Miedema is Still the Final Boss of the WSL
Look, I’ve seen some absolute car crashes in my time, but watching Manchester United’s defense try to track Vivianne Miedema is like watching a toddler try to catch a greased pig. It’s embarrassing, it’s messy, and everyone except the toddler is laughing. City walked into the derby today and reminded everyone that while United likes to talk about 'closing the gap,' the only thing they’re closing is their own window of opportunity.
As Sky Sports reported, Miedema bagged two goals to put City in total control. It wasn't just that she scored; it was the way she did it. She has this terrifying ability to look like she’s out for a Sunday stroll in the park right until the moment she ruins your goalkeeper's weekend. It’s clinical, it’s cold, and for United fans, it’s becoming a recurring nightmare.
The irony of an Arsenal legend being the one to bury United in a City shirt isn't lost on anyone. City didn't just win a game today; they conducted a tactical clinic. They moved the ball with a level of purpose that United haven't shown since... well, maybe ever. While City were playing chess, United looked like they were still trying to figure out which way the horse moves.
The Arsenal Ghost Haunting Manchester
Let’s talk about the recruitment for a second. When City picked up Miedema, there were some whispers that she might be past her peak. People looked at the injuries and the age and thought maybe she was a luxury signing. Those people look like absolute idiots today. She is the gravitational center of that City attack. When she moves, the entire United backline gets sucked into her orbit, leaving oceans of space for everyone else.
United fans are rightfully asking why their club can't attract or retain talent of that caliber. You see a player like Miedema and you realize what world-class actually looks like. It isn't just about the goals; it's the six shots she took that all felt like they were destined for the back of the net. She’s playing a different sport than the people trying to mark her.
The Red Side of Manchester is a Shambles
If you head over to the United forums right now, bring a hazmat suit. The toxicity is reaching Chernobyl levels. The fan reaction isn't just about one loss in a derby; it's about the feeling that the club is stuck in a loop. They’ve been 'rebuilding' for what feels like five years now, and yet they still look like they’re one stiff breeze away from falling over against any top-four side.
The 'Skinner Out' brigade has gone from a vocal minority to a deafening roar. Fans are exhausted by the same post-match quotes about 'learning' and 'positives.' You don't get points for positives in the WSL. You get points for not letting the best striker in history have a free header in your six-yard box. It’s basic stuff, and United are failing the test every single time the lights get bright.
"I’m actually done. We’ve been watching the same game for three seasons. We sit deep, we panic on the ball, we concede to a world-class player who we should have signed ourselves, and then Skinner tells us we played well. It’s gaslighting at this point." — User: RedDevilDonna on the UnitedXtra forums
The contrarians will tell you that United are 'progressing' because they had more possession in the second half. Give me a break. City let them have the ball because the game was already over. That’s not progress; that’s a mercy rule. The gap between the top three and United isn't a gap anymore—it's a canyon with no bridge in sight.
The "Skinner Out" Chorus Reaches a Fever Pitch
You have to feel for the United match-goers who turned up today. They’re loyal, they’re loud, and they’re being served a product that’s fundamentally broken. The lack of a clear identity is what kills me. Are they a counter-attacking team? Are they a possession team? Right now, they look like a 'hope someone does something individual' team. And newsflash: that doesn't work against a professional outfit like City.
"City are just on another planet. Miedema doesn't even look like she's breaking a sweat while our defenders are doing 50-meter sprints just to catch her shadow. Manchester is Blue and honestly, it’s not even a debate anymore." — User: BlueMoon94 on Reddit
My analysis? The City fans are right to be smug. They have a clear plan, they have the best players, and they have a manager who actually knows how to use them. United are a collection of talented individuals who look like they’ve never met each other before kick-off. You can't blame the players entirely when the system is this dysfunctional. Skinner is surviving on the fumes of past results, but those fumes are running out fast.
Merseyside is Red (and Everton are in Trouble)
While the Manchester Derby was a blowout, the Merseyside Derby was a gritty, ugly, beautiful affair. Liverpool managed to edge Everton 1-0 in a game that had all the technical quality of a pub fight but all the intensity of a cup final. Matt Beard has turned Liverpool into a team that nobody wants to play. They are organized, they are annoying, and they are incredibly effective.
For Everton, this is a disaster. They are staring down the barrel of a relegation scrap if they don't find a way to score goals. They played some decent football in the middle third, but as soon as they got near the Liverpool box, they developed a sudden and inexplicable fear of the ball. You can't win derbies if you don't take risks, and Everton played like they were terrified of making a mistake.
The Rise of the Red Side
Liverpool’s rise is the real story here. They’ve leapfrogged United in the 'vibes' department and are quickly becoming the team that neutral fans actually enjoy watching. They don't have the budget of the Manchester clubs, but they have a soul. Watching them celebrate that winner was a stark contrast to the hollowed-out look on the faces of the United players a few hours earlier.
The fan reaction in Liverpool is predictably polarized. Liverpool fans are convinced they’re destined for Europe, while Everton fans are checking the schedules of Championship teams. It’s a tale of two clubs heading in completely opposite directions. Liverpool have a blueprint; Everton have a prayer. And in this league, prayers don't save you from the drop.
At the end of the day, the WSL showed us exactly what it is right now. There’s a top tier that includes City and Chelsea, a middle tier where Liverpool are fighting to belong, and then there’s the existential crisis that is Manchester United. If I’m a United fan, I’m not just angry; I’m bored. And being bored of your own team is the biggest insult of all. Zero points from a derby is bad, but feeling like you never had a chance is worse.
