Women’s Champions League and Super League: weekend talking points | OneFootball

Did substitution cost Chelsea a goal?

Were Chelsea wrong to make a substitution while preparing to defend a corner? The former England midfielder Fara Williams criticised Chelsea for doing so in the 81st minute, when Nathalie Björn was replaced by Naomi Girma seconds before Barcelona scored their third goal, a far-post header from an unmarked Irene Paredes, with Williams telling TNT Sports, “You can see that there is a bit of confusion” in Chelsea’s organisation for the set piece. Sonia Bompastor said she had been forced to withdraw Björn because of an injury, and played down the incident. “I don’t think the substitution had an impact on the goal we conceded,” the head coach said. “When I talk about not making mistakes, maybe we didn’t have to concede that corner. If you have a better clearance from the goal and don’t concede that corner, you don’t give Barcelona the opportunity to score. I don’t think the substitution had an effect on the goal. I think Naomi [Girma] knew exactly where she had to go and I think everyone knew their role in that.” The header was the first of two late strikes for Barcelona in Sunday’s first leg which put the tie in a much more challenging position for Chelsea before Sunday’s return at Stamford Bridge. Tom Garry

Report: Barcelona 4-1 Chelsea

Lyon show value of experience

The importance of experience is never more evident than in the latter stages of the Champions League. At the Emirates on Saturday, it was the seasoned side in Lyon who came out on top with a display that exemplified their maturity. The eight-time European champions put on a display of tactical nous in the face of a boisterous 40,000 home crowd and intense attacking pressure from Arsenal in the second half. Joe Montemurro’s side began well, taking advantage with their dynamic forward line of their opponents’ nerves and slow start. The French team were made to suffer after the interval but where Arsenal rued a host of missed opportunities, they took theirs. The brilliance of Melchie Dumornay restored their lead to ensure they take a 2-1 advantage into Sunday’s second leg. Sophie Downey

Report: Arsenal 1-2 Lyon

Leaky Spurs are going backwards

This time last year Tottenham were three weeks from a historic day at Wembley, where they would meet Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final. Now they languish in the bottom half of the WSL having failed to win since the end of January. With three games remaining, Spurs have conceded 40 league goals – only Crystal Palace have let in more. Although Spurs fought back from 2-0 down at Brisbane Road to level against Aston Villa, defensive frailties then cost them again. In stoppage time Villa’s Kirsty Hanson received a pass from Chasity Grantand made her way past Molly Bartrip and Ashleigh Neville with relative ease before slotting home. “You need to respect that you lost and make sure you get better as we’re Tottenham Hotspur,” said the manager, Robert Vilahamn. “We need to win more games.” Emillia Hawkins

Holmgaard twins double up to thwart City

The Holmgaard twins combined to earn a point for Everton and dampen Manchester City’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Left-back Sara received the ball out wide and whipped a deep cross towards right-back Karen at the far post. Karen towered above the City defenders to power her header past the onrushing Khiara Keating and mark her first WSL start of the season with a goal. Twin No 28 was quick to embrace twin No 23 and they nearly recreated the goal in the second half when Karen headed over. City created little after Kerstin Casparij put them in front after 13 minutes. The atmosphere at the Joie Stadium typified a team with nothing to play for and 11 players out injured. Xaymaca Awoyungbo

Hammers feeling right at home

West Ham’s impressive home form continued as Rehanne Skinner’s side held Manchester United to a goalless draw at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Despite the visitors dominating possession and hitting the woodwork twice through Celin Bizet, West Ham thwarted United’s attempt to chase down Chelsea at the top. West Ham are unbeaten in four games and have won five of their past eight WSL home games (the most wins they have recorded at home in a season). Skinner said: “I thought we were incredibly hard to play against, defended brilliantly and managed their threats. Another clean sheet, two on the bounce at home and another point against a team in the top four.” XA

Holland plays part in Brighton downfall again

Ceri Holland had a big hand in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton on her return from injury. Holland, who has a penchant for punishing Brighton, assisted the goals by Olivia Smith and Leanne Kiernan in a controlled first-half Liverpool display. Four of the Wales international’s six WSL goals have come against Brighton, spread across her four previous appearances against the club. “I really enjoyed the game,” Holland said. “It was nice to be back after a little injury. The first [assist], we’ve worked on that with Liv [Smith], finding the opposite side, so I was really happy when that one came off.” The win took Liverpool above Brighton into fifth. Renuka Odedra

Header image: [Composite: Guardian pictures]