WSL talking points including Brighton’s shock sacking

Kristie Mewis signed for West Ham from NWSL side GothamVenue: Chigwell Construction Stadium, London Date: Sunday, 4 February Time: 12:30 GMTCoverage: Watch live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website & app; live text commentary on BBC Sport website & app

The Women’s Super League is getting to the business end of the season with 10 rounds of matches left and there is not much to separate the top three.

Leaders Chelsea are just three points ahead of second and third-placed Manchester City and Arsenal, with Gareth Taylor’s side only above the Gunners on goal difference.

The trio are playing clubs on Sunday capable of causing an upset.

Arsenal travel to West Ham in a match live on BBC Two, while City host Leicester and Chelsea are at home to Everton.

Here are the main talking points before the weekend’s games.

Brighton’s shock sacking

Melissa Phillips was appointed in April 2023

Shockwaves were sent throughout the WSL on Thursday night as, just hours after holding a press conference about Brighton’s fixture against Manchester United on Sunday, Seagulls manager Melissa Phillips was sacked.

The news caught many off guard with the manager building a good squad, just finishing her second transfer window, and it is thought she was well liked by players and staff.

Phillips’ tenure had seen progress on the pitch but the improvements did not translate into a transformative league position, Brighton are currently 10th after recording three wins from 12 games.

But some fans on social media have argued Phillips deserved more time. The Brighton press release said the investment they had put into the team this season had not been reflected in results.

Interim boss Mikey Harris said: “It’s always challenging when a head coach departs a football club, whatever the circumstances. For the players it has been difficult. I think it’s important we acknowledge that first and foremost.”

Who had the best transfer window?

The window was not overly busy this January but clubs did do a bit of business on deadline day. Manchester City brought in three players including midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown, a talent Aston Villa did not want to lose.

Villa manager Carla Ward said: “When the call came in, the first thought was ‘absolutely no chance’. But as you are all aware, I’ve seen it reported and I think we said it ourselves, she had a clause in there.

“I think she’s an unbelievable talent. I’m personally gutted she’s no longer here.”

West Ham also signed another star on deadline day in Sweden international Marika Bergman-Lundin from Hacken, to cap off arguably the best window for a WSL club.

The midfielder followed Australia international Katrina Gorry, Canada defender Shelina Zadorsky and USA midfielder Kristie Mewis. The new players will be aiding West Ham in the relegation battle, the side are currently 11th and three points clear of bottom-of-the-table Bristol City.

Everton’s injury list grows

Everton have had to deal with injuries this season and, before they visit defending champions Chelsea, the club have been dealt new blows.

Captain Megan Finnigan is ill and so manager Brian Sorensen will make a late decision on whether the defender will feature on Sunday.

Sara Holmgaard will definitely miss out as her boss added: “Unfortunately the dead leg that Sara Holmgaard got in the Leicester game is worse than expected.

“We had a scan yesterday and she is going to be out for a period, we don’t know how long yet.”

Where do Man Utd go from here?

Some fans have been calling for Marc Skinner to be sacked

Now 10 points behind Chelsea, Manchester United have fallen behind in the title race. Many expected a semi-busy transfer window to boost the club’s Champions League and title ambitions, but the team did not bring in a single new player.

Manager Marc Skinner said United didn’t want to waste money on the wrong players and, in good news, they managed to extend Leah Galton’s contract.

But what will success look like for the club this season now?

A Champions League spot would be a huge boost for the summer transfer window and they can close the gap on the top three with victory against Brighton on Sunday.

Some silverware would be the next step forward, but now out of the Women’s League Cup, the FA Cup is the club’s only realistic hope this season.

Liverpool close in on top four

Liverpool host Tottenham on Sunday and a win could see them go level with fourth-placed Manchester United on points.

This season has seen a good run of form and improvement on the previous campaign. Liverpool won six games in the 2022/23 season and are already on five after 12 games.

Manager Matt Beard is focused on a top-four spot as he said: “It’s an important game. Winning would be fantastic as hopefully it keeps us in touch with that top three and four.

“It will also give us some breathing space from Tottenham again. It’s important we get three points but if we can’t, we need to make sure we get one.”

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : BBC Sport – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68179035