# WSL talking points: Russo to Arsenal’s rescue and Olid makes Manchester United progress

> Arsenal’s penalty win and United’s comeback boost WSL standings.
- Title: WSL talking points: Russo to Arsenal’s rescue and Olid makes…
- Summary: Arsenal’s penalty win and United’s comeback boost WSL standings. Arsenal secured a crucial north London derby win after a penalty, while Manchester United’s…
- Keywords: arsenal, tottenham, manchester united, manchester city, birmingham city, freya godfrey, chelsea, crystal palace, everton, brighton, west ham, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/26/wsl-talking-points-alessia-russo-arsenal-tottenham-manchester-united-city
- Published: 2026-10-26T11:59:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: arsenal, tottenham, manchester united, manchester city, birmingham city, freya godfrey, chelsea, crystal palace, everton, brighton, west ham, sports
## Arsenal penalty win
Arsenal edged north london derby with a penalty win after a goal was conceded.

> It’s been tough. We haven’t got the results we wanted
## Russo’s penalty impact
Penalty scorer Alessia Russo said the win was crucial for north london derbies.

> This was an important win as far as north london derbies goes
## Arsenal’s season start
Arsenal secured their second league win after seven games despite a disappointing start.

> It was really important and this was a great opportunity to try and turn it around
## United’s improved performance
Manchester United competed toe-to-toe with Manchester City after a heavy Chelsea loss.

> It was a hard week after Chelsea but sometimes you need a difficult moment to happen
## Eva Olid’s leadership
New United manager Eva Olid credited a recent Chelsea defeat for team improvement.

> It had to happen to now be the team we are
## Birmingham’s first win
Birmingham earned their first WSL win with a 1-0 victory over Charlton.

> We needed to pick up three points and we delivered that
## Chelsea’s comeback win
Chelsea secured a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace with key substitutions.

> Cuthbert added a crucial bite to the midfield that had been lacking in the first half
## Sørensen’s victory
Aston Villa beat Everton 3-2 with a strong performance after Sørensen took over.

> I’m happy, it was overall a good performance
## Brighton’s clean sheet
Brighton won 3-0 against West Ham with a clean sheet and strong performance.

> It was the Seagulls’ first Women’s Super League clean sheet of the campaign
## Freya Godfrey’s rise
Freya Godfrey scored twice to earn praise from Spain’s Alexia Putellas.

> She will be the future of England as well as the present
## Key takeaway

Arsenal secured a crucial north London derby win after a penalty, while Manchester United’s improved performance helped them progress in the WSL.