Arsenal's dominant display at the Emirates Stadium yielded nothing but frustration on Sunday, as the hosts squandered a staggering 30 chances in a goalless draw with newly promoted Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League.
Despite commanding almost 80% of possession and forcing nine shots on target, Arsenal simply could not find a way past a resolute Palace defence. Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was the standout performer for the visitors, producing a string of saves to deny Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Mariona Caldentey as Palace held firm for a hard-earned point.
Elsewhere, defending champions Manchester City extended their perfect start to the season with an emphatic 4-1 win at Aston Villa. Jade Rose opened the scoring early on, pouncing after Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma failed to deal with a corner delivery. City doubled their lead soon after through Mary Fowler, who fired a low, driven effort into the bottom corner following a pass from Khadija Shaw.
Villa briefly threatened a comeback when Amalie Vangsgaard converted a pass from Chasity Grant in the 42nd minute, giving manager Andrée Jeglertz a moment of hope. However, City quickly reasserted control after the break as Shaw got on the scoresheet herself to restore the two-goal cushion. The visitors put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time when a Lauren Hemp effort took a deflection off Mathilde Harviken and looped into the net.
In another dramatic encounter, Brighton fought back from two goals down to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser away at Birmingham City. The home side started brightly, with Oceane Hurtre capitalising on a defensive mistake from Caitlin Hayes to slot past Chiamaka Nnadozie for the opener. Birmingham doubled their advantage in the second half through Lily Crosthwaite, who beat the goalkeeper with a firm low strike.
Brighton, however, refused to give up. Substitute Olivia García pulled one back in the 77th minute to reignite hope for the visitors, and with the clock ticking down, Kiko Seike found space between goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley and her near post to complete a stunning late turnaround and secure a share of the spoils.
It was a difficult afternoon for Charlton, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park against Everton in a match marred by controversy. The scoreline remained level at the break, but Charlton's afternoon unraveled when Ashleigh Neville was sent off for a high boot that struck Ruby Mace. Everton capitalised on their numerical advantage soon after, taking the lead when Holly McNamara's cross deflected in off Leighanne Robe with 13 minutes remaining. Charlton's misery was compounded late on when substitute Hawa Cissoko picked up two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing the visitors to nine players.
Finally, Liverpool salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham. Spurs had taken a fortunate lead just before half-time when Signe Gaupset's shot deflected in off Liverpool defender Sam Kerr. But Liverpool responded in the second half, with Aurelie Csillag rising above Lize Kop to head home a cross from Fuka Nagano in the 60th minute and ensure the spoils were shared.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.