As we approach the halfway stage of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season, it is Chelsea who lead the way closely followed by fellow Londoners, Arsenal. After a bruising 4-1 drubbing away at Arsenal, ‘The Gunners’ clawed their way back to being level on points with the Blues, inflicting Chelsea with their first league defeat of the season.
With Manchester City only three points behind Arsenal and Chelsea, it’s hotting up to be a thrilling second half of the campaign. Can Chelsea make it five consecutive league titles, or will someone knock them off their perch?
It comes as no surprise to see Arsenal and Chelsea battling it out for the top spot. Two of the most dominant forces in the WSL in recent years, Chelsea are hunting for their fifth consecutive league title and their third consecutive FA Women’s Cup.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be keen to put an end to this rampant run. The last time The Gunners won the league was in 2019; and with only one trophy since then, they will be desperate to make amends and get their hands on some silverware.
After a 4-1 defeat on Sunday at Arsenal, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea will be determined to return to winning ways. With that said, you can’t help but wonder what that result has done to their confidence and whether they can return to the fine form they had previously shown?
Manchester City will also be eager to get their hands on a league title. The Citizens haven’t won the league since 2016 and have been runners-up five times since then.
Their last piece of silverware was in 2022 as they were victorious over Chelsea in the League Cup. Only 3 points off the top spot, a big second half of the season will be needed to overthrow both Arsenal and Chelsea. If star players Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp stay fit, who’s to say City can’t go all the way? With 15 goal contributions between them, the duo will be a force to be reckoned with as the season goes on.
With only one defeat all season, Manchester United shouldn’t be written off as they find themselves 4 points adrift of the league leaders in 4th place.
The Red Devils might be the ‘dark horses’ this season, however, holding on to goalkeeper Mary Earps will be the key concern in January. The England number one has impressed over the last couple of years and could be on the move to Chelsea or Arsenal. Described by many as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, she will be key to Manchester United’s title hopes.
Away from the league action, this weekend also marked the third round of the FA Women’s Cup, as teams from the Championship joined the competition. The WSL teams won’t join until the next round, where Chelsea will take part in a bid to defend the trophy once again.
With Arsenal, Manchester City and last year’s runners-up Manchester United also entering the competition it won’t be an easy battle for the Blues. It will be an incredible feat if they are to defend their league title and FA Cup honours. Want to find out if they can do it? Watch the FA Women’s Cup Final live with Engage Hospitality.
A four-way race for the WSL title and a battle for England’s most famous trophy all to play for; who will reign supreme? It’s safe to say it’s going to be a spectacular second half of the season with a number of teams battling it out to be the best in England. Who do you think will win the league and FA Cup? Find out by watching the WSL and FA Women’s Cup live with Engage Hospitality.