The WSL September 2026 schedule produced two very different results on Sunday, September 13. Chelsea Women beat Manchester United 5–0 away from home, while Crystal Palace held Arsenal to a 0–0 draw at Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea spread their goals across five players. Meanwhile, Palace relied on saves and blocks to keep Arsenal out. Together, the games showed how much finishing and defending can shape a result.
This report covers those two matches, the main moments and the next fixtures for the four clubs.
WSL September 2026: Two Key Results
| Date | Home team | Score | Away team |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 13 | Manchester United | 0–5 | Chelsea |
| September 13 | Arsenal | 0–0 | Crystal Palace |
Chelsea’s official match gallery confirms their first league win of the season. Palace’s official report from the Emirates records the goalless draw.
Chelsea Score Five Against Manchester United
Sjoeke Nüsken opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a pass from Wieke Kaptein. Keira Walsh then doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 32nd minute.
After halftime, Lauren James made it 3–0 in the 61st minute. Ellie Carpenter added the fourth four minutes later, finishing after her first attempt was saved.
Finally, Lucy Bronze scored in stoppage time to complete the 5–0 win. The Chelsea match report provides the full scoring timeline.
| Chelsea scorer | Minute |
|---|---|
| Sjoeke Nüsken | 21 |
| Keira Walsh | 32 |
| Lauren James | 61 |
| Ellie Carpenter | 65 |
| Lucy Bronze | 90+6 |
A milestone appearance for Keira Walsh
Walsh marked her 50th Chelsea appearance with a goal and an assist. Her pass set up James for the third goal.
The result took Chelsea to four points from two league matches. They had drawn 1–1 with Aston Villa on the opening weekend.
New players get their chance
Sonia Bompastor also used the match to introduce summer signings Giulia Dragoni and Nelly Las from the bench. Chelsea’s gallery highlights their debuts alongside the five goals.
For supporters, that made this more than a first win. It was also an early chance to see new members of the squad in league action.
Palace Hold Arsenal in the WSL September 2026 Round
At the Emirates, Palace faced long spells without the ball. However, Jo Potter’s side kept the score level through both halves.
Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin made key saves against Alessia Russo and Lisa Baum. Molly Bartrip also blocked an effort on the goal line in the 27th minute.
Arsenal hit the woodwork, while Palace had chances of their own. Teyah Goldie headed just over, and Lexi Lloyd-Smith later created an opening for Annabel Blanchard.
Blanchard’s heavy touch allowed Arsenal to recover. Neither team found a goal, so both took one point.
Palace described it as their first trip to Emirates Stadium in the club’s match report. Their clean sheet means they completed the game without conceding.
Arsenal create chances but cannot score
Arsenal had 79% possession and nine shots on target, according to Read Arsenal’s match report. They also won 13 corners.
Those figures show how often the hosts attacked. However, shots and possession do not add points to the league table unless a team turns them into a result.
The draw left Arsenal on four points from two matches. They had opened the season with a 1–0 win at Brighton.
What Comes Next in the WSL?
The next league round gives all four clubs a new test. The official WSL fixture announcement lists these matches:
| Date | Fixture | Kick-off, UK time |
|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | Chelsea vs Birmingham City | 12:45pm |
| September 19, 2026 | Arsenal vs Manchester United | 5:30pm |
| September 20, 2026 | Crystal Palace vs Tottenham | 2:00pm |
These times are correct as listed on September 15. Supporters should check the clubs’ match pages before travelling because fixtures can change.
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s next two league matches are at home. After Birmingham City, they host Arsenal on September 27 at 4:30pm UK time.
The club has made Stamford Bridge its home for all 13 WSL home fixtures this season. Its 2026/27 fixture guide explains the move and lists the games.
An Early Weekend of Different Outcomes
The WSL has expanded to 14 teams for 2026/27. With only two league rounds played, these results offer an early picture rather than a final verdict on any club.
Chelsea converted their chances into five goals. By contrast, Arsenal could not break down Palace despite spending much of the game on the attack.
For more context on the clubs competing at the top level, explore our guide to leading women’s football teams. You can also read about how much women footballers earn as the professional game grows.
Featured image (archive): Chelsea Women at the FA Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 18, 2025. Photo: LHC88 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Resized.
