Women’s Super League: Mid-Season Performance Review of Clubs

The initial phase of the Women’s Super League season has been marked by numerous managerial changes, unexpected outcomes, and a high volume of goals. Despite these developments, current champions Chelsea are at the top of the league standings as the competition pauses for the winter break, having secured 14 victories in 15 games under their new manager, Sonia Bompastor. At the other end of the table, Crystal Palace, new to the WSL, occupies the last position after 10 fixtures. Meanwhile, both Arsenal and Aston Villa are currently operating without permanent managers. With no WSL matches scheduled until January 17, BBC Sport is evaluating the performance of teams to date and whether they have met their pre-season expectations. Chelsea entered the season as the team to overcome, though their title defense was anticipated to be their most challenging yet. Despite the transition to new manager Sonia Bompastor, an initial period of adaptation was not required. The Blues commenced strongly, achieving victories in every match across all competitions until their 1-1 draw against Leicester City on Saturday. Remaining undefeated, they hold a six-point advantage over WSL competitor Manchester City and appear formidable. The squad anticipates the return of several injured key players in the new year, which is expected to further enhance their strength. Pre-season prediction: 2nd. Having narrowly missed the title on goal difference last season, Manchester City’s objective for the 2024-25 campaign was unequivocally to win the WSL. They began the season robustly, delivering strong performances, including a victory over European champions Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League, and held the top spot in the WSL for a period. Leading scorer Khadija Shaw has again been a prominent player, but a knee injury sustained by England international Lauren Hemp in November proved disruptive. Subsequent injuries have since depleted City’s squad depth. A surprising loss to Everton in their last match before the Christmas break was a setback, and they now face the task of closing the gap on Chelsea in the new year. Pre-season prediction: 1st. Arsenal’s season has been characterized by significant fluctuations. An initial sequence of one victory in six matches across all competitions resulted in the departure of manager Jonas Eidevall. This early form hindered their title aspirations and created challenges in the Women’s Champions League. However, under interim manager Renee Slegers, the team has recovered, securing their place in the European knockout stages and ascending to third position in the WSL. While their resurgence is ongoing and the search for a permanent manager continues, Arsenal’s current standing is largely in line with expectations. Pre-season prediction: 3rd. Similar to Arsenal, Manchester United has encountered difficulties this season, leading to intense scrutiny of manager Marc Skinner. The team achieved a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, though this included three consecutive draws against Brighton, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, preceding a loss to Chelsea. Despite a solid defensive performance, a perceived lack of attacking creativity has left supporters desiring more from United. While they are currently positioned to finish within the WSL’s top four, which would be an improvement on the previous season, initial hopes for a higher league challenge have not yet materialized. Pre-season prediction: 4th. Following a notable summer transfer window, Brighton’s aspirations were evident: to contend with the WSL’s top four. They have achieved this objective, delivering strong performances and establishing a six-point lead over the team in sixth position. New manager Dario Vidosic has rapidly integrated his tactical approach and maximized the potential of his offensively strong squad. While greater consistency is still required, Brighton has made a very strong start to the season, especially considering the numerous changes the club has undergone in the last two years. Pre-season prediction: 7th. Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn has affirmed his team’s commitment to playing “brave” football. Last season, in Vilahamn’s inaugural campaign, Spurs emerged as a surprise contender, reaching the FA Cup final and securing a sixth-place finish. A relatively modest transfer window led to reduced expectations for the current season, which Spurs have found challenging at times. Significant losses to Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal prompted scrutiny of Vilahamn’s persistent attacking strategy. Nevertheless, despite ongoing concerns regarding their defensive solidity, Spurs have accumulated crucial points against direct competitors and are beginning to ascend the league standings. Pre-season prediction: 8th. Aston Villa’s return of just one victory in nine matches was considered subpar, especially given their record spending in the transfer window and support for new manager Robert de Pauw. This performance led to De Pauw’s dismissal after only six months, indicating an immediate need for change. A vital win against West Ham last weekend, achieved under interim manager Shaun Goater, has improved their standing in the tightly contested bottom half of the table. However, Villa must address numerous issues if they are to fulfill their seasonal ambition of a top-five WSL finish, and they are also in search of a permanent manager. Pre-season prediction: 5th. Under manager Matt Beard, Liverpool has exceeded expectations in recent WSL seasons, thereby elevating their ambitions. After surpassing Manchester United to claim fourth place last season, Liverpool aimed to challenge for a spot in the WSL’s top three. Nevertheless, a less-than-impressive transfer window, attributed to operating with a smaller budget than competitors, has resulted in a weakened squad depth for Liverpool. Unfavorable outcomes against Leicester City, West Ham, Everton, and Crystal Palace mean they are currently nine points behind their position at this point last season. While injuries have contributed to their struggles, performances must improve in 2025 for Liverpool to advance up the league table. Pre-season prediction: 6th. Everton manager Brian Sorensen has once again navigated an injury-plagued squad, all while the club awaits the finalization of a takeover. Having avoided relegation last season, supporters anticipated another difficult campaign in 2024-25, which has indeed been the case. However, unexpected victories against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have provided a significant uplift. Considering the adversities encountered, Everton can be content with their current league standing as they approach a critical winter transfer window. Pre-season prediction: 10th. West Ham, having gone without a victory since February—a streak of 15 matches—found themselves once more in contention with the relegation zone. Nevertheless, a vital win against Leicester City, followed by a further three points against Crystal Palace, has significantly enhanced their league position. Given the close proximity of teams at the lower end of the table, West Ham recognizes that fixtures against direct rivals could be pivotal for their season, and they have successfully capitalized on these opportunities thus far. While the upcoming five months in the new year are expected to remain challenging, West Ham has established a foundation upon which to build their efforts for survival. Pre-season prediction: 12th. Similar to Aston Villa and Brighton, Leicester City appointed a new manager this summer and had demonstrated promising form during pre-season. Manager Amandine Miquel has indeed showcased elements of her tactical approach, and new player acquisitions have contributed positively. However, injuries have once again significantly affected the team. They have managed to score only three goals in 10 matches and have secured just one victory, though an impressive draw against Chelsea on Saturday suggests they are progressing favorably. Pre-season prediction: 9th. Crystal Palace’s task of remaining in the WSL was always anticipated to be difficult, a reality they are now experiencing. Despite the club’s support for manager Laura Kaminski during the transfer window, they have found it challenging to contend with the considerably larger budgets prevalent in the top flight compared to the second tier. A significant setback occurred with a major anterior cruciate ligament injury to key defender Brooke Aspin, and they also temporarily lost captain Aimee Everett for several weeks. Nevertheless, their performances have offered encouragement to supporters. The team has displayed moments of quality and demonstrated an ability to compete, but securing positive results is imperative in the near future. Pre-season prediction: 11th.