Naomi Girma Still Waiting for Chelsea Debut as USWNT Stars Shine in WSL
Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Birmingham City, Arsenal’s late draw with Manchester United and Manchester City’s comeback against Liverpool put several USWNT players in influential roles during the third weekend of the Women’s Super League season. Alyssa Thompson again drove Chelsea’s attack despite remaining goalless, while Naomi Girma is still waiting for her first league minutes for the Blues.
Chelsea win as Thompson creates and Girma waits
Thompson made a third consecutive Chelsea start on Saturday and played 87 minutes in the win over Birmingham City. Although she has not scored in the league this term, the forward helped set the tempo in a dominant attacking performance as Chelsea held 72 per cent possession.
The opening goal arrived in the eighth minute after Thompson’s close-range attempt was saved by Birmingham goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley. Lexi Potter converted the loose ball to give Chelsea the lead. Thompson remained heavily involved thereafter, seeing another effort blocked, supplying Ellie Carpenter with a chance and delivering the cross from which Sjoeke Nüsken struck the crossbar with a first-half header.
Her contribution was not reflected in a goal or assist, but it continued a promising start in which she has offered Chelsea more than just finishing. That regular club involvement is particularly valuable as she seeks to maintain her place in the United States picture.
Girma, however, was again an unused substitute. The centre-back has yet to feature in Chelsea’s first three WSL fixtures, despite playing every minute of the club’s two Champions League qualifying matches against Real Sociedad. She also scored in the 5-2 first-leg victory.
- Thompson started for the third league match in succession and played 87 minutes.
- Chelsea beat Birmingham City 2-0 after taking an eighth-minute lead.
- Girma has not made a WSL appearance this season.
- The defender completed 180 minutes across Chelsea’s two qualifying ties against Real Sociedad.
For Girma, the contrast between European involvement and league selection will be closely monitored. She remains a central figure in the USWNT defence, and regular match minutes will become increasingly important with the World Cup due next summer.
Tullis-Joyce holds Arsenal until stoppage time
Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced one of the weekend’s strongest individual displays in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. United faced 17 attempts, but the American made six saves and denied both Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord during a demanding match.
Arsenal eventually found an equaliser in stoppage time, ending Tullis-Joyce’s hopes of preserving United’s lead. Emily Fox also contributed defensively for Arsenal, helping restrict the opportunities available to the home side.
Tullis-Joyce has made seven appearances for the United States and kept five clean sheets, establishing herself within Emma Hayes’ goalkeeper group. Her shot-stopping against Arsenal will support her push for a more regular international role.
Distribution remains the key area in which she can develop. United’s more direct approach does not consistently require her to build play as an additional outfield option, meaning she receives fewer chances to show the passing range and calmness needed in possession-heavy systems.
Coffey adds control to City comeback
Sam Coffey entered Manchester City’s match against Liverpool in the 62nd minute, replacing Laura Blindkilde Brown with City trailing 2-1. The midfielder played the final 28 minutes as City recovered to claim a 4-2 win, scoring twice late in the contest.
She did not register a goal or assist, but her arrival gave City renewed energy and stability in midfield as the side regained momentum. Coffey has been used from the bench in all three of City’s league games so far, totalling 71 minutes.
| Player | Club result | Notable weekend contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Alyssa Thompson | Chelsea 2-0 Birmingham City | Created the move leading to the opener |
| Phallon Tullis-Joyce | Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal | Six saves from 17 Arsenal shots |
| Sam Coffey | Manchester City 4-2 Liverpool | Substituted on in the 62nd minute |
Minutes remain the central issue
Thompson’s consistent starts and Tullis-Joyce’s high-volume performance offer encouraging signs for the USWNT, even without headline statistics. Coffey has shown she can help settle matches from the bench, but will be looking to turn those appearances into a larger role in a crowded City midfield.
The most pressing club situation remains Girma’s. Her Champions League displays have shown her availability and quality, yet a first WSL outing is still overdue. As the domestic season develops, the playing time of all four Americans will carry significance ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
