Wolfsburg's loss to Hoffenheim was a major upset on another busy weekend for women's football across Europe. Elsewhere, Chelsea fought back against Arsenal and Levante sank to another draw, beginning the second phase of the Italian season.
– Streaming on ESPN+: NWSL, La Liga, Bundesliga and more (US)
Nusken fills Chelsea's striker void
One of Chelsea's problems this season after losing star striker Sam Kerr to an anterior cruciate ligament injury is the lack of balance without a natural centre-forward on the pitch. Emma Hayes' first option as false number 9, Lauren James, shows great adaptability to score goals, but ultimately ends up being left out as her natural play is to move around freely. is the wrong kind of player to keep the opposition centre-backs busy.
Chelsea have once again been without a high-profile striker and have been in poor form since losing Mia Fishel to an anterior cruciate ligament injury and club record signing Maira Ramirez to an unspecified groin/abductor problem. There is.
For Friday's 3-1 win over Arsenal in the Women's Super League, Hayes selected utility player Schake Nüsken, who only played in the centre-back position last week, to be central up front. The gamble paid off, as Nusken not only scored the odd extra goal, including a shot that deflected off his back, but also put the team in a position to keep the pressure on the Gunners in what was an important and resounding win for the league. I could have had my mate take it away. leaders.
Liverpool get back to winning ways at home
Liverpool's home side suffered a blow last week when they were eliminated in the FA Cup by Leicester City at Prenton Park, leaving them without a win in four games. In fact, the Reds hadn't won at home since November, but that was largely due to this year's road-heavy schedule.
But on Sunday, Liverpool slowed down and beat West Ham 3-1, putting them back on the road to home victory after a frustrating day for the Irons.
Apart from the influence of summer signings Sophie-Romain Haug and Marie Hebinger, it was a victory similar to Liverpool's last season, when Seri Holland and Missy Beau Keenes shone for the hosts. With this victory, the Reds remain level on points with Manchester United in fifth place, marking their improvement since returning to the league and hinting at further progress next season.
Villa move up to 7th place
It has been a memorable season for Villa so far, as the team challenged for the top spot last season, but this time they have moved further and further away from a European finish. Call it overcorrection for a successful season (as we've seen too often from WSL teams), but this year's turnaround for the villainous couple has been harsh and unforgiving.
However, Villa still managed to find opportunities to progress, picking up their sixth win of the season against an Everton side plagued by chronic injuries, moving them up to seventh place and overcoming the crisis. Kenza Dali, one of last season's top performers, scored his first goal of the season, which shows how poorly Villa's attack has been this year and how much work is needed over the summer. ing.
Wolfsburg wobble
Heading into the weekend with a one-point difference from leaders Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg are scheduled to play a home match against Bayern this Saturday, but Wolfsburg suffered a handicap after losing 2-1 away to third-place Hoffenheim. Ta.
After an 11-game unbeaten run that ended with a 2-1 away loss to Bayern in November, the Seawolves have regained momentum and reaffirmed their place in Germany's top two. However, the defeat against Hoffenheim was just another sign of Wolfsburg's declining status, with a gap between those within the team who are calmly looking ahead to retirement and those who have a promising future. There is too much polarization.
Wolfsburg have a lot of rising talent, but most of these players have yet to reach their potential, and Bayern have invested heavily, including €450,000 in signing Wolfsburg midfielder Lena Oberdorf this summer. They have become a team that is currently causing a stir in the world. in the Frauen Bundesliga.
Levante falls behind
It will always be a difficult season for Levante. Budgets have been cut and players are either leaving (as was the case with Ramirez's move to Chelsea) or preparing to leave in the summer. With everything going on off the pitch, there was always a need for them to keep up their form and win consistently to keep their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive.
However, Levante once again faltered against bottom-placed Sporting Huelva, who have won just one of their 20 league matches this season, losing to a 1-1 draw and failing to win their last four matches. It turned out not to be.
Although still in third place, the gap with fourth-placed Madrid CFF has narrowed to just one point, meaning the Frogs will feel the stranglehold on both them and Atlético Madrid for the remainder of the season. Dew. Levante, who next face Real Betis at home, will need to break out of this slump before it slips any further.
PSG starts to gear up again
Returning to Champions League action in midweek, Paris Saint-Germain came close to failing in the last Coupe de France with a 3-3 draw with Paris FC, but Paris Saint-Germain secured a 5-0 thrashing of Saint-Etienne this weekend. I got it. .
A clean sheet will be a boost amid a season of ups and downs, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Tabatha Chawinga, Grace Geyoro and Jade le Guilly all on the scoresheet, as well as their attacking partnership. Confirming that it's working will be key heading into the opening game. A tricky visit to BK Häcken.
Hakken have enjoyed success in the Champions League group stage due to their defensive strength, and will likely aim to frustrate PSG and block off the areas they want to attack. However, with PSG enjoying a comfortable win, the French giants should feel comfortable asserting themselves and picking apart Hacken's defence.
Sublime della Peruta in Sampdoria
In the first week of Serie A's relegation and Championship mini-season, Sampdoria were big winners as 19-year-old Victoria della Peruta stole the show in a 5-0 win against her former club, ripping Pomigliano at the back.
Sampdoria are probably not in danger of being relegated, as they are 14 points clear of the bottom two teams, Napoli and Pomigliano. However, de la Peruta made it through, scoring four goals in the second half in his first start for the club since signing in January. The perfect finishing touch for DelaPerta was that his sister, Talia, who signed at the same time, arranged for her fourth match.
