Women’s Super League: talking points from the weekend’s action

Chelsea had a real scrap on their hands at St Andrew’s as they edged past a resilient Birmingham. The hosts, fighting relegation, put in an admirable performance to disrupt the champions’ rhythm but a Pernille Harder penalty in the 71st minute gave Chelsea the three points as conditions worsened amid heavy rain. “Thank goodness, to be honest,” said a relieved Emma Hayes as her team retained the initiative in the title race. “I don’t think we should let it get to that point. However, let’s credit Birmingham. They were fighting for their lives; they fought for every ball. [They were] a real credit to their club and they made it extremely difficult.” With the championship and relegation to be decided, a dramatic final week of the FAWSL awaits. Will there be more twists and turns? SD

“We want you to stay.” Those were the cries ringing around Meadow Park, directed at Vivianne Miedema, as she scored twice to lead Arsenal to a 7-0 dismantling of Aston Villa. The Dutch striker’s contract runs out this summer. Her supposed destination? Barcelona. Jonatan Giráldez’s team have been ripping it up in the Primera División, and are in the Champions League final after putting five goals past Wolfsburg in front of 91,648 at the Camp Nou in the semi-final first leg. Would Miedema slot into his team? Sunday’s double suggested as much; she was denied a hat-trick only by Sian Rogers’ outstanding goalkeeping. Although Jonas Eidevall mentioned incorporating “the Barça culture” in his post-match press conference, Arsenal’s manager may have to go to some lengths to persuade Miedema to reject the dream move. Perhaps snatching the title from Chelsea’s grasp in their last game could do the trick. MN

Match report: Arsenal 7-0 Aston Villa

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