Late Terland equaliser ends Manchester City’s perfect WSL start

Manchester City’s perfect start to the Women’s Super League season ended when Elisabeth Terland scored late to secure Manchester United a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s derby. City had led through Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, but Terland’s 89th-minute finish denied the champions a ninth consecutive league victory and allowed Chelsea to move top on goal difference. Mary Fowler created City’s opener in the 66th minute, sliding the ball to Shaw.

The forward held off Dominique Janssen before driving a low shot into the far corner. It was Shaw’s 91st WSL goal and came on her 100th appearance in the competition, according to The Guardian. United continued to threaten despite falling behind.

The Guardian reported that Terland had earlier missed a chance from Andrea Medina’s cutback, while Ella Toone and Jess Park were also denied. Park later struck the crossbar, and City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita saved from Terland in a one-on-one situation. The equaliser came after a free-kick routine.

Andrée Jeglertz’s City side dealt with a high ball into the area, but Shaw’s defensive header fell to Terland, who finished first time. ABC News Australia described the goal as a blast into the net; The Guardian said the ball dropped kindly for the striker before she found the bottom corner. The draw lifted United to fourth and ended City’s run at the top.

Chelsea took first place after recovering from an early setback to beat Crystal Palace 3-1. Molly Bartrip put Palace ahead, but Melvine Malard scored twice in the second half before Sandy Baltimore converted a 90th-minute penalty. Chelsea and City both have 19 points, with Chelsea leading on goal difference.

London City Lionesses are third on 16 points, while United have 11, according to ABC News Australia. The result has therefore narrowed the immediate margin at the top without separating the leading pair on points. United manager Eva Olid said her side had deserved to win, as quoted by The Guardian, while Jeglertz urged City to remain calm and focus on the next match.

The draw was a marked improvement for United after both league meetings with City last season ended in 3-0 defeats. Elsewhere, London City drew 2-2 at Liverpool after a stoppage-time own goal by Jana Fernández. Aston Villa beat Everton 3-2 after leading 3-0, and Birmingham City defeated Charlton 1-0.

The loss was Charlton’s seventh straight, leaving Emily van Egmond’s side without a point. City’s dropped points have reopened the title race, but the reports do not suggest a change in the identity of the leading contenders. Chelsea and the defending champions remain level, while United’s late comeback provided one of the season’s clearest signs that the Manchester derby is becoming more competitive.