Chelsea go top of WSL with 6-0 win at Charlton as Man City edge London City

Chelsea storm past Charlton to reclaim the summit

Chelsea returned to the top of the Women's Super League on Sunday, 1 November, with a 6-0 win at The Valley against bottom side Charlton. Nathalie Bjorn rose highest to head the Blues in front after three minutes, and by the 19th minute they had four goals, leaving the home side stunned. Melvine Malard scored twice, once after Anna Koivunen fumbled the ball into her own net, and Ellie Carpenter added a goal, her second in as many games. A further Malard goal was ruled out for a tight offside, a rare reprieve for Charlton. After the break Aggie Beever-Jones scored her first goal since September 2025, and Giulia Dragoni, on her first Chelsea goal, completed the rout. Chelsea are level on 22 points with Manchester City but hold a goal difference of 23 to City's 12, while Charlton remain bottom with no points from eight games.

London City push Manchester City but lose 2-1

Manchester City beat London City 2-1 at Hayes Lane on Sunday, 1 November. Khadija Shaw gave the champions the lead, Jana Fernandez levelled for the hosts, and Lauren Hemp scored the 74th-minute winner. London City had 24 shots but only six on target, and according to Opta they won the ball in the final third during the first half more often than any side in a WSL game this season.

Total shots24

Shots on target6

Total shots

24

Shots on target

6

Data from the article text

Before the result, London City had been widely described as the better side for much of the afternoon. Manager Eder Maestre said his team's performances were already at the level they wanted, but results had not always shown it. Maestre added that the result was not the one his side deserved.

“That's why it's doubly frustrating, because I think the result was not the one we deserve.”

London City, backed by US billionaire Michele Kang, agreed a shirt deal with Nike believed to be worth more than £3m a year. The club has built its own training facility in Kent and persuaded Alexia Putellas to join in the summer.

Brighton, Palace and the table

Brighton came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Broadfield Stadium. Anabel Blanchard gave the visitors a 34th-minute lead, but Caitlin Hayes headed home the equaliser in the 59th minute from a Manuela Vanegas cross. Sophie Peskett scored the winner a few minutes later, diverting Emilie Joramo's wayward low shot into the net. Brighton moved up to sixth on the back of three wins in four games. Palace, who lost a third game in a row, are without a win in seven and sit second from bottom.

Spurs, West Ham and Arsenal results

Tottenham beat Birmingham 4-1 with goals from Julie Blakstad, Olivia Holdt, Signe Gaupset and Victoria Pelova in the 84th minute, ending a three-game losing run. Neve Herron scored a consolation for Birmingham, and the win lifted Spurs to fourth. Drew Spence made her 217th WSL appearance in the match, a league record. West Ham beat Liverpool 4-1 with two goals from Viviane Asseyi, the first from a penalty in the seventh minute, plus strikes from Leila Wandeler and Laia Codina. Vivien Endemann replied for Liverpool, and West Ham moved above them to 10th. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium after Chasity Grant put Villa ahead in the 25th minute and Alessia Russo headed in five minutes from time.