WSL at Halfway: Best of the Season So Far and Moving the Goalposts
Manchester City have established themselves as the best team at the halfway point of the Women's Super League season, building a six-point lead with 30 points from 11 games. Under the management of Andrée Jeglertz, who was named best manager for delivering an instant impact, City won 10 consecutive games after an opening defeat to Chelsea. Their effective use of wide areas, with standout performances from Bunny Shaw, Lauren Hemp, Aoba Fujino, Kerolin, and Kerstin Casparij, has been key. Shaw leads the league with 12 goals, seven more than anyone else, and has become central to City's attacking identity.
Jade Rose, a 22-year-old Canadian centre-back, has been highlighted as the best signing for City. Rose has provided defensive stability with 42 clearances while also contributing to attacks. Honorable mentions for impactful players include Tōko Koga, Jess Park, Ellie Carpenter, and Beata Olsson of Liverpool.
In contrast, Arsenal have been the biggest disappointment, sitting eight points behind City with one defeat and four draws. Issues cited include the age of their squad, injuries, and dressing-room disharmony. January changes are anticipated to help reset their fortunes.
Fan frustration has grown due to noon kick-offs affecting travel plans, with Sky viewership figures down, exemplified by 71,000 viewers for Arsenal versus Chelsea. This has prompted a review of scheduling to take place in the summer.
Looking ahead, hopes for the second half include avoiding anterior cruciate ligament injuries, after eight occurred in the first half, and reducing unofficial tactical timeouts. Additionally, a home win for Liverpool and/or Everton would lift the spirits of Merseyside fans.
