Matildas Abroad: FA WSL Round 4 Talking Points

Another round of the FA Women’s Super League has come and gone with plenty of action taking place.

One fixture was unable to take place with a positive coronavirus case postponing Aston Villa’s clash with Chloe Logarzo’s Bristol. However, her Westfield Matildas team mates were once again in the thick of the action.

Here are three talking points from Round 4.

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Kerr, Kirby, and Chelsea

In arguably the match of the round, Chelsea took the three points over Manchester City with a 3-1 win. The Blues built on their midweek 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the FA Women’s League Cup.

A controversial penalty saw Maren Mjelde open the scoring from the penalty spot. The front three of Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, and Sam Kerr combined well, probing a strong City defence.

The trio worked in combination creating plenty of chances and eventually they were able to double Chelsea’s advantage. A ball out to the right released Kirby whose cross along the deck was met by an oncoming Kerr. The tap in is Kerr’s third goal in four FAWSL matches.

Chloe Kelly pegged one back for the visitors – also from the spot – but Kirby put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was full of praise for the Westfield Matilda in the post match media.

"I'm so happy for Sam Kerr today, she put in an unbelievable shift for the team and the pressures are there for her to score. The team are very happy for her."

Arsenal return to the top

A fourth win in as many matches saw Joe Montemurro’s side return to the summit after a 5-0 triumph over Brighton.

The victory was a strong response after their 4-1 loss midweek to Chelsea in the League Cup. Although the home side started brightly, it was Vivianne Miedema who opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

Caitlin Foord retained her place in the starting line-up and played her role once again. She was instrumental in Danielle Van De Donk’s goal. It was her run down the right flank and her guile to beat two defenders and square the ball for the Dutchwoman to finish off.


Montemurro lauded the Aussie winger and what she brings to the team.

She has a different dimension, she’s a little more explosive, very good at protecting the ball and very good at coming inside, which is probably a different asset to our other wingers.”

Jen Beattie, Carlotte Wubben-Moy and another Miedema goal rounded out the performance.

Australian team mate Lydia Williams also returned to full training during the week and was on the bench for this encounter.

Everton still perfect, West Ham still winless

Along with Arsenal, Everton are the only side with a perfect record in the FAWSL. They entered this clash with West Ham having lost to Man City midweek. Meanwhile their opponents, West Ham, were fresh off a dramatic penalty win in the Cup.

Emily van Egmond and Mackenzie Arnold were once again in the starting line-up and played out the full game.

The Toffees started strongly with a goal in the 8th minute. Kenza Dali equalised for the Hammers, ensuring proceedings were level at the break.

In the second half, van Egmond came close to finding the back of the net. Rachel Daly’s corner met van Egmond’s head but it was just over the bar.  

EVE in action
Emily van Egmond in action for West Ham (Photo: Getty Images)

Hayley Raso was injected into the game for Everton along with Lucy Graham who managed to be the game changer. She scored twice in her 20 minute cameo to ensure all three points.

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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