Women's Super League

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Etihad Stadium

With key players missing for Manchester City, it felt like the perfect chance for United to capitalise and get one over their rivals at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

They wasted no time in doing so, going 3-0 up in the first half before halting a brief City comeback to eventually win 4-2.

United put City under pressure relentlessly and Ella Toone delivered the goods with a hat-trick on her WSL return from injury.

Toone’s goals capped off the perfect evening for the visitors but it was one to forget for City.

Young goalkeeper Khiara Keating was in the spotlight for costly errors but she was not helped by her team-mates as City invited pressure and initially failed to respond to United’s early onslaught.

They have work to do to claw back ground in the title race and this performance further highlights the loss of injured trio Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw and Alex Greenwood - all of which City need back as soon as possible if they hope to challenge rivals Chelsea.

United turned Manchester red with a 4-2 derby victory over City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Here is what the managers had to say after the game.

Man United manager Marc Skinner: "We all know what [Ella Toone] has been through. What's more important right now is that Ella Toone for Manchester United and England, enjoys football. I asked her after the game if she did and of course when you score a hat-trick, you will.

"There is so much more growth still to come with Tooney. She will take the headlines tonight but the whole team was excellent. We pressed Man City and gave them no time. It's what I said this week in terms of the personality and wanting to see that.

"Tooney gets a lot of plaudits because of the personal stuff she has been through and that she has come back from them. I want her to enjoy her football again and she is in a really good space to do that.

"Sometimes you need that break and she got that through an injury. I have to make sure she has that headspace and clarity. We need to protect her for the right moments. I want her to not only perform for Manchester United but in the very best form for England at the Euros. I want her to be in the right headspace."

Man City manager Gareth Taylor: "Our build up play is normally a really strong part of our game. It's the way I like to play. But we got it wrong tonight on a number of occasions.

"[We gave away] easy goals. The decision-making was off from us and it's frustrating to give away three goals in that manner. The fourth was difficult to take because it's a situation we don't need to be in.

"It's hard [for Khiara Keating]. You feel responsible and like you've let the team down. But she's been really good for us and she's a young keeper, so she's going to make mistakes. All goalkeepers go through that. What you want to see is the strength of character to come back and get the execution right next time.

"The margins are so tight in this league that a loss can be detrimental. You can lose one game in a season and not win the title. It's an uphill battle but we have another game on Wednesday [in the League Cup] and it's an opportunity to turn things around in our favour."

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of a return to Women's Super League action against Chelsea, West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner said her side could cause problems for their table-topping opponents.

In her defence, the Hammers have picked up seven of their eight Women's Super League points this season at home, losing only one of their four meetings on home soil in the league before Christmas.

During Sunday's 5-0 drubbing against Chelsea, the only problems they were able to cause were for themselves.

Catarina Macario's superb volleyed opener came as a result of the ball bouncing at the end of a tackle. Erin Cuthbert added a second thanks to a goal kick that was soon cut out by Nathalie Bjorn, with Aggie Beever-Jones' first half effort also coming as a result of the hosts not clearing their lines.

West Ham's defensive misfortune were summarised late on when Amber Tysiak could only steer her attempted clearance into her own net for Chelsea's fifth goal late on.

The Hammers' 2025 starts with a flurry of home games, something which Skinner and her side will relish having struggled outside of the Chigwell Construction Stadium this season.

Four of their first six matches this calendar year are at home and with Everton visiting next weekend, the Hammers will want and need to make amends from their London derby defeat.

Losing to Chelsea is no great shame, but the manner of the goals conceded and the scoreline will be two areas for concern.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Dutch goalkeeper Lize Kop made her debut for Tottenham in their 1-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday.

Kop, 26, signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Spurs on Wednesday and after leaving the Foxes, was thrown straight into the starting line-up against her former side.

While Tottenham won thanks to a goal in the fourth minute, it was Leicester who had most of the shots and chances.

Kop had a quiet game but did what was required, making two saves to keep out efforts on goal from Ruby Mace and Missy Goodwin.

A debut cleansheet was also aided by Foxes captain Janice Cayman, who steered wide when presented an empty net six yards from goal in the first half.

Spurs' new number one struggled for minutes in the first half of the season at Leicester.

Janina Leitzig, the woman who kept Kop out of the team at Leicester this term, was the deciding factor in the match for the wrong reasons. Her attempted block with her foot to stop Amanda Nilden's cross gave Spurs their goal and subsequently, the three points.

Like Kop, Leitzig had very little to do in the match with Tottenham not registering a shot until the 74th minute, but the result did pin on her misfortune.

Arsenal continued their flying form under new head coach Renee Slegers with a thumping 5-0 win over Women's Super League strugglers Crystal Palace on Sunday. Here is what the managers had to say after the game.

Arsenal's Renee Slegers: "In the first half, you see that we haven't played competitive games at all for a month. In the second half I think we looked more like ourselves, there are definitely things we want to do better but we looked more like ourselves.

"I think credit to the girls to stay so persistent throughout the game. We end up with a clean sheet which is very important and five different types of goals.

"We have to believe that [the title race is still on] and we have to do everything within our control and we did that today.

"It's definitely the result we wanted and the result we needed. We have that belief and we keep on looking upwards in every game we play and try to get closer."

Crystal Palace's Laura Kaminski: "At the moment we have no problems with motivation. I know it seems like that from the outside looking in after a heavy loss, but we know how difficult it is to come here and compete against a side who are in and around the Champions League and are in a different place to us.

"We have to keep focused that these games are something we always fight and compete to get something out of, but for me there's things around the corner where we've got to really focus our attention.

"Unfortunately that's the level and the sharp end of the game that emotionally we have to stay controlled and know that the positives around the corner for us, we've got to go after games that we can go after in and around us."

Ciara Fleming
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Alessia Russo's purple patch continued on Saturday as she recorded a goal involvement for a sixth Women's Super League game in a row.

The England international was central to the Gunners' 5-0 demolition of rock bottom Palace, both scoring and assisting in the second half as they swept their opponents aside.

In a player of the match display Russo showed her full range of attacking qualities.

She demonstrated razor-like sharpness in the box to pounce on a loose ball before producing an improvised prodded finish high into the roof of the net.

That goal takes her league tally to seven goals, just two behind Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw.

Later on Russo demonstrated her ability to be a playmaker as well as a poacher by turning provider for Beth Mead.

She dropped off the forward line to collect the ball in the right channel before driving a pinpoint low cross into the feet of Mead to finish.

With games against rivals Chelsea and Manchester City up next in the league plus ties in both cup competitions, Arsenal will be hoping Russo can continue her excellent form in the weeks to come.

Image source, BBC Sport

Tottenham were gifted a 1-0 win over Leicester thanks to a fourth-minute own goal from Janina Leitzig at the Gaughan Group Stadium on Sunday. Here is what the managers had to say after the game.

Tottenham's Robert Vilahamn: "We knew it was going to be a tough game because we had a friendly postponed and FA Cup postponed so this was the first time we've played in five weeks. The rhythm, the relationships, we didn't really know how we were looking but then scoring after [four] minutes was quite nice but then we didn't really play so well today to be honest.

"They switched to a press and we actually struggled to make the decisions. If we look at where should we have high risk and where should we not, we can then dictate the game a bit more.

"I'm really happy that we had the character to win this game. We needed the win today to make sure we didn't get to close to the teams below us and make sure we get to look forward."

Leicester City's Amandine Miquel: "We missed a few clear occasions today and also, the last pass is often too forward or too long. We need to be more precise technically to make sure we create more [chances].

"[With our injuries] we try to deal with what we have, which is young players and trying to make sure they understand their new roles. Some full backs are playing as wingers, we finish games with midfielders as strikers. We try to adapt to the situation and make sure they know that everyone can score a goal and continue trusting our qualities.

"We have to continue with the rhythm we put into this game, make sure we're doing it in the next game, and I'm sure we'll eventually get the points."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham are poised to sign Finland international Eva Nystrom.

The 25-year-old hopes to complete her move to London next week, ending a four-year stay at Swedish club Hammarby.

The centre-back would become West Ham's first signing of the January transfer window and fills a position that was a priority for manager Rehanne Skinner.

She has picked up 13 caps for her country having spent the majority of her career playing in Sweden after coming through the youth team at Finnish club PK-35 Vantaa.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa's interim manager Shaun Goater said his side "need to be ruthless" after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton.

The hosts scored in the 89th minute to cancel out Villa's hard work, with Goater's side only netting once despite racking up 14 shots and 10 on target.

"In the first half I was pleased with our rhythm and how we were playing," he said. "We were moving well, switching it and creating good chances, good opportunities.

"Sometimes we didn't make the right option and the keeper made some good saves but this is what we're looking to do – to make these good chances. There was some really good stuff in the first half."

Everton improved after making changes in the second half and prevented Villa finding a way to extend their lead, with Goater saying his side need to take their chances.

Goater added: "In the second half, it became too transitional and I was disappointed with that. We want to take the game to the opposition. They got some momentum and they came and came and came. We didn't seem to be able to manage that period well.

"This is something we will always continue to mention. When we get these chances we need to be able to take them. We just have to keep going and making the right decisions. We certainly need to be ruthless and this is something we will talk about."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Brian Sorensen says he is pleased his side battled back to secure a point after first half which he thought was "a bit off".

The Toffees went behind when Rachel Daly scored for Aston Villa in the 31st minute but improved after the break and salvaged a draw thanks to a superb long-range strike from Veatriki Sarri.

"We weren't ready for the first half. It was a bit off. I don't know why but we were too passive in all our actions. That's what we spoke about at half-time, to be more together when we pressed and so on.

"I was not happy with the first half but it is because we have new players and the connections are not quite there. We needed to do more in the second half and we certainly did that. The impact from the players off the bench made a huge difference to that.

"I am pleased with the point because we also have to acknowledge that Courtney Brosnan kept us in the game with some good saves in the first half.

Sorensen added that his side, who have recruited more players than any other side in the Women's Super League during the January transfer window, needs time to gel after the winter break.

He said: "We just started. We have been together for 10 days. We need to build those relations and understand how we want to do things.

"We had two new players in the starting XI. One was forced because Sara Holmgaard was suspended and Mel Lawley had been a little bit sick so we saved her for later.

"But it was great to have an impact off the bench now and we can build on that."

Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It had looked as if Aston Villa would come away with all three points thanks to an impressive attacking display, but Veatriki Sarri's spectacular strike saw Everton secure a draw after second half-substitutes sparked a fightback.

Villa seemed to be experiencing a new-manager bounce under interim boss Shaun Goater and were set for another win, controlling the bulk of the game at Walton Hall Park.

The moved forward through well-worked, fluid passing routines and attacked Everton in numbers. The work of Canadian forward Adriana Leon was particularly impressive, sending dangerous deliveries into the box and switching wings to keep the Toffees' defence on their toes.

But Courtney Brosnan's expert shot-stopping managed to keep Everton in the game despite remaining under a constant barrage of pressure.

Then the second-half introduction of debutants Kelly Gago and Emma Watson – plus Melissa Lawley – made the difference, providing a renewed energy going forward.

Gago in particular changed the balance, with her pace forcing the Villa defence to face a very different challenge.

It took a wonder-strike to secure a point, but Everton deserved it for their late efforts. Brian Sorensen will be pleased by his side's second-half display, while Goater will be able to take solace in the fact they were so dangerous for so long – even if Villa weren't able to make it count.

Image source, Getty Images

Denmark international Katherine Kuhl has completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Roma.

The 21-year-old joined the Gunners in January 2023 and made 27 appearances in total, scoring once.

She joined fellow Women's Super League side Everton on loan in January 2024 and made 10 appearances for the Toffees.

A statement from Arsenal said: "Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to Kathrine for her efforts during her time with us, and we wish her well for her next chapter."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City forward Poppy Pritchard has joined Championship side Newcastle on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.

England youth international Pritchard has spent the first half of this season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Newcastle head coach Becky Langley said: "Poppy is a Newcastle girl with lots of talent. She's fast, direct and has a real hunger to score goals. The fans will love watching Poppy play because she's determined, an intelligent player and driven to get to the top.

"Manchester City saw her talents and we now want to nurture them with this loan move."

Image source, Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed Canada international forward Clarissa Larisey on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 25-year-old arrives from Swedish club BK Hacken where she scored 20 goals in 65 appearances.

Larisey is Crystal Palace's first recruit of the January window, although she is unlikely to be involved in the side's trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

"I got to talk to Laura [Kaminski] and to Grace [Williams], and it was great, said Larisey.

"They were super excited and were telling me all about the programme and how great Palace is, so I couldn't turn down this opportunity," said Larisey.

"I'm really excited to play here, play with the best – and play for Palace."

The arrival will be welcome news to boss Laura Kaminski after Jorja Fox, Brooke Aspin and Poppy Pritchard all returned to their parent clubs after spending the first half of the season on loan with the club.

Kaminski said: "Clarissa is a really exciting talent, and we're delighted to have her join us. She brings great experience at a crucial time for the team."

Image source, Manchester City

Manchester City have signed Japan Under-20 international midfielder Aemu Oyama on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 20-year-old, who played in last summer's U20 Women's World Cup, joins from Waseda University in Tokyo.

She becomes City's second signing in January, along with German defender Rebecca Knaak, and could be involved in their game against rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

"I'm aware how enormous this game is and if I'm given a chance I'd like to show my playing style," said Oyama.

"My dream is to play in the Champions League. I'd like to be able to contribute to the team as soon as I can.

"And as a young player, now that I'm in this team I want to play as many games as possible... seeing other young players [getting chances] inspires me to work hard like them."

City's women's director of football Therese Sjogran added: "Aemu is a very technically gifted player, there's a real buzz about her.

"She'll be exciting to watch this season and beyond, and there is real potential for her to become even better."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal winger Vivienne Lia has joined Championship side Southampton on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 18-year-old signed her first professional contract with the Gunners in January.

She made her senior debut in the League Cup quarter-final win over London City Lionesses in February 2024.

"I'm excited to get started of course, I feel like this will be a really good part of my development," Lia said,

"The Championship has been a league I've been looking at to help my development a lot. I think it's a really challenging league and it's very tight at the moment, so it's exciting to come into that and compete against great players as well."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at St Helens Stadium

If Liverpool proved anything last season, it was that they can never be written off and they are always willing to fight.

It has been a tough start to the campaign for them - they have lacked consistency, struggled with injuries and results have been underwhelming.

But manager Matt Beard hoped the new year, and the return of injured players, would bring a "fresh start" to their season.

He got what he wanted with Friday's 2-1 win over Brighton and it was one of their best performances of the season.

In contrast, Brighton had been full of momentum heading into the winter break and it appeared to disrupt their flow.

They were second-best to every duel, struggled to respond when Liverpool took control and they rarely tested goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

Manager Dario Vidosic described his side as "unrecognisable" afterwards and you could understand why as they lacked all the traits that has delivered them results.

They have got themselves into a strong position, sitting fifth in the table, but they must improve on this performance if they hope to stay there.

Liverpool edged Brighton 2-1, courtesy of a late own goal from Jorelyn Carabali, at St Helens Stadium as the Women's Super League returned from the winter break on Friday. Here is what the managers said to Sky Sports after the game.

Liverpool's Matt Beard: "It was important to win. We have had a tough first half of the season. I think we enjoyed the game on merit. We could have finished the game off and then we conceded a really frustrating goal. I'm really proud of the girls. We had a tough start to the season but they never downed tools.

"We saw a bit of last season's Liverpool. I guess our winner had some fortune to it. We had other opportunities to put the game to bed. But we won the game on an own goal. I think we deserved the three points and it's a big step in the right direction tonight.

"Sam Kerr had a terrific debut and Olivia Smith terrified them. Poppy Pattinson was lucky to be on the pitch from what I was seeing."

Brighton's Dario Vidosic: "We were unrecognisable. We lacked discipline, we lacked aggression. We made simple mistakes and played into their hands. They deserved the win. We just weren't there, unfortunately.

"We have been training two weeks leading in and it was good. But we didn't get anything we needed tonight. We weren't patient and were playing long balls. In terms of structure, we were all over the place. We gave away the ball quickly and were overloaded. And with Liverpool, you will get punished. We got what we deserved.

"There were glimpses of what we wanted but it was too few and far. We didn't look dangerous at all. The errors have let us down. We know we have to be much much better. Otherwise, we will have tough games again."