Tributes paid to Matt Beard as Chelsea maintain perfect start to season

Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the new Women’s Super League season with a 1-0 win over Leicester on Sunday, when tributes were paid to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard.

The Reds had postponed their scheduled fixture at Aston Villa following Beard’s death, which was announced late on Saturday.

Beard, 47, had two spells in charge of Liverpool, guiding them to back-to-back WSL titles with the Reds in 2013 and 2014, and left the club in February before a brief stint at Burnley.

WSL clubs hold a minutes silence for Matt Beard ahead of their games ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eH7hLMP9f7

— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) September 21, 2025

The Clarets earlier confirmed their Women’s National League match against West Brom had also been postponed. A minute’s silence was held before kick-off in the games taking place in both the WSL and WSL2.

Beard took charge of Chelsea and also West Ham following his first role at Millwall Lionesses in 2008.

Having paid tribute to Beard ahead of kick-off at Kingsmeadow, defending WSL champions Chelsea made a fast start against Leicester.

England forward Aggie Beever-Jones struck in the seventh minute for her third WSL goal of the new campaign.

The Blues, though, could not build on their early lead, with Foxes keeper Janina Leitzig producing fine saves to deny both Erin Cuthbert and Keira Walsh.

Leicester almost snatched an equaliser in stoppage time when substitute Rosella Ayane clipped in a looping effort from the edge of the box, which England keeper Hannah Hampton pushed onto the crossbar.

The points are shared in Leigh 🤝 pic.twitter.com/L1cD3l38Y6

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 21, 2025

Chelsea ended the day two points clear at the top of the table after Arsenal and Manchester United cancelled each other out in a goalless draw in front of a record crowd of 8,665 at Leigh Sports Village.

After a sluggish start, Arsenal almost broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Olivia Smith’s drive was pushed onto the crossbar by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Caitlin Foord then dragged her low shot just wide shortly before the break.

Just after the hour, United midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme sent a rising drive narrowly over.

Arsenal substitute Frida Maanum fired a shot just wide as both sides, who remain unbeaten, had to settle for a point.

FOUR-MIDABLE PERFORMANCE! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/tV3CGmde3K

— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) September 21, 2025

Brighton got their first win of the new WSL season after beating West Ham 4-1 at Broadfield Stadium

Caitlin Hayes headed the Seagulls in front from a corner after 23 minutes, with Kiko Seike then drilling in a low strike to double the lead before the break.

The Irons – who lost their opening two WSL games to London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal – pulled a goal back early in the second half through a penalty from Viviane Asseyi.

Brighton, though, soon scored a third in the 58th minute.

Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji, signed on a season loan from Arsenal, cut in from the left before firing an angled strike into the top corner.

Marisa Olislagers added a fourth late on where her 18-yard shot went in off the crossbar.