Laura Hunter, the Sky Sports columnist, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the latest Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers into the pivotal 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 up against Leicester—a scenario that appeared unlikely but not impossible—City's lead at the summit could have become unassailable with only a handful of games remaining.
That hypothetical, however, has now vanished, and the celebratory atmosphere surrounding City’s title hopes has been replaced by uncertainty. The shock loss to Brighton over the weekend has reopened the race. Both Chelsea and Arsenal now possess the mathematical ability to match City’s current points total of 49. While Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea are realistically out of contention due to an inferior goal‑difference, the Gunners remain very much in the hunt.
A probability that was once described as a one‑per‑cent chance before the weekend has now risen to roughly five per cent, even though Arsenal have not yet taken the field. Regular followers of this column will recall the symbolic hand‑over of the trophy that I predicted as early as February; perhaps that early proclamation was premature. City’s path to the title is still difficult but not impossible.
As Fran Kirby quipped after Saturday’s match, "We’re happy to keep the title race going for a little bit longer." Kirby’s brilliance in a free‑role position proved decisive in the surprising 3‑2 defeat, highlighting how a single player’s performance can swing a match. Andree Jeglertz’s side now require a minimum of five points from their remaining fixtures to keep the championship within reach.
As long as Arsenal win the games they have in hand, City cannot guarantee the title before the final round. Jeglertz appears unfazed by this reality, perhaps reminded that his side, under Renee Slegers, have suffered only one loss this season—a defeat to City. Any additional slip‑ups could prove costly.
Looking ahead, City will host Liverpool before traveling to West Ham for their last two league outings, with an FA Cup semi‑final against Chelsea sandwiched in between. None of these matches are easy, especially after a defeat that saw them surrender a winning position—a first occurrence for City this season.
The loss exposed a vulnerability: the team failed to convert seven clear‑cut chances against Brighton, a shortfall that may be linked to the 19‑day break after the international window, during which the squad had limited collective training. The fixture schedule has been both a blessing and a curse for City. The absence of European commitments has reduced fatigue, allowing the team to focus on domestic duties, yet the irregular spacing of matches has sometimes disrupted their rhythm.
City’s roster was deliberately built to endure three‑game weeks, but the gaps between fixtures have been substantial at times, testing the squad’s consistency. Despite the setback, there is no need for panic. City have been exceptional for the bulk of the 2025/26 campaign and deserve the championship on the basis of a consistency that no other side has matched.
Nevertheless, they cannot treat the title as a foregone conclusion. Players such as captain Alex Greenwood, forward Bunny Shaw, and prolific striker Lauren Hemp will be keenly aware that a single misstep could see their dreams crumble, recalling the pain of missing out on the 2023/24 title on goal‑difference to Chelsea.
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 signalled a deeper loss of momentum. Once considered strong contenders for second place behind their city rivals, United now face an uphill battle to even secure 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 performance levels have plummeted. The question arises: is this slump a reflection of the limited depth of Skinner’s squad compared with rivals, or are other factors at play?
United have failed to beat any of the current top‑five teams, including Spurs, while City, Arsenal and Chelsea are averaging about 1.5 points per game, suggesting a quality gap. Even the return of Ella Toone from a long injury layoff could not ignite United’s attack. Spurs, under Martin Ho, dominated the offensive statistics: an expected‑goals (xG) total of 2.58 to United’s 0.47, and they recorded 42 touches inside the box compared with United’s 20. United’s goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis‑Joyce, was the only bright spot, making crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.
Skinner now finds himself under intense scrutiny. In the WSL, managers are rarely given a long leash, especially when they helm clubs with the stature of United. One poor result can reignite talk of pressure and potential dismissal.
Yet some of the criticism is self‑inflicted; Skinner has openly admitted that results since the FA Cup loss to Chelsea and the subsequent League Cup final defeat have been inadequate. The team appears to have exhausted its energy after juggling a maiden Champions League campaign with domestic obligations. "We have to make some changes in the summer," Skinner said, noting that his contract still has a year left. Whether those changes involve tactical tweaks, new signings, or even a reshuffle of the coaching staff remains to be seen, but the upcoming transfer window will be pivotal for United’s revival.
In summary, both Manchester clubs face critical junctures. City must rediscover the clinical edge that saw them dominate most of the season, while United need to rekindle the confidence and creativity that once made them genuine title challengers.
The next few weeks will be decisive, and fans of both sides will be watching closely to see which narrative ultimately unfolds.