Manchester City kept their perfect start to the Women’s Super League season by holding off a Brighton fightback. Chelsea also won, beating Tottenham 6-2 at Stamford Bridge to remain two points behind City.
City made to work by Brighton
Andree Jeglertz’s side were three goals ahead after 17 minutes, with Khadija Shaw scoring twice and summer signing Niamh Charles getting her first goal. Brighton responded through Olivia Garcia and Caitlin Hayes.
Jeglertz said: "I don’t think the players did it on purpose, becoming more comfortable. As a team, we just became more comfortable."
He added: "It wasn’t the same speed on our passes or supporting each other in the same way. We let them in by going down a couple of percent."
Chelsea hit six against Tottenham
Chelsea defeated Tottenham 6-2 at Stamford Bridge. Lauren James and Ellie Carpenter both scored braces, while substitutes Maika Hamano and Sjoeke Nusken also found the net.
Spurs were level at the break thanks to Matilda Vinberg, but three goals in nine second-half minutes swung the game Chelsea’s way. Sonia Bompastor was taking charge of her 50th WSL game.
Bompastor said: "I'm pleased with the performance and the result."
She said: "I was convinced coming into this game, we would need players who would come in and bring a big impact and fresh legs."
Other results
London City Lionesses beat Everton 2-1 after first-half goals from Delphine Cascarino and Freya Godfrey put them ahead. Everton set up a tense finish when substitute Holly McNamara headed in with 20 minutes left.
Manchester United climbed to fifth with a third successive win, beating Charlton 3-1. Ella Toone and Andrea Medina put United two up before Leah Davidson pulled one back, and Julia Zigiotti Olme completed the scoring just after the half-hour mark.
Aston Villa came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 for their first league win of the season. Natalia Ramos scored an early opener for Liverpool before Chasity Grant equalised and a Grace Fisk own goal followed.
West Ham beat Crystal Palace 1-0, with Kelly Gago scoring the only goal in the first half.