Manchester City have made a perfect start to their Women’s Super League (WSL) title defence, winning all five matches so far and returning to the top of the table.
After a 4-2 win over Arsenal, last season’s runners-up, City are setting the pace again and establishing themselves early as title contenders. However, a perfect start is no guarantee of a title win, with only three of the previous nine teams to win their opening five WSL matches going on to become league champions.
While Arsenal took the lead twice at the Etihad and were the stronger side much of the first half, City’s resilience shone through as they fought back from behind to gain control of the game, leaving the Gunners 10th on the table.
With two goals from Lauren Hemp and an immediate impact from substitute Kerstin Casparij, who scored the equaliser with her first touch just 65 seconds after coming onto the field, the depth of the squad and their ability to change the course of the game were evident.
Striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw scored the final goal, making it her fifth goal in five WSL games. Shaw was expected to leave the club when her contract expired this summer, with rival Chelsea among the clubs interested in signing her. However, she renewed her contract with City, retaining one of their key contributors for another run.
Manchester City could face their biggest challenge yet when they meet Chelsea for the first time this season on November 14. City’s title win last season, the first in a decade, ended Chelsea’s run of six consecutive WSL titles.
Chelsea also remain unbeaten at this stage, with four wins and one draw, having conceded only one goal compared to City’s six. City’s defensive record could prove to be a concern as the season develops.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League will also be scheduled alongside the domestic season, adding further pressure.
The reigning champions strengthened their squad depth over the summer with a wave of new talent and signings from two of their main rivals, adding experience and versatility. Experienced forward Beth Mead joined from Arsenal, and defender Niamh Charles from Chelsea.
Mead currently holds the record for the most assists in WSL history, and Charles boasts four international trophies. Their individual achievements could prove valuable and strengthen City’s bid for back-to-back titles.
Manager Andrée Jeglertz, who guided the Blues to victory in his debut season, remains positive going into the first international break, but acknowledges there are still improvements to be made.
“We still have a lot of things to grow, but we showed today we can win in different ways,” Jeglertz told Man City.
“Sometimes you have the ball 70%, but we needed to defend lower and find transition moments. We have parts to grow, but the confidence in the group is great; we know we’ll always find our opportunities.”
City have undoubtedly made a strong start, but with Chelsea only two points behind and several key fixtures still to come, the question of whether they can improve their defence and retain the title remains open.
Manchester City take on Brighton & Hove Albion next at the Joie Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
