Controversy at the Emirates and Villa stun Manchester United – Women’s Football Weekly

Controversy at the Emirates and Villa stun Manchester United – Women’s Football Weekly

On today’s pod: VAR talk dominates again after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with disallowed goals and missed cards prompting calls for more support for referees in the WSL. Should VAR-lite or semi-automated offside be introduced?

Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the season against a resurgent Aston Villa. Manchester City took full advantage to go top with a hard-fought win over Everton. How long will it be before Marva is allowed to cut her hair?

Plus: a six-goal thriller between London City and Spurs, late heartbreak for West Ham and Liverpool, and a look ahead to the return of the Champions League, including Mary Earps’s Old Trafford homecoming.

Also: a quick spin through the NWSL as Kansas City Current fail to carry their league form into the playoffs and North Korea continue to dominate women’s youth football as they win the U17 World Cup.

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Arsenal Women v Chelsea Women, Barclays FA Women's Super League, Football, the Emirates Stadium, London, Greater London, United Kingdom - 08 Nov 2025EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Dennis/TGS Photo/Shutterstock (15717663ak)
Katie McCabe of Arsenal Women shows her frustration after a decision from Match Referee, Mel Burgin during Arsenal Women vs Chelsea Women, Barclays FA Women's Super League Football at the Emirates Stadium on 8th November 2025
Arsenal Women v Chelsea Women, Barclays FA Women's Super League, Football, the Emirates Stadium, London, Greater London, United Kingdom - 08 Nov 2025
Photograph: Paul Dennis/TGS Photo/Shutterstock

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