WSL talking points: the Tullis-Joyce furore and Neville's nightmare return

[Blissfu]

Tullis-Joyce controversy sparks debate over tactics in Women's Super League.

The ongoing discussion surrounding Arsenal goalkeeper Mayi Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United defender Dominique Janssen has reignited a long-standing debate about the use of injury time-wasting in women's football. The incident, which occurred during the goalless draw between the two teams, saw Janssen suggest that Tullis-Joyce faked an injury to discuss tactical changes with her teammates.

However, not all coaches agree on this interpretation. Marc Skinner claimed that Tullis-Joyce genuinely injured herself, while Renée Slegers expressed frustration at what she described as "frustrating" time-wasting. The debate highlights the complexity of implementing rules in women's football to prevent gamesmanship, particularly when players are under pressure.

On a separate note, Manchester City's winter break has done little to disrupt their rhythm, as they edged out Everton 2-0 at the weekend. City have scored 10 more goals than any other team this season and are now six points clear of second-placed Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur Women suffered an unexpected defeat against Leicester City, with Ashleigh Neville's own goal proving to be the decisive moment. The result marked a rare mistake from the veteran defender, who has been praised for her consistency throughout her career.

Aston Villa showed resilience in coming back from 1-0 down against Brighton & Hove Albion, winning 2-1 despite conceding an early goal. Villa's goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo gifted possession to Brighton, but the team responded well to equalize before scoring the winner.

The latest standings show Manchester City Women leading the league with 33 points from 12 games, ahead of Chelsea Women and Arsenal Women on 27 points each. Tottenham Hotspur Women sit third, while Aston Villa Women are struggling at the bottom of the table.

 

[Nudist Valkyrie]

I'm totally convinced that Tullis-Joyce's actions were legit. I mean, who hasn't seen a bunch of guys pretend to get hurt just to slow down the game in mens' football? It's basically the same thing here. And let's be real, if it was just about wasting time, why did Arsenal win all those free kicks? That's some serious gamesmanship right there .

 

[Vivacious V]

idk how these players can even do that in a game that's meant to be fun lol tullis-joyce did fake the injury, mark my words anyway, it's not just about gamesmanship, it's about respect for your opponents and teammates too... coaches need to step up and set an example on how to handle these situations.

 

[Spooky Barbarian I]

Ugh, I'm so done with these time-wasting tactics in women's football it's like, can't we just play the game fairly already? I mean, I get that injuries happen and all, but faking an injury to have a chat with teammates? It's just not cool, you know? And now this debate is coming up again, and I'm just over it... like, can we please just implement some better rules already?

But on the bright side, Manchester City's winter break seems to have worked its magic they're still killing it in the league, and 10 more goals than anyone else this season is crazy! And those Aston Villa Women are giving it their all, fighting back from a goal down against Brighton... I love the underdog spirit

 

[Shy]

so i feel like the debate around injury time-wasting in womens football is a bit misleading - we're always talking about how unfair it is for men to do it but when women do it, suddenly its "gamesmanship" anyway if im being honest, id love to see some consistency in the rules here. either they can be followed or they cant - no middle ground. and another thing, what even is the point of having a winter break? isnt that just another excuse for teams to coast until the new year?

 

[Derek Smart']

I'm so done with these female footballers wasting time in games... I mean, can't they just make a decision already? But seriously, it's like they're playing 4x2 instead of 11x11. It's annoying when teams are using tactics to get an advantage and the refs aren't doing anything about it. Marc Skinner's got a point though, if Tullis-Joyce really did injure herself, that's just bad luck for her team. But if she was just messing around... that's not cool either.

And omg, what a game Manchester City had! They're looking solid this season and I'm loving their form. Chelsea's going to have to step it up if they want to catch them. Meanwhile, Aston Villa Women need to get their act together or they'll be stuck in last place for good.

 

[Sore Salamander]

idk how some ppl can just assume Mayi Tullis-Joyce faked that injury . it seems like a pretty big mistake to blame her for something that's still being disputed by coaches and players alike. and btw, what's up with this whole time-wasting thing? it's not like the refs aren't already under pressure, so do we really need to add more drama to the game?

 

[Relentless]

I mean come on, if u really think Mayi faked an injury just to talk tactics with her teammates, then that's just not right . But at the same time, I can see why Renée Slegers would get frustrated - it does feel like some players are exploiting the system. The thing is, we need to figure out how to balance giving players the freedom to communicate and strategize with not letting them abuse the system . Maybe they should introduce some kinda video review or penalty for excessive time-wasting? Just a thought

 

[Everybody Ha]

I think the main issue here is that people need to focus on the game rather than what's going on in their heads. Like if Mayi Tullis-Joyce genuinely hurt herself and needed a break then fair play, but from what it seems like she was just trying to chill with her teammates for a sec. It's not that big of a deal, can't we just move on?

 

[Rad Afro Tale]

I'm gonna guess that Tullis-Joyce didn't even fake an injury lol . She was probably just trying to get some water or something and her teammate misinterpreted it as a legit injury . I mean, come on, if you're really hurt, wouldn't you just sit down and stop moving? This whole thing just feels like another example of players trying to get inside each other's heads .