WSL Talking Points: Shaw's Perfect Hat-Trick and Tullis-Joyce Impact 2026

The latest WSL talking points are dominated by Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s record-extending perfect hat-trick and the growing influence of Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Shaw’s fourth perfect hat-trick in the competition — a feat no other player has achieved more than once — helped Manchester City to a 5-0 win over West Ham and opened a two-point gap at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s performances are raising questions about their points return, and Tullis-Joyce’s shot-stopping is drawing attention. Here’s what the weekend’s action tells us about the title race, the relegation battle, and the individual brilliance shaping the season.

Shaw’s Perfect Hat-Trick Extends Record

Shaw’s ninth WSL hat-trick was a “perfect” one: left foot, header, right foot. She opened the scoring with her left, headed home off the underside of the crossbar, and tucked in her third with her right late on. It was her fourth perfect hat-trick in the WSL, a record that underlines her status as the league’s most lethal finisher.

The Jamaica international now leads the top-scorer race by five goals over her nearest challenger, Océane Hurtré. With City two points clear at the top, Shaw’s relentless pursuit of another Golden Boot is driving their title charge. Can anybody stop her? On this evidence, it appears not.

Why Shaw’s Record Matters

Shaw’s consistency in front of goal is remarkable. Her ability to score with both feet and her head makes her almost impossible to defend against. The perfect hat-trick is a rare achievement, and doing it four times in the same league speaks to her technical excellence and spatial awareness.

For City, having a striker who can deliver in big moments is invaluable. As the title race tightens, Shaw’s goals could be the difference between lifting the trophy and falling short.

Tullis-Joyce Takes Charge in Goal

Phallon Tullis-Joyce has quietly become one of the WSL’s most reliable goalkeepers. Her commanding presence and shot-stopping have been crucial for Manchester United this season. In the latest round of matches, she made key saves that kept her side in the game, showcasing why she’s earned the starting spot.

Tullis-Joyce’s distribution and decision-making have also improved, allowing United to play out from the back more effectively. Her rise is a reminder that goalkeepers can be difference-makers in the title race.

What Tullis-Joyce Brings to United

Standing at 6’1”, Tullis-Joyce dominates her area and claims crosses with authority. Her reflexes are sharp, and she’s comfortable with the ball at her feet. These attributes have helped United build from the back and launch quick counter-attacks.

As the season progresses, her consistency will be vital if United are to challenge for silverware.

Liverpool’s Performances Deserve More Points

Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal left them just two places above the automatic relegation zone and one spot above the relegation playoff place. Despite creating plenty of chances and hitting the crossbar, they couldn’t convert their dominance into points.

Defender Grace Fisk believes they are on the right path: “Between both boxes I think we’re one of the best in the league, hands down. Sometimes, I’m watching the way our midfield is playing and the way they move, it’s just a joy to watch.”

However, football is decided in both boxes, and Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal and lapses in defense are costing them dearly. Gareth Taylor’s side must find a way to turn performances into results before the gap to safety becomes insurmountable. The background to this story is set out in Khadija Shaw Double Seals Man City Women's Super League Victory. A related thread runs through Hemp Strikes Back as Manchester City Edge London City Lionesses.

Key Stats: Liverpool vs Arsenal

Other WSL Talking Points

• Shaw’s record: Fourth perfect hat-trick, ninth overall – no one else has more than one perfect hat-trick.
• Tullis-Joyce’s rise: Commanding goalkeeping displays are earning United valuable points.
• Liverpool’s wastefulness: Creating chances but failing to convert is a recurring theme.
• Title race: City’s win opens a two-point gap at the top.
• Relegation battle: Liverpool are looking over their shoulder after another defeat.

What to Watch Next

Shaw will look to continue her scoring streak as City aim to maintain their lead at the top. Tullis-Joyce faces a test against a high-scoring opponent, while Liverpool must find a way to turn performances into points in their next fixture. Earlier coverage in Manchester City Crisis: Winning Not Enough for Haaland shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Manchester United vs Manchester City: Live Stream & TV Guide.

The WSL season is far from over, and these talking points will shape the narrative in the coming weeks. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Elliot Anderson calls Manchester City kings of Manchester after.

FAQ

As the title race heats up, the spotlight will remain on Shaw’s scoring exploits and Tullis-Joyce’s goalkeeping. Off the pitch, the league continues to deal with legal matters, such as the Ivan Toney assault charge, which could impact the wider football landscape. Meanwhile, transfer speculation never stops, with Barcelona eyeing Eli Junior Kroupi as a potential striking addition. On the team front, Sirius’s Allsvenskan title chase shows how clubs can thrive despite losing a star striker, a lesson for WSL sides relying heavily on one goalscorer.

For WSL fans, the coming weeks promise intrigue at both ends of the table. Whether Shaw can maintain her incredible form, Tullis-Joyce can continue her rise, and Liverpool can turn performances into points are the questions that will define the season.