London City Lionesses

London City Lionesses manager Eder Maestre on his first win as head coach: “It means a lot, but it’s maybe not the way that I prefer to win the game.

"I think the other day, we deserved it more in terms of ambition. We are happy because I recognise we are a fighting team, we will fight every match.

"We know this match, with all the environment that happened around the very sad situation that [Brighton] suffered this week, we know that situation would empower them to give an extra motivation to play the way they did. I’m proud of the team because of the way we win is about fighting and trying to always have a very compact team."

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner, speaking to Sky Sports: "Really pleased. I felt we just edged the first half in chance creation but Liverpool stood firm, tough to break down and a couple of good saves from keeper. But calmness, relaxation, be ready to do same thing going into the second half and we will create that.

"Lisa has had to wait a while but I am so pleased for her because she gives everything all the time. The goals are incredible so congratulations to her on her performance, and the team."

On the message at half-time: "Jess [Park] reminded them, she was a key instigator in saying 'relax, keep putting them under pressure and we will get our rewards'. Even when Frida [Rolfo] comes on and gets that chance, I knew she'd finish it because she is a fantastic finisher."

On moving up to second: "It's all we can do. All we can do is manage ourselves and keep as much pressure as possible. We have had a fantastic start to the year. It is our job to continue that charge and create a red army running through the league."

Image source, Getty Images

Could the WSL title race be decided today?

Win today and Manchester City will extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points with eight games remaining.

But if Chelsea replicate their 1-0 victory against City in the League Cup semi-finals 11 days ago, then they'll cut the gap to six points.

No pressure then!

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City boss Andree Jeglertz names the same team who grabbed a late winner at London City Lionesses.

Australia international Mary Fowler is on the bench after returning from the ACL injury she picked up in April 2025.

Manchester City XI: Yamashita, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood, Casparij, Blindkilde Brown, Hasegawa, Hemp, Kerolin, Miedema, Shaw.

Subs: Keating, Clinton, Coombs, Fowler, Ouahabi, Coffey, Fujino, Beney, Prior.

Sonia Bompastor makes three changes to the Chelsea team who were beaten by Arsenal last weekend.

Lucy Bronze is not in the squad due to what we're told is a "minor injury" so Veerle Buurman comes into the team.

Lauren James replaces Sam Kerr up front. Keira Walsh also starts with Wieke Kaptein dropping to the bench.

Chelsea XI: Hampton, Carpenter, Bright, Buurman, Girma, Baltimore, Cuthbert, Walsh, Kaptein, Thompson, James.

Subs: Spencer, Peng, Nusken, Reiten, Rytting-Kaneryd, Kerr, Potter, Beever-Jones, Sarwie.

We've got more reaction from today's lunchtime kick-offs on the way, but it's time we geared up for today's huge clash at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City host Chelsea.

Team news incoming.

London City Lionesses

London City Lionesses' Freya Godfrey speaking after her side ended a four-match winless run: "Massive. Last week we showed our qualities and we felt like we deserved more from the game. Maybe this week it was a different story.

"They were dominant most of the game, but I think that [shows] signs we are improving because we are able to ride out those moments where we are under the cosh and come away with a win. Very, very big points for us."

On her goal: “I think it was similar to my goal last week, I just tried to make sure I can go either way to try and keep the defenders guessing and not be so predictable. It’s definitely something I’m working on.

“It’s a privilege but I obviously cannot take all the credit. My team-mates worked so hard for 90 minutes. Especially at the end of the game and the start of the game, we really had to work hard for each other and we are going to do that week in, week out."

Here's how the WSL table stands after an eventful start to the afternoon...

Manchester United move up to second, but that could be short-lived as Chelsea take on league leaders Manchester City very shortly.

Everton

Image source, Getty Images

Everton defender Martina Fernandez speaking after scoring twice against Aston Villa: "I'm so happy to have scored twice but they were team goals.

"It's our first three points at Goodison Park. So special. I think we deserved it because we have worked hard all season. It is so special because it gives us confidence to keep pushing hard.

"We have believed during 90 minutes every single weekend, we give everything on the pitch."

Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Lisa Naalsund, speaking to Sky Sports after scoring twice against Liverpool: "It was a very intense game, two teams pressing high and going for win. A good game.

"The team had a great energy today and didn't give Liverpool a lot of time."

On what the mood is like around Manchester United: "It's really good, a great group of people and when we do well it's extra nice. So we are really happy."

A huge three points for Everton.

They've come from behind to win, Ruby Mace recovering after her loose pass gifted Aston Villa a goal to come up with two assists for Martina Fernandez, and move four points clear of bottom side Liverpool.

As for Aston Villa, their up and down run continues. They've lost four of their past six matches.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton win at Goodison Park in the league for the first time since it became their home ground at the start of the 2025-26 season.

After six matches without a point, they've got three against Aston Villa.

Martina Fernandez at the double!

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham take all three points and keep the pressure on the WSL's top four.

Image source, Getty Images

Job done for Manchester United.

Liverpool will stay at the bottom of the table for another week.

London City Lionesses have stolen three points but they won't care!

Drew Spence is off!

The Tottenham midfielder sticks a high boot, studs up into Riko Ueki and it doesn't take referee Emily Heaslip long to reach for the red card.

Spence can't really complain about that one, but it's an unnecessary one with only a minute or so to go.

Teyah Goldie comes on for London City Lionesses, replacing Lucia Corrales.

Goalscorer Olivia Holdt is replaced by Maika Hamano.

The Dane's goal is the difference as things stand.

90 seconds of the four minutes of injury time remaining at the Broadfield Stadium.

Brighton sent their goalkeeper up for the corner. Chaos.

Gabby George smiles as she's shown a yellow card. She knew exactly what she was doing as she dragged down Mia Enderby.

Everton make a change. Issy Hobson comes on for Nicole Momiki.