Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline moments from the most recent Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers closer to the pivotal narratives shaping the women's game. Manchester City seemed poised to clinch the championship as early as Wednesday, potentially sealing the title without needing another match. If Arsenal had stumbled against Leicester—a scenario that appeared unlikely—City's lead at the summit could have become insurmountable with only a handful of games left. That hypothetical has now vanished, and the celebration that seemed inevitable is on hold.
The shock loss to Brighton over the weekend has reopened the race. Both Chelsea and Arsenal now possess the mathematical ability to equal City’s current points total of 49. While Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea are effectively out of contention because of an inferior goal‑difference, the Gunners remain very much alive. The odds that were once described as a one‑percent chance for Arsenal to overtake City have jumped to roughly five percent, even before Arsenal have taken to the pitch again.
Regular followers of this column will recall the symbolic trophy hand‑over I suggested back in February; perhaps that early prediction was premature. City’s path to the title is still steep, but as Fran Kirby quipped after Saturday’s match, “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 defeat that saw City’s dominance crumble. Andree Jeglertz’s side now require at least five points from their remaining fixtures to keep the title hopes alive, and as long as Arsenal win the games they have in hand, the championship cannot be secured until the final round. Jeglertz seems unfazed by the pressure, yet the reminder that Renee Slegers’ United have suffered only a single defeat this season—at the hands of City—means any further slip‑ups could prove costly.
City’s upcoming schedule includes a home clash with Liverpool followed by an away game at West Ham, with an FA Cup semi‑final against Chelsea squeezed in between. None of these fixtures are easy, especially after a defeat that came after they had been in control for much of the match. It marks the first occasion this season that City have surrendered points after leading, a sobering moment for a side that has been the benchmark for consistency. Captain Alex Greenwood offered a measured post‑match assessment, highlighting how the team has responded positively to setbacks throughout the campaign.
She noted that the Brighton loss “hurts because we were in control,” emphasizing the missed opportunities: City created seven clear chances but failed to convert any. The lack of cohesion was evident, likely a result of the 19‑day break following the international window.
The season’s fixture list has been a double‑edged sword for City. On one hand, the absence of European competition has reduced fatigue and allowed the squad to focus on domestic duties. On the other, long gaps between league games have sometimes disrupted rhythm, especially during periods of back‑to‑back matches. City’s roster was built with depth to endure three‑game weeks, yet the irregular spacing of matches has occasionally left them without the competitive momentum they thrive on.
Despite the recent stumble, there is no cause for panic. City have been exceptional for the majority of the 2025/26 campaign and deserve the crown based on a level of consistency no other side has matched. However, they cannot treat the title as a foregone conclusion.
Players such as Greenwood, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp will be keenly aware that any slip‑up could see them miss out, echoing the disappointment of losing out to Chelsea on goal difference in the 2023/24 season. The fear of a repeat scenario lingers, and the squad will be determined to avoid it. Meanwhile, Manchester United endured a different kind of disappointment in matchweek 20. Their 0‑0 draw with Tottenham was not a loss on the scoreboard, but it highlighted a deeper loss of initiative.
Once considered strong contenders for second place behind their city rivals, United now appear to be fighting for a top‑three finish. Marc Skinner’s side have managed just one victory in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Scoring has dried up, and overall performance levels have plummeted. This decline raises questions about whether the issues stem from the limited size of Skinner’s squad compared with rivals, or from other factors such as fatigue from juggling a maiden Champions League campaign alongside domestic obligations. United have yet to secure a win against any of the current top‑five teams, a group that includes Spurs, City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Those clubs are averaging roughly 1.5 points per game, suggesting a quality gap that United struggle to bridge. Even the return of Ella Toone from injury could not spark the needed revival.
Spurs displayed concerning trends in their recent encounter with United. Their offensive metrics were dominated by Martin Ho’s side, with an expected goals (xG) differential of 2.58 to United’s 0.47—a clear whitewash.
United took 56 minutes to register a single shot on target, while Spurs recorded more than double the number of touches inside the opponent’s box (42 versus 20). Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce emerged as United’s saviour, keeping them in the game. For Skinner, the pressure is mounting.
As the longest‑serving manager in the WSL, his position is never far from scrutiny, especially given the expectations attached to the United badge. One poor result can ignite talk of his future, and recent criticism has been, in part, self‑inflicted. Skinner has openly acknowledged that the results since the FA Cup loss to Chelsea, followed by the League Cup final defeat, have been insufficient. The squad appears to have run out of steam after trying to balance a historic first‑ever Champions League appearance with domestic commitments.
“We have to make some changes in the summer,” Skinner said, noting that he has one year left on his current contract. Whether those adjustments involve personnel, tactics, or perhaps even his own role remains to be seen. In summary, both Manchester clubs face pivotal moments. City must regroup after a rare defeat and maintain focus to secure the title they have largely earned.
United, on the other hand, need to rediscover their spark and address the underlying issues that have led to a string of poor results if they hope to finish the season in a respectable position. The coming weeks will be decisive for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of a fiercely contested WSL season.