Williamson makes first appearance since Euro 2025
Leah Williamson returned to competitive action for the first time in 139 days on Saturday as she made a return from a knee injury late in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory against Everton. The England captain was brought on to replace Steph Catley as an 82nd-minute substitute at Goodison Park, drawing a roaring reception from the 1,200 travelling supporters. It was the 28-year-old’s first match since July’s Euros final against Spain in Basel. Arsenal are managing Williamson’s return carefully but she could feature again against the Belgian side Leuven in the Champions League on Wednesday. TG
Spurs let three-goal lead slip at United
Tottenham were three goals up against Manchester United and on course for a first win over Mark Skinner’s side before a late fightback turned it into a 3-3 draw. Goals from Bethany England, Eveliina Summanen and Martha Thomas had the visitors on track secure history, but Fridolina Rolfö’s late double denied Spurs. Martin Ho can take great encouragement form how his team performed, however, with their compact, organised shape and ambition in possession impressing at Leigh Sports Village. “Massively disappointed,” said Olivia Holdt. “Leading 3-0 and then ending up with a draw is tough.” The frustration of the Danish winger reflects Spurs’ rising ambition. MS
Shaw makes City history with century of goals
Khadija Shaw marked her 120th match for Manchester City by scoring her 100th goal for the club – and then added three more. The striker was sensational in City’s 6-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Joie Stadium and she has become the first women’s player to hit the century milestone for City in the professional era. “It’s a really good feeling,” said Shaw. “I said from the first day I got here this was a special club, and the players I have around me – it’s a testament to them and a credit to them. They make me look good.” EH
Chelsea bounce back in style at Brighton
The danger in facing a wounded animal is underestimating their ability to fight back. This is precisely what happened to Brighton on Sunday as Chelsea bounced back from their shock defeat to Everton the previous weekend with a 3-0 victory. The Seagulls defended resolutely but as soon as Sandy Baltimore’s stunning opener hit the back of the net, the game was only heading in one direction. The return of Erin Cuthbert was a welcome one for Sonia Bompastor given the stability she provided alongside Keira Walsh. Alyssa Thompson’s goal will have been particularly pleasing for the Chelsea manager given the involvement of Sam Kerr who is improving with every minute that she plays. SD
Winless Liverpool find positives in third draw
Liverpool may be headed into the winter break with only three points courtesy of three draws but there is reason to be optimistic for all associated with the club. Mia Enderby’s reply two minutes after West Ham had opened the scoring through Riko Ueki and Beata Olsson’s injury-time equaliser after Anna Csiki had restored the home team’s lead ensured the margin between the bottom-of-the-table sides remains at two points. It was a particularly impressive showing by Liverpool given they had been reduced to 10 players after only 19 minutes following the red card shown to Gemma Bonner. This is the type of fight Gareth Taylor’s side need to show in the new year. SW
O’Brien’s form dazzles for comfortable Leicester
Shannon O’Brien has had to be patient this season but her form since early November has helped Leicester head into the winter break with a comfortable cushion over bottom-place Liverpool. They sit ninth with a respectable nine points, and with three goals in her last five games, O’Brien is proving to be the clinical finisher that is needed by a team who play in the way Leicester do – compact, resilient, expecting to strike on the counter. Against London City Lionesses this weekend, Leicester had 29.1% possession but equalled their opponents’ total shots on target (5). O’Brien’s 59th-minute winner was far from pretty but the 24-year-old displayed great composure to bundle the ball home. SD
