Controversy at the Emirates and Villa stun Manchester United - Women’s Football Weekly

On today’s pod: VAR talk dominates again after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with disallowed goals and missed cards prompting calls for more support for referees in the WSL. Should VAR-lite or semi-automated offside be introduced?

Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the season against a resurgent Aston Villa. Manchester City took full advantage to go top with a hard-fought win over Everton. How long will it be before Marva is allowed to cut her hair?

Plus: a six-goal thriller between London City and Spurs, late heartbreak for West Ham and Liverpool, and a look ahead to the return of the Champions League, including Mary Earps’s Old Trafford homecoming.

Also: a quick spin through the NWSL as Kansas City Current fail to carry their league form into the playoffs and North Korea continue to dominate women’s youth football as they win the U17 World Cup.

Vote for The Guardian Women’s Football Weekly as your Women’s Football Media of the Year Award at the FSA Awards 2025.

Sign up for our women’s football newsletter – all you need to do is search “Moving the Goalposts sign up” or follow this link.

Click here to read article