa forward Kirsty Hanson who scored a spectacular opener against West Ham.

The Scottish international curled one in from the edge of the box on the right flank, giving the West Ham goalkeeper no chance.

She had three shots and seven touches in total in the opposition box as she played a big part in helping Villa take their first victory of the season.