With the 2023/24 season approaching its dramatic end, and only eight rounds of games remaining, the Women’s Super League title race is heating up.
As it stands, Chelsea and Manchester City stand equal on points and goal difference at the top of the table, with only 3 points separating them from Arsenal. Manchester United currently sit in fourth place with a larger gap of 7 points standing between them and qualification for the Champions League. With dramatic changes on and off the field, inconsistent performances and the ever-present threat of injury, the winning spot remains up for grabs.
Reigning champions, Chelsea, are looking to extend their exceptional track record with what would be their seventh victory, the most of any team. Arsenal have not lifted the trophy since the 2018/19 season, a win would gain them their fourth-ever victory. Manchester City have only ever won the WSL once, in 2016, but have been runners-up five times, the most of any side.
Despite Manchester United never winning the league, after an outstanding performance last season where they placed second, expectations were high coming into this year’s competition. Yet as they currently sit ten points behind the leaders and only two points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, their chance at the victory, or even the Champions League seems in question.
Emma Hayes' dominant Chelsea side seemed almost guaranteed to continue their winning streak for much of the season, yet their position now seems less concrete.
Recent clashes between the top four teams ahead of the international break disquieted expectations that Chelsea would easily clench their fifth consecutive win. City were looking for their first league win away at Chelsea since 2016, which they found with a 1-0 victory over the reigning champions. This defeat came as a significant blow to Chelsea, enabling City to draw level after Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s goal in the fourteenth minute, ending Chelsea’s 22-game unbeaten track record at home. The Manchester United V Arsenal fixture shone some light on Arsenal’s title hopes, a 3-1 victory brought the side only 3 points behind the table leaders.
Emma Hayes' dominant Chelsea side seemed almost guaranteed to continue their winning streak for much of the season, yet their position now seems less concrete. Hit by ACL injuries to key players Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel early this year, and with a packed schedule due to their continued campaign in the Champions League, the Blues may struggle to maintain their current form in upcoming fixtures. However, with the added incentive of Emma Hayes' departure at the end of this season, and their impressive squad depth, they are likely to rise to the challenge.
Manchester City's star midfielder Jill Roord similarly suffered an ACL injury in December, casting uncertainty onto City's title hopes. Despite this blow and even after a disappointing run last season, City have continued to improve dramatically, becoming dangerous challengers for the title. Currently, City are on an streak of eight unbeaten WSL matches in a row, the longest current run of any team in the league. If they can maintain their current form, they have a chance of dethroning Chelsea and gaining their second league title.
At the beginning of the season, Arsenal struggled to live up to expectations, residing in the middle of the table for much of 2023. However, with the return of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema after yet more ACL injuries, and important victories over recent matches, there is a glimmer of hope for the North London side. Yet with an inconsistent track record, including a dramatic 2-1 defeat to relegation-threatened West Ham, and questions surrounding Jonas Eidevall’s managerial style, the final placing of the Gunners remains precarious.
Similarly, after performing extremely well in the previous season, Manchester United have run a somewhat disappointing campaign. Struggling to keep up with the top three sides, and only slightly ahead of fifth place, United are in a precarious position. Whilst the loss of key players such as Alessia Russo and Ona Battle and uncertainty about Mary Earps’ future with the club may have impacted their initial form, United would still need a bit of a miracle to contend for the title.
The identity of the future WSL champions remains fiercely contested, and whilst I would personally love to see City achieve a long-anticipated victory, only time (and the next few matches) will tell.