Izzy Christensen’s Team of the Week: Matchweek 19

Former Lioness and Barclays Women’s Super League winner Izzy Christiansen brings you her Team of the Week, picking out the standout performers from across the Barclays WSL.

From match-winning moments to performances that may have gone under the radar, Izzy’s selections highlight the players who made the biggest impact over the weekend. Here’s her first XI from Matchweek 19.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton)
Chiamaka Nnadozie was once again central to a determined Brighton performance, helping the Seagulls grind out a 1-0 win over Leicester City. The clean sheet, her sixth of the campaign, was no coincidence. She looked assured throughout, making important interventions at the right moments and continuing to maintain a save percentage just above 76%. Across the weekend, no goalkeeper posted better numbers, which only reinforces how reliable she has become between the sticks for Brighton this season.

Lynn Wilms (Aston Villa)
Even in a game where Aston Villa conceded four, Lynn Wilms produced one of the most eye-catching performances of the weekend. From wing-back, she was at the heart of everything Villa did going forward, assisting all three of their goals. She set the tone early by creating Chasity Grant’s opener, then followed it up by providing for Kirsty Hanson’s quickfire double before the break. It was a performance full of attacking intent and quality delivery, showing just how influential she can be in the final third.

Rebecca Knaak (Manchester City)
Knaak delivered a composed and commanding display at the heart of Manchester City’s defence in the derby. She read the game superbly, stepping in at the right times and making it difficult for the opposition to build any real momentum. Across the 90 minutes, City limited their neighbours to just two big chances, and Knaak’s positioning and decision-making were a big part of that. It was the kind of assured performance you want from a centre-back in a high-pressure fixture.

Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
Alongside Knaak, Alex Greenwood also stood out in a strong defensive display that ended with a clean sheet. As well as handling her defensive duties with her usual composure, she made a key contribution at the other end, providing the assist for Vivianne Miedema’s opening goal. That moment helped set the tone for the rest of the match, and Greenwood’s influence, both on and off the ball, was clear throughout.

Signe Gaupset (Tottenham Hotspur)
In just her third appearance since arriving from Brann, Gaupset is already beginning to show what she can bring to Tottenham’s midfield. It was a hardworking and energetic display, full of intent, as she looked to drive her side forward whenever possible. She came close to capping it with a memorable moment, bursting forward from deep before sending an effort just over the bar. It would have been a brilliant goal, and even without it, there was plenty to be encouraged by in her performance.

Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea)
Being named Player of the Match in a seven-goal thriller says a lot, but it still doesn’t fully capture Sjoeke Nüsken’s impact. She was involved in so much of Chelsea’s attacking play, constantly finding space and linking things together. Her goal proved to be the difference on the day, and she also added an assist, but it was her overall influence that stood out most. Time and again, Chelsea’s best moments seemed to come through her, underlining just how important she is to the way they play.

Ceri Holland (Liverpool)
There’s always something special about delivering in a Merseyside derby, and Ceri Holland did exactly that with a brilliant brace. Her goals came at key moments in the game, either side of an own goal, helping Liverpool maintain their momentum. Her second in particular was a standout, as she drove forward with purpose, cut inside and finished confidently into the top corner. Now with three goals in her last four games, she is hitting form at a crucial stage of the season.

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Lauren Hemp was a constant outlet for Manchester City, causing problems throughout with her pace and direct running. She kept her defender occupied all afternoon, always looking to take players on and create opportunities in the final third. Her assist for City’s third goal was well deserved after a lively display, and her energy and work rate helped ensure City remained on the front foot until the game was put beyond doubt.

Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
Kirsty Hanson continues to enjoy an excellent season in front of goal, and her latest performance only added to that. Her quickfire double brought Aston Villa right back into the contest and showcased her instinct in attacking areas. With 12 goals to her name now, she is playing with real confidence and proving to be a key figure in Villa’s forward line. It’s been one of her most productive campaigns to date, and she looks determined to keep adding to that tally.

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Alessia Russo took centre stage in the North London derby, delivering a hat-trick that underlined her importance to Arsenal at this stage of the season. She now has goals in three consecutive games across all competitions, and her league tally has moved to nine, just three short of her best return with five matches still to play. With Arsenal pushing for Champions League football, Russo’s form in front of goal could prove decisive in the weeks ahead.

Lauren James (Chelsea)
Lauren James continued her impressive run of form with another goal and assist, further highlighting the impact she has been having since the turn of the year. She looked confident and sharp throughout, constantly asking questions of the opposition defence. On another day, she may well have taken Player of the Match honours herself, but regardless, her influence on the game was clear and she remains one of the most exciting attacking players in the league right now.

Andrée Jeglertz (Manchester City, Manager)

Triumphant in the derby, and yet another huge three points to guiding his Manchester City side closer to clinching the Barclays Women's Super League title. As the Blue side of Manchester dominated proceedings across possession, shots, xG and nulifying Manchester United to create just two big chances over the course of 90 minutes.