Manchester United currently joint top of the Women’s Super League after their 100% winning start to the season. On Sunday United made it four wins in four as they picked up a 1-0 victory against Leicester. The win sees them maintain their top spot at the WSL but, due to Arsenal’s 2-0 win, the exact same goal difference as the Gunners means they sit second alphabetically.
United shouldn’t be too worried about scoring goals though. Last week the Red Devils blew away Brighton with a 4-0 victory, and that was all without their top scorer from last season Alessia Russo. The Euro super sub has been out with an injury since having to leave early from the last Lionesses camp.
United’s summer recruitment means that, unlike last season, they now have strong squad depth. This means that even without key players, such as Alessio Russo, they have players like Adrianna Leon who can come on and contribute to the team.
New signings Maya Le Tissier and Lucia Garcia have offered the team new creative options with the former impressing fans so much she was nominated for both the Barclays WSL September Player of the Month, as well as the PFA Vertu Motors Fans’ Player of the Month
United manager Mark Skinner has spoken of the team’s wish to make Leigh Sports Village a fortress and it has proven to be just that for visiting teams. Scoring 11 goals and conceding 0, United’s defence looks solid this season, and their attack somehow looks even stronger than it did last year.
United narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot last season to local rivals Manchester City. The Reds have finished 4th in all three seasons they have been in the WSL so they will be hoping to go at least one better this year.
They won’t have it all their own way though. Arsenal missed out on the title by just one point last season, to their London rivals Chelsea. Coming so close and missing out on the last day of the season will have undoubtedly given the Gunners extra motivation heading into this season.
Similarly to Manchester United, two of Arsenal’s squad played a very important role in helping the Lionesses win the UEFA Women’s Euros. Captain Leah Williamson led by example in defence while Beth Mead was the competition’s top scorer and assist maker. Most recently the Arsenal striker won the PFA Vertu Motors Fans’ Player of the Month and came second, behind Alexia Putellas, in the women’s Ballon D’or.
The Gunners currently sit joint top of the WSL table, with Man United. They too have made a perfect start to the season. Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 this weekend to maintain their fight for the top spot in the league.
Last season’s winners Chelsea will also offer up a challenge for the title. They have played one more game than United and Arsenal but they have been struggling defensively. On the opening week they were subjected to a shock defeat by newly promoted Liverpool and last week Emma Hayes announced she would be taking time off while she recovers from an emergency hysterectomy.
However, with their own star duo of Sam Kerr and Fran Kerr, Chelsea definitely won’t be a pushover, and will no doubt mount a challenge for the top spot of the WSL.