How things are looking after week 2 of the Barclay's WSL


Game week 2 for the Barclay's WSL started on Saturday with an absolutely cracking North London Derby held at the Emirates Stadium which saw over 47,000 packed in to see a brilliant game. The great games then followed through to Sunday where all 5 remaining games provided plenty more goals and surprisingly, we still haven't seen a draw in the league this season yet. So here are the results from this weekend...


Arsenal vs Tottenham 
I will be honest this is the game I was most looking forward to, not only was it going to be a huge crowd but I always enjoy the North London Derby games as they can get pretty heated and can be very entertaining for us fans. Arsenal didn't disappoint either with a 4-0 victory and of course Mead was on the scoresheet once more. It was great to see Nobbs get some more minutes under her belt too. Arsenal are definitely looking a threat this season and I was looking forward to watching them this season. I actually sat at the Bradford City men's game watching this one as I didn't want to miss it. 

Brighton vs Reading
Brighton got their first win of the season as they beat Reading 2-1. They looked to be walking with a clean sheet however, Wellings got a goal back for Reading in the 94th minute of the game. Reading definitely look to be struggling in the early stages of this season and are sitting bottom of the table, surely the best is yet to come from them though and they will start grabbing some points soon. 

West Ham vs Manchester United
Manchester United kept up their winning ways with 2 second half goals to secure them a 2-0 victory away to West Ham. Summer recruit Garcia got her first WSL goal for the club and now she has opened her account I think we are going to see many more from her. Alongside Garcia in scoring was Hannah Blundell who opened her account for the season. Currently sitting second in the table Man Utd are showing us just what they are capable of this season and why they will be challenging for those Champions League spots this season. 

Leicester vs Aston Villa
Villa made it 2 wins from 2 with a 2-0 victory over Leicester who are yet to pick up points this season. Villa have really strengthened their squad this summer and it certainly shows on the pitch with them getting off to a great start and overall just looking like a team fighting to finish in a better position than they did last season. Daly has been the stand out signing for me though with 3 goals in her first two games at the club, I guess she is showing everyone what a lot of fans already knew... she isn't a defender, put her up front and she will find her way onto the score sheet.

Chelsea vs Man City 
I was looking forward to this game with both teams having lost their opening games it was going to be an interesting one. Frustratingly for me though Man City had the better chances in the game but just couldn't find the back of the net and Chelsea against the run of play took the lead and kept pushing eventually coming away 2-0 winners and picking up the 3 points. Something just isn't working at Man City and improvements definitely need to be made if they want any chance of getting near them top 3 positions but I just can't see it happening. 

Liverpool vs Everton
Liverpool were looking to add to their points this weekend as they hosted the Merseyside Derby at Anfield but unfortunately that didn't quite go to plan. Liverpool shocked everyone last week with a victory over Chelsea and maybe that pressure was a bit too much as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against local rivals Everton. Everton looked like the team we saw prior to last season and worked the ball well and showed us they aren't going to settle for performances like last season. Jess Park definitely showed what she was capable of and it was great to see Swedish international Bennison on the score sheet too. Could this just be the start of Everton's fight back to becoming the team they once were?

The table is looking pretty interesting already this season and with just 2 mid-week games this week then an international break it is going to be interesting to see how certain clubs (Man City I am looking at you) do once they do return from the break, will it have disrupted them or will it get them coming out fighting to prove what they are capable of? I just know I am looking forward to these upcoming international games but I really can't wait for more League games as so far it is proving to be a great season for us fans. 

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Our ones to watch in the WSL

 


We have already done our Lionesses to watch during the 22/23 Barclay's WSL season in a post which you can read here, so today's turn is the other players in the league that we are going to be keeping a close eye on this season. It is safe to say that the Barclay's WSL has a lot of talent in it and to be honest in my eyes it is one of the best leagues out there for the women just due to the standard of football being played week in week out. Once again this post was hard to narrow down to just 1 player per team as honestly at one point the contenders were 6/7 players from each squad however, we managed to get there and these are the players we will be keeping an eye on from each team in the Barclay's WSL this season...

Arsenal - Katie McCabe

Katie McCabe is a player we have kept an eye on for a while and who we think is massively under rated at Arsenal. Her crunching tackles definitely make a difference in games and her attacking ability is fantastic too. McCabe is definitely a player that makes a difference in the Arsenal squad and we can't wait to see her play again this season, she just gets better and better year after year. 

Aston Villa - Rachel Corsie

I used to love watching Corsie play over in the states so it is safe to say I am glad she is playing over here these days and fingers crossed I can actually see her play in a stadium this season rather than just on the TV. Corsie is simply one of those players that I will never get bored of watching and I think she is going to play big part in Villa's push up the table this season. 

Brighton - Veatriki Sarri

Sarri is a player that only came to my attention last season if I am honest however, she is another player that I really enjoy watching already. I think Sarri could play a big part for Brighton this season in them getting results and she could cause some problems for the opposition. Brighton are starting to build a strong squad and Sarri is the perfect edition. 

Chelsea - Guro Reiten 

I think we mentioned what kind of player Reiten was in our Euro ones to watch post. She is one of those players that often goes unnoticed however makes a big difference to Chelsea's game. Just because she isn't always on the score sheet it doesn't mean she isn't making an impact, often her runs drag out players to create space for teammates meaning Chelsea end up on the scoresheet. She is definitely one to start looking at this season just to see how much she does impact her team.

Everton - Hanna Bennison

Swedish international Bennison scored a fantastic goal for her country in the Euros this summer and if the team around her at Everton gel and make an improvement on last season I think we could see Bennison on the scoresheet a whole lot more and play a key part in getting Everton back up the table where they belong. 

Leicester - Natasha Flint

I think Flint is on this list as a bit of a sentimental reason. When I went to my first FAWNL game Flint was actually playing for Blackburn and her performance that day was absolutely fantastic. To see her playing in the top flight not too many seasons later is absolutely brilliant and shows just how much talent she has in my opinion. I am really looking forward to seeing what she can do with Leicester this season. 

Liverpool - Katie Stengel

I think we all saw a glimpse of what Stengel was capable of in the opening game of the season but honestly the best is yet to come from her. She is another player I enjoyed watching in the States who I am looking forward to seeing play here in the WSL as I think she could play a key part in Liverpool staying in the top flight where honestly they belong.

Manchester City - Khadija Bunny Shaw 

With the retirement of Ellen White it is time for Shaw to step up and show the Man City fans just what she is capable of and I am looking forward to seeing her grab herself plenty of goals in the process. There has been a lot of big changes at Man City this off season and players like Shaw are really going to be crucial if they want a top 3 finish this season. 

Manchester United - Ona Batlle

Since her arrival at Man Utd Batlle has been one of my favourite players at the club. Her ability at right back is absolutely fantastic and she helps get the team into some dangerous positions. She had a pretty good tournament for Spain in the Euros and I am sure her form will roll over into this new season and we will see her once again be a key part of the Man Utd team as they push for the top 3 spots.

Reading FC - Deanne Rose

I have been impressed with the Canadians that have come to play here in the WSL so far and Rose is one of those players. Coming straight from College in the States to the WSL could have been considered a big jump but she is finding her feet nicely in the League, and I am looking forward to seeing how she does this season for Reading. 

Tottenham - Shelina Zadorsky 

As I just said I have been impressed with the Canadians in the WSL and Zadorsky has been the perfect addition to the Spurs squad, and it is nice to see her as captain of the team. Zadorsky was one of my favourite Pride players during her time in Orlando and to be honest not much has changed since her move to Spurs I still enjoy watching her play as I think she is a brilliant defender with a lot of potential.

West Ham - Lisa Evans 

Lisa Evans was always one of my favourite players to watch at Arsenal and I felt she was often overshadowed there so I am looking forward to seeing her hopefully gain a lot more recognition from fans now she is a permanent West Ham player. With a lot of teams building to challenge for those top 3 spots I think Evans is going to be the perfect player for West Ham to be in contention for those higher positions in the table. 

It really is getting harder and harder each year to do these posts as the talent in the league is just getting better and better with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. These players that made the cut though are certainly who we are looking forward to seeing the most this season and it is going to be interesting to see what impact they have on their team this time around. 

Who are some of your ones to watch this season?

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How things are looking after week 1 of the Barclay's WSL


We are have only seen one game week so far from the Barclay's Women's Super League and it is safe to say that opening round of the competition has set the expectations for a very exciting season ahead. We saw upsets and we saw teams showing us that we shouldn't write them off anytime soon. We also saw debutants making huge impacts on their new teams games alongside players returning from injuries and looking like they hadn't missed any game time. So here are the results from the opening week of the competition...


Arsenal vs Brighton

Arsenal and Brighton kicked off the new season on Friday evening in a brilliant game. Brighton were down to 10 in the early stages of the game and Arsenal took full advantage of that never once dropping the pressure of their attacks. Beth Mead carried on her fine from the Euros with two goals and showed us that her form from the summer is not slowing down anytime soon and she is once again going to play a key part in Arsenals season. It was nice to see Jordan Nobbs back on the pitch too after suffering an injury that kept her from being a part of the Lionesses Euro success, when she did enter the field it was like she never left and I think it is safe to say if she stays fit she is going to play a big part of Arsenals push for the top spot this season. 

Manchester United vs Reading

Saturday's only game also ended 4-0 with Manchester United getting their campaign off to a winning start. Reading just didn't seem to get going during the game and only had 2 shots in the 90 minutes compared to Man Utd's 24 which 4 ended up being goals. Of course Russo got herself on the score sheet as did captain Katie Zelem, who marked her 100th appearance for the club with a goal from the penalty spot. the best performance of the day though definitely came from debutant Maya Le Tissier who grabbed herself two goals from some great corners, I think it is safe to say it isn't a bad debut for someone playing as a central defender. 

Aston Villa vs Manchester City

Manchester City were looking to start their campaign with a victory, something which hasn't happened for numerous years but Aston Villa were not going to let that happen. Man City thought back from losing 2-0 to bring the game to 2-3 in the 55th minute but Villa pushed and pushed and walked away 4-3 winners taking all 3 points. With City losing a lot of key players in the summer it was always going to be an interesting opening game and Villa took the opportunity to show everyone they weren't to be written off this season. Rachel Daly marked her permanent return to the WSL with two goals on her debut showing us why she isn't a defender (still believe she needs to be played up front for both club and country) and she opened her Villa account in stunning fashion with a brilliant strike into the top corner. This Villa side are definitely capable of pulling off some surprise results this season and I am looking forward to seeing more of them. 

Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory away at Leicester City. The hosts put up a fight but it wasn't enough to stop Tottenham taking away all 3 points. Ash Neville scored an absolutely fantastic goal to open her account for the season and poor Drew Spence scored for both teams. It is going to be interesting to see how both these teams do throughout this season. 

West Ham vs Everton

Everton were looking to get their season off to a great start after last seasons poor performances and they definitely stepped it up a gear by dominating most of the game against West Ham however, it was West Ham who took away all 3 points thanks to a Lisa Evans goal in the 45th minute. I am looking forward to seeing how Everton actually do this season as surely it has to be better than last time around. As for West Ham I think they could provide us with a few upsets and I can see Lisa Evans been a key player all season. 

Liverpool vs Chelsea

I think a lot of people will agree when we say newly promoted Liverpool provided us with the shock of the opening week as they beat reigning champions Chelsea 2-1 in front of a record crowd at Prenton Park. I don't think anyone predicted the game to go the way it did when Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the first minute however, two second half penalties for Liverpool saw them taking all 3 points away from the champions. Liverpool have shown us all just what they are capable of in the opening game as they kept pushing and pushing the full 97 minutes and dealt with the pressure from Chelsea well. It is great to see them back in the top flight and I am looking forward to seeing how they do this season. 

The opening weekend has definitely been a great one and coming off the back of an amazing summer of football it has hopefully helped keep up the momentum of the games growth and shown fans just what they can expect over the course of the season. Our performance of the week definitely has to go to Liverpool for their fantastic performance against Chelsea. 

What was your favourite game of the week? 

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How we think the WSL will play out this season...


 It is almost time for the Barclay's WSL to get underway in what is bound to be a brilliant season. Off the back of a fantastic summer of football here in England we are expecting to see record attendances with new fans joining the crowds hoping to see the stars from the Euros play some brilliant football once more. The Euros have really inspired the nation and luckily for us a lot of the standout players from the league play their club football over here in the top flight. With the quality of football improving season upon season and the squads building in strength each time, the league is getting much more exciting for us fans as teams are really pushing for those Champions League spots it is no longer a case of a team running away with it we are seeing it being a lot harder to call the league winners come the end of the season. Just look at the 21/22 season that went right down to the final day where are previously it would have been decided much earlier.

Here at Edge of the Area it took us a while to sit and do our WSL predictions post as when you look at the teams on paper this time around and their pre-season performances the league can easily go to anyone. We are hoping for a few surprises but here is how we think the league is going to look at the end of the season.

Chelsea

Arsenal

Manchester United

Manchester City

Aston Villa

Tottenham

West Ham

Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool

Reading

Everton

Leicester City

After recent years performances it is just so hard to pick anyone other than Chelsea winning the league, yes they have lost a few players this time around, but they have brought in some very strong players too and on paper the team just looks amazing. I can really see Arsenal making a big push for the top spot once again but again I can see them just falling short of this. Arsenal have definitely improved in recent years, and I think this season we are going to see the best out of them yet. As for that final Champions League spot I really do think Man Utd have it this season. They are just constantly improving and showing us how much of a threat they can be, they are another team who have improved on their squad's strength this off season and I think they will take some beating this time around. As for Man City it pains me to say this but I can't see them getting in the Champions League spots come the end of this season and I think they are going to struggle in those bigger games, there seems to be something going on at the club, they don't perform as well as they used to and where other teams have strengthened their squads Man City have lost a lot of key players all in one go. As for the bottom of the table I can see Leicester City being the team relegated at the end of the season, I just think the rest of the league will prove a bit too much for them. I can see Everton being down there with them though fighting for survival but I think they will just do enough to guarantee their spot in the WSL in the 23/24 season.

So there you have it that is how we think the table will look come the end of the season. As I said earlier in the post I think we are in for an interesting season which honestly could go either way. This was definitely the hardest predictions post we have done recently as year after year it is getting more and more difficult to work out just which team has the strongest squad, I guess that just goes to show how much the women's game is constantly improving. 

Who do you think will finish in the top 3 of the league this time around?

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The Lionesses we will be keeping an eye on in the WSL this season


The Lionesses put in a great performance over the summer and luckily for us WSL fans we get to see the majority of those players play their club football week in week out. After a spectacular performance this summer though I think it is safe to say all eye will be on a lot of those Lionesses to see if they can put the same level of performances in for their clubs as they did when playing for England. Today's post is all about the lionesses we will be keeping a close eye on during the 22/23 WSL season and honestly it was hard to narrow it down to a final few as after the summer we are looking forward to seeing all the Lionesses in club action but in the end we settled on our top 10 Lionesses we will be keeping an eye on and those players are...

Leah Williamson
Of course Lioness captain Leah Williamson is on this list. Williamson is a joy to watch and her defensive ability along with her precision in passing makes her one of the stand out players of the league to us. At just 25 years old you can't help but think we are still yet to see the best from Williamson which is quite scary when you think of just what she is capable of already. Williamson can really play a key part in helping Arsenal make a promising title push this season. 

Ella Toone
Toone was a standout player during the Euros and has really made a name for herself with some fantastic performances. In the Euros we only saw glimpses of her as she came off the bench so I am really looking forward to seeing what she can do for Man Utd if she plays the full 90 minutes. Toone is another player with a lot of potential and her link up with Russo proved perfect in the Euros and with them being club team mates Man Utd could be in for a treat. 

Alessia Russo
Just like with Toone I am looking forward to seeing what Russo is capable of when starting a game for Man Utd and being on the pitch for as many minutes as possible. Russo really was used as a super sub in the Euros and we saw her really make an impact off the bench grabbing plenty of goals in the process. She is definitely going to be a key player for United this season and no doubt she will grab herself plenty more goals throughout the campaign.

Lauren Hemp
It has been all change at Man City recently, but I am so glad that Hemp is here for another season. Yet another young player who has burst onto the scene and really made a name for herself Hemp could play a key role in Man City pushing for a Champions League spot this time around. Hemp has the ability to grab herself some goals but it is her ability to run at the opposition and cause them all sorts of issues that really impresses me. I wouldn't like to be one defending her. 

Chloe Kelly
England's hero, the winning goal scorer for the Euros is now back from injury and let's hope we see her get plenty of game time for Man City as with White having retired it is now time for Kelly to show the club just what she is capable of. Could we see her scoring a lot more game winning goals? Well only time will tell let's just hope Taylor gives her the game time she deserves.

Mary Earps
Earps had a fantastic season with Man Utd last season and she carried on those brilliant performances in the Euros. Season after season she just seems to be getting better & better, the only thing that could stop her is an injury which fingers crossed we don't see any time soon. Earps seems to have cemented her spot as England's number 1 but I am looking forward to seeing what this season has in store for her at Man Utd.

Millie Bright
Bright is a defender we have enjoyed watching for many seasons now and I really don't see that changing anytime soon. She had some of her best games in an England shirt over the summer and if she keeps playing like she did in the summer her season at Chelsea could also be one of her best yet. As we have said in the past, she really is a no-nonsense defender and definitely strengthens that Chelsea back line, I wonder how many goals we will see from her this season? 

Rachel Daly
Finally, I get to watch Daly play club football without having to stay up until stupid o'clock in the morning like I had to when she played at Houston Dash. It is going to be great to see Daly playing in the WSL and I can't wait to see how well she is going to do at Aston Villa. The question is though are they going to use her defensively or in attack? Either way Villa have got themselves a very versatile player who can really strengthen their squad.

Beth England
Unfortunately we didn't get to see Beth England get any game time in the Euros but I am sure that has only fired her up to hit this new season running to keep her in contention for one of those World Cup spots. England is a player with a lot of potential and I am looking forward to seeing what she can do for Chelsea this season. With a lot of players for Hayes to pick from any game time for England is valuable and I am sure she is going to be proving a point with every minute she spends on the pitch throughout the season.

Jordan Nobbs
Now if Nobbs can stay injury free all season I can really see her pushing for a spot in the World Cup squad, breaking her bad luck in the run up to tournaments where we have seen her pick up an injury just before the end of the season ruling her out of contention for an International call up. With Nobbs just coming back from injury she is going to have a point to prove and I can see her doing really well this season with Arsenal and like with Williamson I can see her being a crucial player in their fight for the top spot this season.

There are definitely some high expectations on a lot of these players going into the new season as it is safe to say if they perform like they did in the summer they will be crucial for their club team and helping them push for those top spots in the league. Let's not forget it is the World Cup in 2023 so a lot of these players will be using the season ahead to really push for a spot on that squad list next summer. Let's just hope none of these players end up with bad injuries that derail their campaign and push for a place at the World Cup. Roll on the start of the new season as I am looking forward to seeing plenty of the players that made summer 2022 so memorable.

Which Lionesses are you going to be keeping a close eye on over the course of the new WSL season?
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