The final unbeaten run in the Women's Super League came to an end as Arsenal were stunned by a late Manchester United comeback, the headline act of a bumper round of fixtures.
In the league's return after the international break, three games were played at Premier League grounds, including United's first visit to Emirates Stadium. But the majority of the 40,000-plus crowd were left stunned when one of England's heroes from the summer, Alessia Russo, headed home a 90th-minute winner, bar a jubilant away section.
Elsewhere, Chelsea blew away Tottenham in a London derby at Stamford Bridge, while Aston Villa moved up the table with an impressive win over Reading. But the game of the weekend arguably came at Broadfield Stadium, where Brighton and Liverpool shared six goals in a thriller.
Here are five big talking points from the latest round of fixtures.
Arsenal taste defeat
Having only lost once in the league in 2022 before Saturday, Arsenal were looking unbeatable as Manchester United came to town. But the visitors produced an excellent away performance to blow the title race wide open.
The home side looked to have earned what would have been a slightly fortunate win when Laura Wienroither scored a brilliant half-volley with only 17 minutes to play. But United showed a real 'never-say-die' spirit, Millie Turner heading them level to set up Russo's late winner.
After a 14-match, WSL-record winning streak, most fans were starting to wonder when Arsenal might lose a game. Enter United to cause an upset.
Did you see the upset at the Emirates coming? Have your say in the comments!
Chelsea welcome back Hayes
Everyone connected with the game will have been delighted to see Emma Hayes return to the dugout against Tottenham. The Chelsea boss had been missing from the touchline since early October as she recovered from surgery.
The Blues marked her return with a dominant 3-0 win, all goals coming before half-time from Sam Kerr, Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten - Cuthbert's stunner the pick of the bunch. Hayes' return is clearly great news for Blues fans everywhere but also shows that they haven't dropped off during her absence.
When the news first broke, it was speculated how this could affect the Blues' performance on the pitch. Yet they won all four WSL matches without Hayes, and with this latest success went top of the league as their title charge gathers pace.
Liverpool show spirit in Brighton thriller
Newly-promoted Liverpool have had a tough start to life in the top flight. After a huge win over Chelsea on the opening day, they are yet to collect three points since.
That run was extended in a 3-3 draw with managerless Brighton, but it could prove a major turning point in the Reds' season. Three Brighton goals in just 13 minutes saw them 3-1 down and staring down the barrel of a sixth straight WSL defeat.
But Matt Beard's team showed the fighting spirit that may get them moving up the table in the coming weeks, with Shanice van de Sanden's introduction key. She headed home to get them back in it before creating Rachel Furness' dramatic 92nd-minute equaliser that stopped the rot.
With games to come against Reading, West Ham and Leicester before Christmas, Liverpool have a big chance to climb the table after a tricky patch.
Daly continues to stake No.9 claim
After starting and scoring playing as a centre-forward in England's 1-1 draw with Norway last week, Rachel Daly was back amongst the goals at club level for Aston Villa. But Villa had to come from behind at home to lowly Reading, who took the lead through an early Lauren Wade goal.
Enter the on-fire Daly, who turned the game around with two headers to put the hosts in control. The Lioness then sealed her hat-trick after the break with a penalty to secure a win that means Villa are just six points off the Champions League places.
She is leading the race for the league's top scorer alongside Manchester City's Khadija Shaw. If Daly keeps up this form, it will be impossible for Sarina Wiegman to select her as a defender rather than a forward.
Eye-catching attendance
More than 40,000 supporters were at Emirates Stadium for the second WSL game at the ground this season. Then Chelsea broke their attendance record by packing 38,300 into Stamford Bridge. Aston Villa also returned to Villa Park for their win over Reading, while Manchester United's next WSL game will take place at Old Trafford against the Villans.
It wasn't just in the top flight that hordes went to watch domestic women's football, Sheffield United Women drew a record Women's Championship crowd of 11,137 to Bramall Lane, as they were beaten 2-0 by London City Lionesses. Since Euro 2022, more people than ever before are heading to games.
As the returning Hayes said following Chelsea's win: "'I'm absolutely certain we're all outgrowing our small stadiums, that I'm sure of." It could be time for some clubs to upgrade.
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