There may not have been any PLDs this last week, but there was some quality derby action in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
On Wednesday, hot off their 1-0 FA Cup victory against Manchester United, Chelsea Women put West Ham firmly under the pump. Their tigerish dominance plus some leaky Hammers’ defending saw the Blues secure an emphatic 4-0 result. Meanwhile, London rivals, Arsenal Women were busy doing a demolition job on Everton. They scored 4 times in 13 minutes to all but bury the match in the first half. Everton managed to squeak a late goal but were never really in touch. Electric, snappy, goal heavy matches – just what the spectators ordered.
And indeed they want it. Take the Women’s Euros 2022 final for example – Wembley held a record 87,192 spectators host that day, plus 365 million viewers who tuned in around the globe to see the Lionesses take the trophy. That later figure being double the number of watchers for the 2017 final. Not only has Women’s football seen a “meteoric rise” in attendance and participation, but this ascendancy has begun to cross over into advertising, sponsorship and finance in the game.
Earlier this year, the aptly named England international, Beth England was transferred from Chelsea to Tottenham for a domestic record of £250,000. A fine sum, but a drop in the ocean compared to the rumoured 120 million pounds West Ham are hoping to secure for England midfielder Declan Rice. The gulf between the sexes in terms of money in the game is obviously vast. But, there’s something so vital, fresh and elevating about the WSL it truly is so worth a watch. Let’s face it, The Premier League has at times a certain dull predictability about it. Is it really such a wonder that Manchester City with their owners’ 22 billions of wealth do so well? Is the forthcoming probable treble really that remarkable. If you can simply purchase your way to the top, then where’s the sport in that?
The upcoming men’s PLDs matches for this weekend are Tottenham vs Brentford and Fulham vs Crystal Palace. All teams are well clear of relegation but are no doubt eager to salvage a little professional pride.
Until next time, enjoy your football, whatever you choose to watch. Matthew at PLDs.