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Emily Keogh
The Women’s Super League (WSL) has returned following the international break, with most teams having already competed in six matches. What insights can we draw from these games, and what do the statistics suggest could be potential challenges for teams in the coming months?
Arsenal Faces Table Challenge
After securing the UEFA Women’s Champions League title last season, Arsenal is eager to claim their first domestic championship since 2019. Currently sitting fifth (W3, D2, L1), they are five points behind leaders Chelsea and have already dropped seven points across six matches—one more than Chelsea’s total points lost during their unbeaten season last year.
Beth Mead leads the league in assists (3), while Mariona Caldentey tops the charts in shot-creating actions (31) and chances created (17). However, Stina Blackstenius leads in goals+assists per 90 minutes with an average of 1.57, despite only accumulating 170 minutes. Compared to last season, Arsenal’s attacking performance has diminished significantly; they previously scored 4+ goals in eight consecutive home matches, but have yet to display the same flair this season.
Striker Alessia Russo further highlights these issues, as she often drops deeper. Despite ranking eighth in total shots (16), she has only five shots on target, indicating a lack of efficiency in front of goal. This failure to convert chances has already cost the team crucial points.
These attacking struggles would be less impactful if Arsenal’s defense was more robust. However, the absence of key center-back Leah Williamson has been felt, as her leadership and long ball distribution have been sorely lacking. Arsenal has posted the second-fewest tackles (88), marginally ahead of Liverpool, who have played one fewer game, with the lowest success rate (38.9%) and the fewest clearances (63).
With recent £1 million signing Olivia Smith likely sidelined due to an injury sustained with the Canada national team, alongside goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar withdrawing from the Netherlands camp, Arsenal could face further difficulties, especially with upcoming London derbies against Chelsea and Spurs after their away match against Leicester City. Only two points separate them from recently promoted London City in sixth place, and poor results could see them slipping into mid-table.
Opportunities for Man City without Champions League Distractions
Manchester City has only dropped points this season after losing on opening day against Chelsea, which was also Andrée Jeglertz’s debut as manager. Since that match, City has demonstrated marked improvement and greater cohesion under new leadership.
This season, without the added burden of UWCL competition—having been overtaken by Manchester United for third place—City can focus exclusively on the league. This absence could be beneficial for their domestic performance.
Previously, when dealing with both UWCL commitments and injuries last season, City concluded with a record of W13, D4, L5, finishing fourth. The year before that, when they didn’t participate in the Champions League, they achieved a record of W18, D1, L3, and finished level on points with Chelsea but lost the title due to goal difference. This year, with five victories out of six games, City is just one point behind the reigning champions. Their Expected Goals (xG) total of 15.58 is the highest in the league, and they also lead in total goals scored (17).
With the Manchester derby approaching, City will look to capitalize on United’s focus being divided by two challenging UWCL matches against Paris Saint-Germain and VfL Wolfsburg. A strong start signals that they could be serious title contenders once more.
Spurs Shine in Defense After Solid Start
Tottenham Hotspur is just one win shy of equaling their entire victory total from last season (5) with four wins in their first six matches. This strong start reflects notable progress and improvement under new manager Martin Ho.
Last year, they finished 11th with a challenging record—conceding 44 goals and averaging only 26 scored. This season, however, their turnaround has been commendable. Despite facing the most shots (94), Spurs have only allowed seven goals, thanks to their well-disciplined defense. Defender Clare Hunt has excelled, currently leading the WSL with 16 blocks and 41 clearances. Additionally, goalkeeper Lize Kop has kept three clean sheets, tying her for the league lead with Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Hannah Hampton.
Significantly, Kop has only had to make 11 saves from those 94 shots, showcasing how an improved defense has set a solid foundation for early success.
Brighton to Struggle Following Agyemang’s Injury
Michelle Agyemang‘s ACL injury is a significant setback for Brighton & Hove Albion, hampering their attacking ambitions. Losing such a crucial player will severely impact their forward progress.
So far, Brighton’s offensive output has been disappointing, scoring just six goals in six games. While they maintain good possession, much of their play remains confined to their own half, indicating a focus on strong defensive structure that lacks creativity and attacking threat.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has kept two clean sheets and boasts an impressive save percentage of 85.7%. However, she has faced the third-most shots in the league, making 24 saves from 32 targets, and without her solid performances, the team would be much lower than their current seventh position.
To alleviate pressure from the defense, Brighton urgently needs to enhance their creativity and sharpness in front of goal. Agyemang’s absence will complicate that pursuit, putting more responsibility on remaining forwards like Kiko Seike, who has displayed some consistency but lacks support from other goal-scoring options.
Pointless West Ham and Liverpool in Dire Straits
West Ham United‘s manager, Rehanne Skinner, is currently experiencing a troubling streak of eight straight losses—an alarming trend, particularly as she was previously dismissed by Spurs following nine consecutive defeats. If results do not improve soon, her job could be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Gareth Taylor has yet to find success, having lost all five of their matches since his summer appointment.
Both managers find themselves in precarious positions, and while their struggles might provide mutual understanding, the on-field results are sorely lacking. Both teams have only managed two goals each thus far, but West Ham’s 17 goals conceded places them in a perilous situation, operating with a -15 goal difference and allowing a league-high average of 2.8 goals per game, despite making the most tackles (143).
Liverpool has played just five matches, compared to West Ham’s six, but their situation is worsened by ACL injuries to two key forwards, Marie Hobinger and Sophie Román Haug, significantly depleting their attacking potency, making upcoming matches against Spurs, Brighton, and Chelsea particularly daunting. They hold the second-lowest Expected Goals (xG) in the league (3.35), and their prospects for improvement appear remote.
While Taylor might receive more time given his recent appointment, Skinner’s time could be running out. If her team fails to secure points against formidable opponents like Manchester City—or even against Leicester or Everton—she risks dismissal before the next international break.