Alyssa Thompson Helps Chelsea Thrash Manchester United 5-0
Chelsea’s 5-0 dismantling of Manchester United defined the second weekend of the Women’s Super League season, placing United States internationals Alyssa Thompson and Phallon Tullis-Joyce on opposite sides of a one-sided contest. Thompson again started for the Blues, while Tullis-Joyce faced sustained pressure in the United goal despite making several notable saves.
Chelsea’s control leaves United exposed
Chelsea dominated from the opening stages at 63 percent possession and 25 attempts, repeatedly recovering the ball high up the pitch and preventing Manchester United from establishing any rhythm.
Tullis-Joyce was tested early but dealt with Wieke Kaptein’s effort before producing a more difficult save from Lauren James shortly before the interval. The American goalkeeper’s standout intervention came in the 78th minute, with Chelsea already 4-0 ahead, when she reacted from close range to stop Kadeisha Buchanan.
The final score was nevertheless punishing for United. Tullis-Joyce was regularly left with little protection by the defenders in front of her and prevented Chelsea from extending an already emphatic victory.
| Match | Result | Chelsea possession | Chelsea shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea vs Manchester United | Chelsea 5-0 Manchester United | 63% | 25 |
Thompson’s early involvement continues
Thompson began on the left for the second league match in succession, another positive indication of her standing in Chelsea’s early-season plans. The 21-year-old supplied energy as Chelsea widened the pitch and targeted turnovers in advanced areas, though she did not register a goal or assist.
Chelsea’s scoring was shared across the side. James, Sjoeke Nüsken, Keira Walsh, Ellie Carpenter and Lucy Bronze each found the net, illustrating the range of options available to the Blues. Thompson remains without her first goal of the league campaign.
Weekend sequence
- Chelsea established territorial control early, forcing Tullis-Joyce into saves against Kaptein and James.
- James, Nüsken, Walsh, Carpenter and Bronze completed Chelsea’s five-goal scoring display.
- Tullis-Joyce denied Buchanan in the 78th minute despite United trailing by four goals.
- Manchester City maintained their perfect league start with a 4-1 win away to Aston Villa.
- Arsenal and Crystal Palace drew 0-0, while Lyon and Paris FC also finished goalless.
City extend perfect start as Coffey settles
Manchester City continued as the early Women’s Super League pace-setters by winning 4-1 at Aston Villa. Jade Rose and Mary Fowler gave the defending champions a strong first-half platform, before Khadija “Bunny” Shaw helped remove any prospect of a Villa recovery after the break.
Sam Coffey has played 43 minutes across City’s opening two league fixtures as she works into a midfield containing significant competition for places. She was not a central figure in the Villa result, but her ability to screen defensively and control possession gives City another option as her involvement develops.
Fox drives Arsenal forward in Palace stalemate
Emily Fox retained her usual position at full-back as Arsenal were held 0-0 by Crystal Palace. The defender restricted Palace’s opportunities to move forward and also provided an attacking outlet, recording four shots with one on target as Arsenal continued to press for a breakthrough.
Arsenal sit fifth after one win and one draw. Fox’s next fixture brings a meeting with Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United on September 19.
Yohannes and Lyon share points in France
Lily Yohannes and Lyon were also unable to find a winner, drawing 0-0 with Paris FC. The result added another frustrating scoreless outing to a weekend that produced sharply contrasting outcomes for American players across Europe.
Key takeaways
- Thompson has started both of Chelsea’s opening league matches, although she is still waiting for her first goal contribution of the season.
- Tullis-Joyce conceded five but made important saves and was repeatedly exposed by Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings.
- City’s victory at Aston Villa preserved their perfect start, with Coffey having played 43 minutes over two league games.
- Fox was active at both ends for Arsenal in the draw with Crystal Palace, while Yohannes and Lyon drew with Paris FC.
