A meal has been served this week both on and off the pitch, so let’s dig in.
Appetiser: Next weekend’s showcase between Chelsea and Manchester United has been postponed over player welfare concerns due to the Blues scheduled for a European fixture against Real Madrid within 48 hours of the FA WSL fixture.
Much like getting poppadoms served at an Indian, it’s easy to add your own flavour to this announcement. Some fans hate it, clubs say it’s better for the players and others on the fence.
On the face of it, I support the move. It’s far too early in the season for crammed scheduling that increases the hazard of nasty injuries, especially when one competition can simply postpone a fixture.
But deeper upon hearing UEFA had made their schedule known for over a year and it was always a possibility the one side locked into European football could be playing on a Tuesday, I simply don’t understand why it was left this late to fix. Chelsea shouldn’t have been schedule for a Sunday game leading into a European mid-week fixture. It’s even more ridiculous that their opening two games have been a Friday night, and a wee shuffle, which would include United’s Cup fixture, there would be no upset fans, nor concerns for welfare.
The situation is like a good chutney that has a hint of spice. It gives you one little punch, and you know more is to come. This won’t be the last we hear of mayhem in the scheduling room.
Add in, Arsenal are a little peeved due to their upcoming fixture against Chelsea the following weekend and it’s a mighty sweet way to start this meal.
Main course: Jill Roord coming back after being sidelined for eight months due to an ACL injury is the hearty main course everyone seeks. Much like a delicious plate of curry, it’s totally heartwarming and worthy of a standing ovation.
It’s odd to say a player was the missing piece to a side who only missed winning silverware due to goal difference, but Roord is the player. She produces the spark and creativity that connects the different elements of City’s attack so smoothly. Having her back on the park so early in the season is only an advantage.
The scary thing is her absence accelerated Jess Park’s growth, who in her own right has claimed the number 10 role in this City team. Then add in Viv Miedema joining the squad, and suddenly City are loaded with options all offering something different.
It’s a main course that in itself does all the talking, but don’t for a second doubt having Roord back is massive for City and fighting on all fronts this season.
Dessert: Foord at left back. Very little is better than a traditional, long-forgotten dessert and this one was bitter sweet.
Many of us had forgotten Foord had made her mark as a teenager as a fullback, marking the one and only Marta. But it seems the Gunners gaffer hadn’t when Katie McCabe needed a break.
It’s fun to remember the season Foord came back from substantial injury playing for Sydney FC and it was clear she would be a forward, not a fullback. The way she entered the game and almost had that transition from young, up-and-comer to announcing herself as an established forward.
The Aussie has the tenacity and ability to play fullback, there’s no doubt, but it takes away from what she’s really good at. Her reading of the game, which can help in defence, is best served in connecting play forward and linking up with those around her on the ball rather than off it.
That Leicester were quick to expose Foord in behind, leaving her in no-man’s land on at least two occasions during her cameo demonstrates it’s been a while since she’s played there. It further reinforces this option should be a once-in-a-blue-moon treat like Christmas pudding, and not that block of Cadbury’s that I turn to far too often for a wee treat.
What about Brighton? They stuck with the program of playing out from the back. There were moments where it worked, and they stretched Manchester City enough to have a chance or two in the first half. However, by the second half they were well and truly riding their luck playing out from the back so often.
Perhaps their get out of jail card is the experience in the backline and with Sophie Baggaley in goals. They seem to be able to abort the mission and play it long when it’s totally not working, while Baggaley also produced a couple stellar saves.
While the 1-0 scoreline was well deserved, the Seagulls certainly rode their luck at times and with some better finishing could’ve been on the wrong end of a thumping scoreline. It doesn’t mean the system doesn’t work, but it remains high risk, high reward. And they’re showing they’re a brave side to stick by the program.
Game of the round: On paper Aston Villa v Tottenham was going to be a tight one after the opening round results. And it wasn’t wrong.
Against the run of play, a penalty secured Tottenham a first half lead and clawed the match back onto their terms. However, sheer persistence saw Villa score twice from the 75” mark with the final Rachel Daly strike seemingly tying things up… or did it? Rather Spurs finally woke up and substitute Beth England scored in dramatic style.
If you’ve not watched it, grab your phone and watch it ASAP, it’ll be worth it.
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 