Laura Hunter, the Sky Sports columnist, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the latest Women's Super League fixtures, giving readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game. Manchester City seemed poised to clinch the title as early as Wednesday, potentially sealing the championship without needing another match. If Arsenal had somehow slipped against Leicester—a scenario that was unlikely but not impossible—City’s lead could have become insurmountable with only a handful of games left.
That hypothetical is now off the table, and the celebration that might have been is postponed. The shock defeat to Brighton over the weekend has reopened the race.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal now have a mathematical chance of matching City’s current points total of 49, although Chelsea, under Sonia Bompastor, are effectively out of the running because of an inferior goal‑difference. Arsenal, on the other hand, remain very much alive. What was once described as a one‑percent chance of another team overtaking City has now risen to roughly five percent, and that is before Arsenal have even taken to the pitch.
Regular followers of Hunter’s column will recall her February prediction that the trophy would be handed over early in the season – a forecast that now looks questionable. Even though City’s position looks precarious, losing the crown at this stage would still be a tall order.
As Fran Kirby remarked after the Brighton game, "We’re happy to keep the title race going a little longer." Kirby’s brilliance in a free‑role was the decisive factor in a stunning 3‑2 loss for City. Andree Jeglertz’s side now need at least five points from their remaining matches to keep the title hopes alive, and they cannot secure the trophy until the final round as long as Arsenal win their games in hand. Jeglertz appears unfazed; his side have only been beaten once this campaign – by City – and any further slip‑ups are likely to be costly. City’s upcoming schedule includes a home game against Liverpool, an away fixture at West Ham, and an FA Cup semi‑final versus Chelsea sandwiched in between.
None of those matches are easy, especially after a defeat that saw them surrender a lead they could have turned into a win within the first half. It marks the first occasion this season that City have dropped points after being ahead. Captain Alex Greenwood spoke candidly after the Brighton loss, highlighting how the squad has responded positively to setbacks throughout the season. She admitted the defeat “hurts because we were in control,” noting that City produced seven clear‑cut chances yet failed to convert any.
The lack of cohesion was evident, as the team had not trained together for 19 days following the international break. The fixture congestion has been both a blessing and a curse for City.
On one hand, the absence of European commitments has reduced fatigue and allowed the squad to focus on domestic duties. On the other, the irregular rhythm of back‑to‑back games has sometimes disrupted their flow. City’s roster was deliberately built to endure three‑game weeks, but the gaps between matches have been substantial at various points in the campaign. There is no need for panic yet.
City have been exceptional for the majority of the 2025/26 season and deserve the title on the basis of consistency that no other side has matched. However, they cannot take the prize for granted. Players such as Greenwood, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp will be determined not to repeat the heartbreak of missing out on the title on goal difference in 2023/24. Manchester United, meanwhile, were the other major disappointment of matchweek 20.
Their problem was not the 0‑0 draw with Tottenham but the loss of momentum. Once considered strong contenders for second place behind their city rivals, United now appear to be fighting just to stay in the top three. Marc Skinner’s side have managed only one win in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Scoring has dried up, and performance levels have plummeted. The question arises whether this slump reflects the limited depth of Skinner’s squad compared with the league’s elite, or whether other factors such as fixture congestion and injuries are to blame. United have failed to beat any of the current top‑five teams, which include Tottenham, City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Those clubs are averaging around 1.5 points per game, suggesting a quality gap. Even the return of Ella Toone from injury could not spark the needed revival.
Spurs displayed some worrying trends of their own. Their attacking metrics were dominated by Martin Ho’s side, with an expected‑goals (xG) total of 2.58 compared to United’s 0.47 – a virtual whitewash. United took 56 minutes to register a shot on target, while Tottenham recorded more than double the number of touches inside the box (42 versus 20). Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce was United’s lone hero.
What does this mean for Skinner? He is the longest‑serving manager in the WSL, and his position is always under scrutiny given the high expectations attached to the United badge. One poor result can ignite talk of pressure and possible dismissal. Skinner must also recognize that much of the criticism is self‑inflicted.
He has openly admitted that the team’s form since the FA Cup loss to Chelsea, followed by the League Cup final defeat, has been inadequate. Balancing a maiden Champions League campaign with domestic obligations appears to have drained the squad’s energy. “We have to make some changes in the summer,” Skinner said on Sunday, noting that he still has a year left on his contract.
Whether those changes involve personnel, tactics, or a reshuffle of responsibilities remains to be seen. In summary, both Manchester clubs face pivotal moments. City must regroup quickly to protect their title ambitions, while United need to rediscover the spark that once made them genuine title challengers. The next few weeks will be decisive, and the outcomes will shape the narrative of the WSL season as it heads toward its climax.