After the winter break, the women's leagues in Europe have resumed their action, with the Frauen Bundesliga in Germany being the only outlier until Friday. This weekend's games brought a flurry of goals in the Women's Super League (WSL), while Barcelona claimed their first trophy of the season and Roma's slump continued. Let's take a look at 10 key takeaways from the women's football action across Europe.
1. Chelsea showed glimmers of their vintage best in a 3-1 win against Manchester United. Although they eased off and allowed a route back into the game, Lauren James' hat trick was a standout performance for the Blues.
2. Manchester City's Bunny Shaw continued her impressive scoring form, netting a hat trick in a dominant 5-1 victory over Liverpool. Shaw's understanding with her teammates and her confidence on the field make her a force to be reckoned with.
3. Barcelona maintained their dominance in the Supercopa, claiming a comfortable 7-0 victory against Levante in the final. This marked their third consecutive win in the competition, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women's football.
4. Roma's slide in form continued with another defeat, this time against Inter Milan, resulting in a frustrating 2-0 loss. Their recent performances have raised concerns, especially with the upcoming Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
5. Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Everton, with Caitlin Foord opening the scoring early on. Despite Everton's equalizer, Beth Mead's goal in first-half stoppage time sealed the win for the Gunners.
6. Tottenham and West Ham played out a thrilling encounter, with Tottenham eventually clinching a 4-3 victory thanks to Jessica Naz's late goal. Both teams showcased resilience and fighting spirit throughout the match.
7. Brighton's Elisabeth Terland proved to be a reliable goal scorer once again, netting twice in a 3-2 win over Bristol City. Terland has now accumulated an impressive tally of nine league goals this season.
8. Aston Villa secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Leicester, with the victory partially attributed to their solid defensive performance. Holding onto a clean sheet was a crucial achievement for a team that has struggled for consistency this season.
9. Lyon faced a stubborn Montpellier side in France, eventually triumphing 2-1. Despite Montpellier's goal, Lyon managed to maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the table.
10. Madelen Janogy's move to Fiorentina proved fruitful as she made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in five minutes to secure a 3-1 win against Pomigliano.
This weekend's women's football action showcased thrilling encounters, exceptional individual performances, and continued dominance from some of the top teams. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these teams and players continue to make their mark on the game.
