Ceri Holland was responsible for the game-winning goal, but was later ejected from the match as Liverpool claimed a 1-0 victory over Brighton. The captain capitalized on a mistake by Sophie Baggaley in the 53rd minute, shooting the ball past the Brighton goalkeeper and into the net to give the visitors the lead. Holland received her first yellow card 15 minutes later, and was ultimately sent off after receiving a second booking during stoppage time for a foul on Julia Zigiotti.
The current standings show Liverpool in second place, trailing Manchester United by a margin of two points. They are also ahead of Tottenham by three points, despite suffering a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa. Adriana Leon scored the first goal for the visitors in the 23rd minute, but Spurs managed to equalize before halftime with a header from Amy James-Turner.
At the 60 minute mark, Jordan Nobbs scored an impressive goal from 20 yards out using the outer side of her foot. Even though she also hit the crossbar from a cross by Kenza Dali, former Arsenal midfielder Nobbs was unable to score again. Despite Rachel Daly missing due to a three-game suspension, Villa managed to hold on and win thanks to Daphne van Domselaar’s saves from Martha Thomas and Jessica Naz.
Leicester turned the tide and inflicted more suffering on last-place Bristol City with a 5-2 victory at the King Power Stadium. In the 20th minute, Ffion Morgan scored for the visitors with a powerful shot from a distance, but Leicester responded swiftly with a goal from Yuka Momiki. Just before the end of the first half, Saori Takarada, also from Japan, scored for Leicester with a close-range finish.
Charlton regained the lead when a penalty was awarded to them in the 52nd minute
Four minutes into the second half, Amalie Thestrup scored to level the game for Bristol City. However, Charlton regained their lead in the 52nd minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Janice Cayman scored to put the hosts back in the lead, followed by a goal from Jutta Rantala with 15 minutes remaining. Leicester secured their win when 16-year-old Denny Draper, who had come on as a substitute, scored her first senior goal in the 89th minute.
Everton eased their relegation fears by leapfrogging West Ham with their first home win of the season. The hosts left it late at Walton Hall Park before Martina Piemonte headed home a free kick from compatriot Aurora Galli. Roles were reversed three minutes later as Piemonte set up Galli to complete the job. Guardian sport
This concludes my updates for today. Thank you for taking the time to read this MBM!
During an interview with Sky, Matt Beard discussed their game against Brighton. He mentioned that they had expected Brighton to focus heavily on their defense and were able to force them into making mistakes, leading to a goal. Despite the tough conditions, they were pleased with their performance and the clean sheet. Matt also expressed frustration with the yellow card given to Holland, stating that it was a good tackle and the referee should have considered the state of the game. He emphasized the importance of getting three points, especially during an international break, and how it allowed the team to leave with a positive feeling.
Mikey Harris spoke with Sky about his team’s style of play. He acknowledged the potential risks involved in playing out from the back and took responsibility for the decision in today’s game. He believes that on another day, his team could have at least earned a draw. He instructed his players to focus on possessing the ball and pressuring the opponent, which he felt they did well for most of the game. However, he admits that their pressing could have been better in the first half. Despite making adjustments and seeing improvements, Harris was disappointed with the end result as his team put in a lot of effort and played with bravery, but ultimately came away with nothing.
Sophie Román Haugh spoke to Sky about the challenging conditions and strong opponents in the match against Brighton. Despite this, the team rose to the occasion, winning important points and securing a victory. They were well-prepared for the challenges and handled the conditions effectively. Haugh expressed satisfaction with the win and emphasized the importance of starting the national break on a positive note. The team will carry this momentum forward in their future games.
However, Liverpool managed to maintain their lead. They are currently ranked 5th and are closely trailing behind Manchester United in 4th. Brighton was unable to advance to 7th place and instead, remains at 11th place following their loss.
Afterwards, she became a villain when she received her second yellow card.
Holland scored the lone goal of the match, giving Liverpool the lead.
It is possible for them to do so. Liverpool secures a win with three points. This success is their first in the WSL this year. However, when considering Matt Beard’s expression, the victory is somewhat tainted due to Holland’s red card.
Brighton suffered another loss in the WSL. Despite playing good football, Harris’ team was unable to challenge Liverpool, particularly in the second half.
After 90 minutes and 6 additional minutes, Liverpool continues to possess the ball in the right corner of the field, determined to secure victory. Will they be able to maintain their lead?
Holland receives a second yellow card for making a late challenge near the edge of the Liverpool box. This could lead to a tense few minutes ahead for the Reds.
In the 91st minute, Liverpool effectively utilizes their left side attack. Kiernan sends a cross towards the goal for Koivisto, but unfortunately she is unable to control it and sends it high over the crossbar.
90 minutes: An additional six minutes of time.
After 85 minutes of play, Brighton is awarded a corner kick. The Brighton players surround Laws, the opposing team’s goalkeeper, in an attempt to capitalize on their persistent pressure. The cross from the left side almost reaches Lee, but she is unable to redirect it into the goal with her foot.
83 minutes have passed: Once again, Brighton is lacking the necessary finishing touch in the last third of the field. Guem-Min Lee, who came on as a substitute in the second half, passes the ball to the right winger, but unfortunately the attack does not result in a goal.
Eighty-one minutes into the game, Julia Zigiotti Olme gains possession of the ball in the middle of the field and takes a shot at Laws. However, her strike is weak and does not challenge the Liverpool goalkeeper.
79 min: Brighton are persisting with their ball playing philosophy. Despite looking shaky at times, they play their way out of the back before sending a long ball over the top to Terland. She can’t quite get a hold of it though and Liverpool regain possession.
72 min: It should really be 1-1. Brighton play a looping ball over the top to Terland. The striker charges towards the six-yard box and crosses the ball with the outside of her right boot. Her cross is slightly behind Katie Robinson who tried to get on the end of it. It would have been a tap in with a slightly better delivery.
After 68 minutes, Brighton is awarded a free kick in the middle of the field due to a tackle by Holland. Pattinson takes the kick from approximately 35 yards away and Laws attempts to catch it, but it slips out of her hands. She landed on her defenders while jumping for the ball and is now down due to the impact.
In the 66th minute, Brighton is successfully getting into advantageous positions. They are once again finding success on the left side, with Pattinson and Bremer working together. However, Pattinson’s cross is weak and Laws makes an easy save.
After scoring, Liverpool appears to have slowed down the pace of the game. Brighton should try to generate more chances.
In the 59th minute, both teams made changes at the beginning of the second half. Liverpool replaced Melissa Lawley and Höbinger with Leanne Kiernan and Missy Bo Kearns in a double substitution.
To the surprise of Brighton, Veatriki Sarri is replaced by Pauline Bremer. Sarri was a key player for Brighton, posing numerous challenges for Liverpool’s right side in the first half.
A goal was inevitable. Brighton puts themselves in a predicament with their passes in the back. Baggaley makes a mistake and hands Liverpool an opportunity. Ceri Holland receives the ball near the box and calmly scores it in the bottom left corner, past Baggaley.
After 51 minutes, Brighton’s performance in the beginning of the second half does not look promising. Harris’ team has allowed the most goals in the second half compared to any other team in the league.
In the 49th minute, Liverpool has begun the second half with energy. Brighton carelessly loses possession while attempting to build from their own end. Liverpool has already earned their second corner kick of the half.
Brighton starts the match and hopes to capitalize on their opportunities during the second half.
After 45 minutes, a new referee, Emily Heaslip, replaces Amy Fearn who sustained an injury. Both teams return to the field.
Fine margins indeed
Remember the Race for the Title!
The score is tied at the halfway mark. Both teams have had opportunities to take the lead, particularly towards the end of the first half. While Liverpool may have had more possession, Brighton is likely feeling more content as they came closest to scoring.
After 45 minutes of play, there were 2 more minutes added to the game and Brighton had another opportunity. However, their shot from the right side of the box was easily caught by Rachael Laws.
45 minutes have passed and the game is becoming more intense. Now it’s Brighton’s turn to make a move towards the goal. Patinson receives the ball on the left side of the box and attempts a cross or shot, which hits the bar.
44 minutes have passed: Almost there! Liverpool earns a corner kick and naturally, Román Haug is the intended recipient. She strategically positions herself against her defender and skillfully directs a diving header just barely missing the left post. It feels like a goal is imminent.
Pattinson has been exceptional in the first half, with the majority of Brighton’s offensive plays originating from her on the left side. Liverpool is aware of her danger and commits a foul, resulting in a free kick for Brighton.
After 36 minutes, Guro Bergsvand commits a foul on Ceri Holland near Liverpool’s left side. The resulting free kick goes directly into the hands of Baggaley, the Brighton goalkeeper. Baggaley quickly launches the ball out to start a counter attack for Brighton. However, their final pass lacks precision and the attack is unsuccessful.
The match has turned into a messy affair following a brief pause for Pattinson to be treated for a head injury from a previous collision. Both teams are struggling to find their groove.
26 minutes have passed: Brighton attempts to build an attack from the back once more. A lofted pass from Baggaley results in a collision of heads between Emma Koivisto and Poppy Pattinson. The Brighton player falls to the ground holding her head, but appears to be able to continue playing.
In the 23rd minute, both teams are currently engaged in a back-and-forth match. There have not been many obvious scoring opportunities, except for Terland’s shot.
After 20 minutes, Liverpool takes a corner from the right side. However, they are unable to score from it. Brighton quickly switches from defending to attacking. The pass to the attacker is not accurate, but it highlights Brighton’s ability to counter attack.
After 15 minutes, Liverpool takes their turn to go on the offensive. Melissa Lawley delivers a tempting ball from the right side into the box. However, no one is able to make a connection with the initial cross. The ball is then passed back in from the left, where Marie Höbinger is able to take a first-time shot. Unfortunately, the Brighton defense is able to block it effectively. In the WSL, the Seagulls have impressively blocked 81 shots on goal, 26 more than any other team.
In the 11th minute, Brighton puts pressure on Liverpool and Elisabeth Terland gains possession of the ball approximately thirty yards away from the goal. With great assurance, she shoots a low shot towards the left side of the goal, possibly grazing the post. This shows potential for Brighton in the beginning of the game.
In the first 10 minutes, Brighton is displaying skillful passing on the left side. Poppy Pattinson executes a fast exchange with a teammate and delivers a risky cross. Unfortunately, no Brighton player is able to connect with it.
In the sixth minute, Sophie Román Haug successfully connects with a corner kick from the right side. She jumps up and skillfully heads the ball into the goal, past the right post.
Brighton will likely limit her chances. Román Haug holds the record for the most aerial duels won in the league with 58 (a notable 21 more than any other player).
In the first 4 minutes, Brighton appears comfortable with possession and remains composed despite Liverpool’s pressure. However, they have now given away a corner.
After 1 minute, Liverpool receives an early corner kick. The ball is crossed into the box, but Sophie Baggaley easily catches it.
Liverpool starts the game by playing from the left side of the field to the right side.
Matt Beard spoke with members of the press during his Friday media briefing.
There have been some noticeable changes in the structure of Brighton’s team, both in their style of play and their organization. They are now more organized when defending and less aggressive in their pressing, compared to when Mel was in charge. This means we will need to be patient when we have possession on Sunday. Brighton builds their attacks effectively, and they are well-structured defensively. The coach has done an impressive job in a short period of time, and tactically, it will be a good test for us on Sunday.
During the press conference on Friday, Mikey Harris addressed the audience.
“We have had ample opportunity to conduct our research. I have observed Liverpool and their clear identity and well-coached team. I am familiar with Matt through my previous work with his brother Mark at Brighton for several years, so I have a good understanding of his style and what we can expect from his team. We anticipate a challenging match on Sunday and will strive to be fully prepared and determined to secure a victory.”
The teams:
Brighton: Sophie Baggaley, Maria Thorisdóttir, Poppy Pattinson, Guro Bergsvand, Vicky Losada, Veatriki Sarri, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Elisabeth Terland, Emma Kullberg, Tatiana Ferreira Pinto, Katie Robinson
Subs: Lee, Li, Dent, Startup, Mcwen, Bremer, Johnson
Liverpool: Rachael Laws, Emma Koivisto, Grace Fisk, Niamh Fahey, Gemma Bonner, Jasmine Matthews, Fuka Nagano, Ceri Holland, Marie Höbinger, Melissa Lawley, Sophie Román Haug
Subs: Daniels, Clark, Lundgaard, Enderby, van de Sanden, Kiernan, Micah, Kearns
Brighton is searching for their first victory in the Women’s Super League with interim coach Mikey Harris at the helm. A win today could potentially move them up from 11th to 7th place in the league standings.
Currently, Liverpool is in need of a victory in order to recover from their recent defeats in January. A triumph for Matt Beard’s team would maintain the pressure on Manchester United, who currently holds the 4th position.
There is a lot at stake! The game will begin at 12pm GMT.
Source: theguardian.com
