While December saw limited Women’s Super League action, there were still enough games for a number of stars to impress.
Chelsea’s seven-game winning streak was ended by Reading, which allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the league to four points.
At the other end of the table, Leicester finally secured their first win in the top flight after beating Birmingham 2-0 at home.
GiveMeSport Women have selected six players who shone in the final month of 2021 and it’s now up to you to decide who should be crowned the GMS Fans’ WSL Player of the Month for December.
Lauren Hemp
Though Man City have endured a nightmare season so far, their 3-2 victory over Birmingham helped them end the year on a high.
Hemp scored the crucial equaliser in the match –– registering her fifth league goal of the season.
The 21-year-old continues to be City’s key player at the moment and her performances may well determine whether Gareth Taylor’s side can challenge for Champions League football.
Ella Toone
United secured back-to-back wins in December to get their season back on track, and Toone was once again instrumental in these victories.
The English star scored a brace in a 5-0 thrashing against Aston Villa, bringing her season total to five.
Toone has also become a key player for Lionesses’ boss Sarina Wiegman and with her international pedigree continuing to increase, United may well struggle to hold on to the 22-year-old.
Deanne Rose
Reading’s season took a turn for the better in December thanks to an outstanding 1-0 victory against reigning league champions Chelsea.
Deanne Rose scored the decisive goal in the match, to help the Royals climb into the top half of the table.
The Canadian has 61 caps for her country and scored a decisive penalty in the gold medal shootout against Sweden at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.
Tinja-Riika Korpela
Tottenham’s exceptional start to the season has been largely down to their well-organised defence, but goalkeeper Tinja-Riika Korpela deserves more plaudits.
The Finnish goalkeeper played second fiddle to Rebecca Spencer early on this campaign but has been mightily impressive in recent games.
A clean sheet against former side Everton in December helped Spurs to a 1-0 win and ensured they remained third in the table.
Frida Maanum
Maanum didn’t come on against Leicester until the 72nd minute, yet that was more than enough time for the Norwegian to notch two goals.
The 22-year-old has four goals in all competitions since joining the Gunners from Swedish club Linköpings FC at the start of the season.
Arsenal brought in a series of high profile names last summer, including Tobin Heath and Nikita Parris. However, it’s Maanum who has arguably proved to be their best bit of business so far.
Molly Pike
Leicester finally secured their first win of the season and Molly Pike was at the heart of both goals.
The 20-year-old midfielder set up Sophie Howard for the Foxes’ first and then Samantha Tierney for the second.
Pike has made nine appearances for England Under 19s so far and has been tipped by many as one to watch for the future.
Vote for your GMS Fans’ WSL December Player of the Month winner here: