Taylor Hinds’ heroics hauled Liverpool to a historic Barclays Women’s Super League victory at rivals Manchester United to deal a major blow to the Red Devils’ title hopes.
The result marked the first time Liverpool had beaten United in the WSL as the visitors climbed level with Marc Skinner’s side in unforgettable fashion at Leigh Sports Village.
Ella Toone had fired the high-flying hosts in front after just three minutes to leave Matt Beard’s side with a mountain to climb in the north-west.
But they delivered a rousing response and levelled before half-time when United defender Millie Turner diverted Mel Lawley’s cross into her own net.
Buzzing with the captain's goal 💜#BarclaysWSL @LiverpoolFCW pic.twitter.com/WLvVjZixOM
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 17, 2023
That teed up a fascinating second period and it was Liverpool who dramatically snatched it on 68 minutes, with Hinds stabbing home from Missy Bo Kearns’ corner to trigger ecstasy among the travelling supporters and thwart United’s hopes of keeping pace with Chelsea at the WSL summit.
Blues extend lead with confident triumph at Bristol City
Chelsea will sit three points clear at the top of the table this Christmas after a comfortable 3-0 win at struggling Bristol City.
Lauren James, Erin Cuthbert and Sam Kerr all netted as Emma Hayes’ side bounced back from last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at London rivals Arsenal.
Chelsea defender Niamh Charles was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage-time but the damage was already done at Ashton Gate.
Bristol City now sit at the foot of the WSL table after West Ham United picked up a precious point at Leicester City in their battle to beat the drop.
Shaw inspires City to emphatic win at Everton
Khadija Shaw netted a hat-trick as Manchester City waltzed to a dominant 4-1 win at Everton.
A perfect hat-trick for @ManCityWomen's Bunny Shaw:
1⃣ Left foot
2⃣ Right foot
3⃣ HeadShe is on fire in the #BarclaysWSL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hv76OIzOg9
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 17, 2023
Jill Roord also scored for Gareth Taylor’s visitors to put the seal on a ruthless first-half display that also saw Shaw miss a penalty.
City came flying out of the blocks at Walton Hall Park and despite Shaw’s spot-kick being saved by Courtney Brosnan, were 3-0 up in the space of just 25 minutes.
Aurora Galli’s stunning strike cut the gap at the start of the second half but Shaw completed her treble shortly after to help City keep up the heat with Chelsea at the top of the table.
Spurs seize derby day bragging rights against Arsenal
Martha Thomas grabbed the winner to fire Tottenham to a 1-0 victory against Arsenal and inflict a dent on the Gunners’ title hopes.
In the opening game of the weekend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Thomas’ intervention just before the hour mark proved decisive to leave Arsenal three points behind Chelsea heading into the festive hiatus.
Spurs now sit sixth in the WSL table, level on points with Liverpool after their memorable Sunday triumph at Manchester United.
A brilliant cross from Ademiluyi to find @2026honoka who
puts the ball into the back of the net 👊#BarclaysWSL @westhamwomen pic.twitter.com/uq8bVp6QGS— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 17, 2023
Hammers clinch precious late point at Leicester
Honoka Hayashi’s dramatic late leveller rescued struggling West Ham a 1-1 draw at Leicester.
The Japanese star struck in the eighth minute of stoppage time to lift the Hammers out of the WSL drop zone after Bristol City’s defeat against Manchester City.
Lena Petermann’s strike had propelled the Foxes into a second-half lead but Hayashi struck at the death to snatch a precious point and thwart Leicester’s hopes of a third win of the season.
Villa battle to narrow win over Brighton
Adriana Leon’s second-half strike handed Aston Villa a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Brighton.
The Canadian ace netted just after the hour mark to help the hosts leapfrog their opponents in Walsall – but they did have to survive stoppage-time with 10 players after Maz Pacheco was sent off for a pair of bookable offences.
Villa now sit ninth and four points clear of safety, with Brighton one behind and three above West Ham and Bristol City.