WSL team of the week - round 3

Arsenal were in terrific form against Manchester City
Arsenal were in terrific form against Manchester City / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
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The third week for the 2021/22 WSL season certainly got the pulses racing, with Arsenal and Chelsea laying down their title credentials with devastating wins over the Manchester clubs.

The red half of Manchester was the first to be put to the sword as Emma Hayes' Chelsea ran out rampant 6-1 winners over United. Hours later it was Arsenal's turn to teach City a lesson; the Gunners putting in a five-star performance to emerge 5-0 victors.

There was also a big win for West Ham - 4-0 against WSL newcomers Leicester - as well as important three points for Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham.

A number of players put in high-quality performances, but only 11 can make our team of the week for round three of the season. Here's who has made 90min's cut...


WSL team of the week - round 3

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Hannah Hampton (GK) - Emily Gielnek scored the only goal of the game as Aston Villa overcame Brighton, but it was another bright display between the sticks from Hampton that preserved the three points. Made saves and commanded her penalty area.

Leonie Maier (RB) - A dream debut for Maier, who scored the opening goal for Everton against Birmingham and was a threat throughout.

Leah Williamson (CB) - Dictated play from the back and capped a sound defensive performance with Arsenal's fifth against City.

Gilly Flaherty (CB) - Led by example in West Ham's defence, in a game that was fairly open and full of opportunities. Also contributed at the other end with an assist.

Guro Reiten (LB) - Playing in the wing-back role for Emma Hayes, Reiten was a constant menace down the left hand side. A more than capable defender as well.

2. Midfielders

Tameka Yallop (CM) - West Ham eased to a convincing win over Leicester, inspired by a terrific debut performance from Yallop. Coolly slotted in the game's opening goal before her effort ricocheted off the woodwork and Leicester's Kirstie Levell for the Hammers' fourth.

Kim Little (CM) - Showed wonderful feet for Arsenal's second goal before netting a penalty. A display full of skill and class.

Izzy Christiansen (CM) - Everton are off and running in this season's WSL and so is Christiansen. Put in a marauding display that reminded us why she's been an England regular in the past.

3. Forwards

Fran Kirby (RF) - A 50th WSL goal for Kirby was matched by an outstanding display of intelligent movement in the final third.

Vivianne Miedema (ST) - Arsenal outplayed City all over the park, but there was one shining light up top knitting everything together. That player was the irrepressible Miedema, who showed great composure to open the scoring.

Pernille Harder (LF) - Sam Kerr can count herself unlucky to miss out on selection after her brace, but did you see Harder's individual goal and link-up play for Chelsea? A joy to watch.