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GIRLACTICO Team Of Game Week Three: Who made it in?
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Phallon Tullis-Joyce played a crucial role in Manchester United’s improved defensive performance against Arsenal. The goalkeeper produced six vital saves at the Emirates, which helped Eva Olid’s side protect their lead for much of the match, producing a huge stop from Stina Blackstenius’ glancing header on the stroke of half time. Although the Gunners eventually equalised in stoppage time, her contribution ensured the visitors remained in contention throughout and produced a much-more assured defensive display this time out.
Andrea Medina
United’s summer signing Medina has been their shining light during their difficult start to the season, and this week was certainly no different. Against an Arsenal side that created sustained pressure, she worked hard to limit the hosts’ attacking threat and contributed to a performance that saw United come close to securing their first league victory of the season. Medina’s performance included crucial last-ditch tackles, nine defensive contributions, and showed a willingness to get forward, including a dangerous run that created an opportunity for Elisabeth Terland.
Mapi Leon
The former Barcelona defender Mapi León was instrumental in London City Lionesses’ 4-1 victory over Charlton Athletic, showing class is permanent. She completed 116 of 126 passes, an impressive 92% pass-completion rate, helping her team maintain control of the game. The Spaniard’s composure in possession and ability to dictate play from defence made her a standout performer and provided stability across the backline. It wasn’t just her eight defensive contributions that made her a key player for LCL, the defender created the most chances, producing five for her teammates.
Ellie Carpenter
Ellie Carpenter continues her impressive start to the season, helping Chelsea secure a second consecutive league victory and clean sheet in their 2-0 win over Birmingham City. Sonia Bompastor’s side controlled much of the match, limiting the opposition’s opportunities and maintaining their defensive organisation with the Matildas’ wingback crucial in this. Carpenter was influential in attack, taking the most touches in Birmingham’s box (16) whilst also providing defensive cover, and producing yet another dynamic display.
Alexia Putellas
La Reina has officially landed in the WSL. Alexia Putellas played a crucial role in London City Lionesses’ convincing win over Charlton, providing her first assist in the league for Isobel Goodwin’s opener and recorded three successful dribbles and seven touches inside the opposition box. The Ballon d’Or favourite’s vision was simply on another level, spotting her striker’s run before anyone else, providing the most perfectly weighted and timed ball into Goodwin’s feet. Her creativity and ability to influence the final third were central to Eder Maestre’s game plan that played out perfectly to get the side back to winning ways.
Lexi Potter
The Blues’ youngster Lexi Potter has been flying under the radar for her strong and composed performances in the opening two games but certainly cannot be looked past in game week three as she netted the opener in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Birmingham. Potter was essential in helping her side establish control of the match, providing confidence and accuracy on the ball as she completed 95% of her passes. Her contribution in the attacking areas, combined with her work rate, makes Potter a valuable addition to the Chelsea midfield as she continues to showcase her abilities in both attacking and defensive duties.
Olivia Holdt
Olivia Holdt delivered probably the weekend’s most eye-catching performances, scoring a hattrick in Tottenham Hotspur’s emphatic 7-0 win over Crystal Palace. Her finishing and movement caused constant problems for the opposition in the second half, making her an obvious choice for the midfield. After a slow start to the season with her first start not coming until this weekend, Holdt showed exactly why she deserved her place in the starting xi. Her second goal was particularly impressive, flicking the ball up and hitting it on the half-volley it into the roof of the net. The Spurs’ number 11 seemed to be the key to unlock their goalscoring second half as then side went on to dominate from then onwards.
Signe Gaupset
Signe Gaupset was a major factor in Tottenham’s attacking display against Palace. The midfielder registered two assists in the 7-0 victory, repeatedly creating opportunities for her teammates. Her creativity and quality in the final third seemed effortless as she provided the most chances (7) whilst also completing 94% of her passes. The 21-year-old continuously provided a threat, and much like Potter, flies under the radar but is certainly a player you need to watch! For Gaupset, football looks easy. The ball just simply sticks to her feet, with Palace only able to dispossess her once.
Lauren Hemp
This season feels like Lauren Hemp’s season. The rapid winger continued her fine form against Liverpool as she helped her side to a dramatic 4-2 victory with a brace, which included a late goal to make sure the side retained their unbeaten WSL home run under Andree Jeglertz. Her pace, direct running and clinical finishing made her one of the defining players of game week three, creating the most chances of any player during the game. Hemp’s constant threat down the wing was a serious issue for Liverpool with no player able to dispossess her, rightfully earning the player of the match award.
Vivien Endemann
Despite being on the end of a defeat, Vivien Endemann made her mark in Liverpool’s entertaining encounter with Man City, scoring to put the Reds 2-1 ahead in the first half. Her goal briefly shifted the momentum in the Reds’ favour during a fiercely contested match, although City eventually fought back to claim a 4-2 victory. However, it wasn’t as easy for the reigning champions as the scoreline may suggest, thanks to Liverpool’s summer signing. Endemann’s attacking threat caused problems for City’s defence as she managed to complete the most dribbles in the game whilst also helping her side out with four defensive contributions.
Isobel Goodwin
The young striker has had to wait patiently to make her mark this season after not featuring in the opening two games, but she certainly made a statement. Goodwin was the star of London City’s victory over Charlton, scoring two goals inside the opening 15 minutes. Her quickfire double gave the Lionesses early control, whilst her movement and finishing continued to cause problems throughout the match. Despite having not played a minute prior to this game, the 23-year-old showed no signs of rust or nervousness, calmly dispatching a well-timed pass from Putellas.
Honourable Mentions
A few players narrowly missed out on our XI but still caught the eye in Gameweek Three.
Victoria Pelova impressed for Tottenham with two goals and an assist in their 7-0 win over Crystal Palace whilst Maya Le Tissier led United’s defensive efforts in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal, producing a strong all-round display. Amanda Nildén capped Tottenham’s dominant performance with a late goal and kept a clean sheet, whilst Akane Okuma made seven saves for Aston Villa against Brighton. Ruby Mace also stood out for Everton, making significant defensive contributions in their 1-0 win over West Ham.
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