Man Utd Women Surge to WSL Top Three After Beating Liverpool
In a pulsating Women's Super League (WSL) encounter at Leigh Sports Village Stadium, Manchester United's women's team secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Liverpool, propelling the Red Devils into the league's top three—at least temporarily. The match, played on a crisp Sunday afternoon, showcased the growing intensity of the WSL title race as Marc Skinner's side notched their third consecutive win, ramping up the pressure on frontrunners Chelsea ahead of their showdown with Manchester City.
Match Recap: A Tale of Second-Half Drama
The first half was a frustrating affair for United fans, with the team struggling to inject pace into their play. Liverpool's defense, marshaled effectively, absorbed the pressure without much alarm. United dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge, firing blanks despite several promising forays forward. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce was rarely tested, underlining Liverpool's conservative approach.
The game ignited post-interval, with three goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half transforming the contest. Norwegian midfielder Lisa Naalsund broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, latching onto a clever pass from Jess Park and lofting a sublime finish into the roof of the net past Liverpool's Jennifer Clark. It was a moment of class that rewarded United's persistence.
Liverpool responded swiftly, equalizing in the 55th minute through Alice Bergstrom. A corner kick led to a chaotic scramble in the United box, and Bergstrom prodded home from close range after Maya Le Tissier had heroically cleared off the line twice. The Swedish forward's opportunism briefly silenced the home crowd, but United's resolve was unshaken.
Naalsund, the 30-year-old talisman, restored the lead just five minutes later. Cutting inside onto her right foot, she unleashed a venomous strike that Clark could only parry into the net. It was Naalsund's first goals since early November, a timely reminder of her clinical finishing ability. The Red Devils never looked back, with substitute Fridolina Rolfo sealing the points in the 85th minute. The Swedish international produced a composed finish after a well-worked move involving Hanna Lundkvist, marking her seventh goal of the season.
Key Turning Points and Tactical Insights
Marc Skinner's halftime adjustments were pivotal. United shifted to a more direct style, exploiting Liverpool's high line with quick transitions. The aggressive pressing led by Julia Zigiotti Olme disrupted Liverpool's rhythm, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. This tactical tweak not only unlocked the game but highlighted Skinner's adaptability—a crucial trait in the cutthroat WSL.
Liverpool, under pressure from United's relentless second-half onslaught, struggled to regain composure. Their midfield was overrun, and attacks fizzled out against United's solid backline. The Merseyside outfit's inability to convert possession into threats exposed vulnerabilities that could haunt them in the relegation scrap.
Player Ratings: Standout Performers and Areas for Improvement
GOAL's ratings from the Leigh Sports Village paint a picture of a team that grew into the game, with several players stepping up when it mattered most.
Goalkeeper & Defense
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (5/10): Solid but untested; couldn't prevent Bergstrom's scrappy goal.
Jayde Riviere (7/10): Tenacious against Liverpool's forwards, winning key duels.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10): Immense at the back, with two crucial clearances before the equalizer.
Dominique Janssen (5/10): Sloppy passes gifted Liverpool chances, though unpunished.
Anna Sandberg (6/10): Reliable defensively, but limited attacking contributions.
Midfield
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10): Tireless worker, mopping up loose balls and nearly scoring late.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10): Aggressive pressing won possession high; assisted Naalsund's opener.
Lisa Naalsund (9/10): Match-winner with two exquisite finishes; her double was ruthless.
Attack
Jess Park (7/10): Sharp in transitions, assisting Naalsund; unlucky not to score.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10): Close with an early chance but faded before subbing off.
Melvine Malard (6/10): Booked for dissent but key pass sparked the first goal.
Substitutes & Manager
Fridolina Rolfo (7/10): Quiet start but clinical finish to seal victory.
Hanna Lundkvist (7/10): Solid at the back; assisted Rolfo's goal.
Gabrielle George, Ellen Wangerheim, Lea Schuller (N/A): Late changes to manage the clock.
Marc Skinner (7/10): Second-half improvements turned a stale game into a triumph.
Implications for the WSL Title Race
This win catapults United to second place, level on points with Chelsea but behind on goal difference. With the Blues facing Manchester City next, United have an opportunity to solidify their position. The Red Devils' form—unbeaten in five—signals genuine title contention, blending defensive resilience with attacking flair.
For Liverpool, the defeat piles on the misery, leaving them rooted near the bottom. Manager Matt Beard will demand more from his squad as survival becomes paramount.
Looking ahead, United host Arsenal in a mouthwatering clash that could define their season. Skinner's charges are proving that the WSL's elite must take notice—the Red Devils are here to stay.
As women's football continues to captivate Australia and the world, matches like this underscore the league's rising quality. Fans Down Under, tune in for more WSL action on streaming platforms.
