WSL Round-Up: Manchester City another step closer to first-ever WSL1 title after Arsenal win

Arsenal’s hopes of a Champions League place faded as they lost once more to a single Manchester City goal – this time a deflected Jane Ross strike that evaded the diving Sari van Veenendal.

The Gunners welcomed back England star Fara Williams, but she struggled to create in a side that looked short of firepower.

City now look nailed on to lift their maiden WSL title – seven points clear at the top of the table.

Defending champions Chelsea stay in second, dismantling Reading by three goals to nil. Captain Katie Chapman opened the scoring with a header before Gemma Davison rounded off a marvellous solo run with a sizzling strike and Ana Borges rounded things off.

England international winger, Davison, doubled Chelsea’s lead at Reading in injury time – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

London Bees’ great form continued with a stunning away win at WSL2 league leaders Yeovil – Evie Clarke, Jo Wilson and Nikki Watts scored the goals. It seemed plain sailing for the Lady Glovers at half-time after a Lucy Quinn brace, but Dave Edmondson’s side turned it round and returned to the capital with all three points.

Beth Hepple’s first-half free kick won three points for Durham – but they were made to work hard for it at the Den by Millwall Lionesses. The Wildcats now sit fourth with a game in hand on the top two.

Everton are still in the promotion hunt, brushing aside Oxford United 3-0 at home thanks to a Claudia Walker double plus one from Michelle Hinnigan.

And Sheffield came from behind to beat Aston Villa, who took an early lead through Chloe Jones, but had no response to the goals from Jodie Michalska and Sherry McCue.

Earlier in the week, Bristol City had kept up the pressure at the top of the table by crushing Watford 4-1, with goals from Claire Emslie, Chloe Arthur, Lauren Hemp and Hayley Ladd before Charlotte Kerr added a consolation.

The Golden Girls have now lost five games on the bounce – and remain rooted to the bottom of the WSL2 table.

*Carrie Dunn is SHOOT’s Women’s Football correspondent. Her book ‘The Roar of the Lionesses: Women’s Football in England’ is out now – available in all good bookshops.*