Liverpool Ends Manchester United's Seven-Game Winning Streak As Arsenal Climbs To Second In WSL

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Liverpool halted Manchester United's seven-game winning streak with a decisive 3-1 victory at Anfield. This result allowed Arsenal to overtake United and move into second place in the Women's Super League. Chelsea, the league leaders, were not playing this weekend due to their League Cup final against Manchester City. United had a chance to close the gap at the top but were undone by Liverpool's strong performance.

United had been on a roll, winning seven consecutive league matches since losing 1-0 to Sonia Bompastor's Blues in November. However, they struggled against Liverpool's renewed vigour. Early in the match, Rachael Laws made an excellent save to deny Celin Bizet from giving United an early lead. Liverpool capitalised on their chances, with Olivia Smith scoring from a tight angle in the 42nd minute after Phallon Tullis-Joyce couldn't keep her effort out.

Arsenal took advantage of United's slip-up by securing a 3-1 victory over Everton, moving above them on goal difference. Alessia Russo opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 24th minute, marking her 14th goal across all competitions this season. Everton responded 12 minutes later when Toni Payne scored on a rebound after Katja Snoeijs' shot was blocked.

Despite drawing 1-1 in their last WSL visit to Everton, Arsenal ensured there was no repeat this time. Caitlin Foord came off the bench and set up Emily Fox, whose cross was turned into Everton's net by defender Maren Mjelde. Russo added her second goal and Arsenal's third during stoppage time, converting Beth Mead's pass past Courtney Brosnan.

Liverpool had to withstand significant pressure in the first half but managed to go into halftime with a two-goal lead. Fuka Nagano doubled their advantage by converting Samantha Kerr's cross into the bottom-right corner. Any hopes of a United comeback were dashed when Jayde Riviere fouled Alejandra Bernabe inside the box, allowing Smith to score her second goal from the penalty spot.

Maya Le Tissier scored a late consolation goal for United with an impressive run and finish. However, it wasn't enough as Liverpool secured back-to-back WSL wins under interim coach Amber Whiteley following Matt Beard's departure.

Historic Milestones

Arsenal captain Leah Williamson made history by becoming the club's all-time leading appearance-maker in the WSL with her 158th outing, surpassing Jordan Nobbs. Meanwhile, Beth Mead is closing in on another milestone as she is just two assists away from being the first player to reach 50 assists in the WSL.

United missed out on making history themselves; they could have achieved eight consecutive WSL victories for only the second time since March and October 2023. Instead, Amber Whiteley became Liverpool’s first coach to win their initial two WSL games in charge of the team.