The title race, relegation battle, and biggest surprises: A look at the WSL action so far

Heading into the international break, the Women’s Super League (WSL) has been nothing short of entertaining. With shock results and massive victories across the board, let’s look at how the table is shaping up so far.

London City Lionesses were the talk of the town this summer, adding world class talent in most notably Alexia Putellas, but also the likes of Mapi León and Kadidiatou Diani to their ranks, and it’s showed in their results. They picked up a big opening day victory against Manchester United, and have since won three out of four of their remaining fixtures, placing them third in the table.

Tottenham Hotspur are another team who have made a very strong start to the season, just behind London City Lionesses with 10 points. Their biggest win was a 7-0 thrashing to 10-man Crystal Palace, but on the other end of the spectrum, their most recent result was a 6-1 thrashing from London City Lionesses themselves, who are currently looking like their biggest competition for the coveted third Champions League spot.

Arsenal have had possibly their worst start to the season in years

On the other side of North London, however, their neighbours are not experiencing the same fortune. Dubbed as title favourites heading into the season after a transfer window which saw them recruit eight new players, Arsenal have had possibly their worst start to the season in years. With just one victory in five, they sit 10th in the table with five points, and have undoubtedly been the biggest underachievers thus far. Their fortunes will have to turn quickly if they are to have any chance of returning to the Champions League next season.

It is no surprise that title holders Manchester City have made a perfect start to the season, winning all five of their fixtures, whilst scoring the joint most goals in the league. This included a 4-2 victory over Arsenal just before the break in their most impressive performance yet. They are being closely chased by none other than Chelsea in second place, who, despite dropping points in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on opening day, have remained flawless since – including beating Manchester United 5-0 and Arsenal 1-0.

While it is too early to call how the season will play out, it seems likely that the title race will remain between these two top teams, with Manchester United and Arsenal having slipped too far behind.

The rest of the season is shaping up to be an exciting race

Manchester United got off on the wrong foot, having suffered defeat to London City Lionesses on opening day followed by the aforementioned thrashing from Chelsea, but have since bounced back, picking up results against Arsenal, West Ham, and Liverpool. Yet despite these wins, they still sit in seventh place. It is likely the WSL title is too ambitious for them to aim for this season.

At the other end of the table, it is no surprise to see promoted Charlton Athletic sitting at rock bottom, having yet to pick up their first point this league campaign. They are joined by Birmingham City just above them, with two points, who have picked up draws against Brighton and Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace have had the best run of the promoted teams, sitting in eighth, having picked up a win against Everton and, most impressively, a point against Arsenal.

The WSL has made for interesting viewing thus far, with many teams defying or failing to meet expectations. With just five games played, and already plenty of surprises, the rest of the season is shaping up to be an exciting race, with some great fixtures yet to be played.