WSL: Arsenal, Man Utd, Tottenham and London City all claim wins
WSL round-up as Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 thanks to an Alessia Russo double, while Manchester United edged Aston Villa 1-0. Tottenham came from behind to defeat Brighton 2-1, with London City Lionesses and Crystal Palace also claiming convincing victories.
Sunday 8 November 2026 17:01, UK
Arsenal battled to a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield thanks to an Alessia Russo brace, while Manchester United snatched a late 1-0 victory at Aston Villa. Tottenham also came from behind to beat Brighton, with London City Lionesses and Crystal Palace picking up wins in an action-packed afternoon of WSL action.
Russo double fires Gunners to Anfield victory
Russo was the difference for Arsenal, opening the scoring after just eight minutes with a composed finish after being picked out by Emily Fox. Liverpool hit back seven minutes later through Beata Olsson, who got away from Leah Williamson before finding the net to bring the hosts level.
But Russo had the final say before the break, arriving at the back post to head home Lisa Baum's delivery and restore Arsenal's lead.
There were chances for Arsenal to extend the lead after the break, with Russo coming agonisingly close to completing her hat-trick. Liverpool weren't giving up, though, and had a big opportunity to snatch a point late on when Cornelia Kapocs couldn't quite connect with a dangerous ball into the box.
The visitors held on, with Russo deservedly named player of the match after another impressive afternoon in front of goal.
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Zigiotti Olme strikes late to sink Villa
Over at Aston Villa, Manchester United had to be patient before finally finding a breakthrough in the second half.
United had plenty of the ball before the break, registering 12 shots and enjoying 66 per cent possession, but couldn't find a way past Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma.
The hosts came into the game more after half-time and almost made United pay for their missed chances, with Jean-Francois forcing a superb save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
But United eventually got the goal their pressure deserved in the 72nd minute. Hanna Lundkvist sent the ball across the box and Julia Zigiotti Olme arrived at the back post to slot home the winner
Villa pushed for an equaliser, but United stood firm to take all three points.
England seals dramatic Palace comeback
Crystal Palace produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Charlton 3-2, with Bethany England scoring a 90th-minute winner.
Lexi Lloyd-Smith had given Palace the lead just before the hour mark with a long-range finish, but Charlton hit back through Elisha N'Dow before Leah Davidson put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute.
Charlton had the chance to extend their advantage moments earlier, but Keira Flannery struck the crossbar from the penalty spot.
Palace refused to give up, with Aimee Everett heading home from a corner in the 81st minute before England scored from close range in the final minute to complete the comeback.
Holdt inspires Spurs' second-half turnaround
Tottenham came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 after scoring twice in the space of two second-half minutes.
Fran Kirby had given Brighton an early lead, finishing Olaug Tvedten's cross after just two minutes as the visitors made a flying start.
Spurs struggled to find a way back before the break, but responded brilliantly after half-time. Signe Gaupset levelled in the 51st minute, finishing into the bottom corner after being played through by Olivia Holdt.
Just two minutes later, the roles were reversed as Holdt fired home from Drew Spence's assist to put Tottenham in front.
Brighton pushed for an equaliser late on, but Spurs held firm despite seven minutes of added time to secure all three points.
London City cruise to emphatic win
London City Lionesses continued their impressive afternoon with a convincing 4-1 victory over Birmingham City.
Poppy Pattinson opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a superb finish before Delphine Cascarino doubled the advantage six minutes later, firing home after being set up by Grace Geyoro.
Birmingham gave themselves hope shortly after the restart when Oceane Hurtre pulled one back, converting Lisa Naalsund's delivery in the 50th minute.
However, Geyoro restored London City's two-goal cushion in the 74th minute with a superb strike into the top corner.
Kadidiatou Diani then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, finishing a fast break after being teed up by Freya Godfrey to seal a comfortable victory.
