Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline‑making moments from the most recent Women’s Super League fixtures, drawing readers into the pivotal narratives shaping the women’s game. Manchester City appeared poised to clinch the title as early as Wednesday, potentially sealing the championship without needing a further match. If Arsenal had slipped up against Leicester—a scenario that seemed unlikely but not impossible—City’s lead at the summit would have become mathematically untouchable with only a handful of games left.
That hypothetical is now off the table, and the celebrations that seemed inevitable have been put on hold. The shock loss to Brighton over the weekend has reopened the race. Both Chelsea and Arsenal now have a realistic shot at matching City’s current points total of 49. Chelsea, under Sonia Bompastor, are effectively out of contention because their goal‑difference deficit is too large, but the Gunners remain very much alive.
What was once touted as a one‑per‑cent chance for a title upset has suddenly risen to roughly five per cent, and Arsenal hasn’t even taken the field yet. Regular followers of this column will recall my early‑season prediction that the trophy would be handed over in February. Perhaps that forecast was premature. Even so, it would still be a tall order for the dominant City side to see the crown slip away at this stage.
As Fran Kirby quipped on Saturday, "We’re happy to keep the title race going a little bit longer." Kirby’s brilliance in a free‑role was the decisive factor in a stunning 3‑2 defeat that left City reeling. Andree Jeglertz’s squad now needs 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 decided until the final matchday. Jeglertz seems unfazed; he simply reminds everyone that his side has suffered only one defeat this term—a loss to City. Any further slip‑ups will likely be 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 sandwiched in between. None of these fixtures are easy, especially after a defeat that saw them surrender a winning position for the first time this season.
The loss to Brighton highlighted a lack of cohesion after a 19‑day international break, during which City created seven clear‑cut chances but failed to convert any of them. The calendar has been both a blessing and a curse for City. On the one hand, the absence of European commitments has reduced fatigue and allowed the squad to focus on domestic duties.
On the other hand, the irregular spacing of matches has sometimes disrupted rhythm, especially during weeks with three games. Nonetheless, the squad was built to endure such pressures, and the gaps between fixtures have at times been generous.
There is no need for panic yet. City have been exceptional for the bulk of the 2025/26 campaign and deserve the title on the basis of consistency that no other side has matched.
However, they cannot take the victory for granted. Players like Alex Greenwood, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp know all too well how quickly a season can turn, recalling the heart‑ache of missing out on the 2023/24 title to Chelsea on goal difference. The fear of a repeat is very real. Meanwhile, Manchester United endured a far worse weekend in match‑week 20.
Their 0‑0 draw with Tottenham was not a loss on the scoreboard, but it exposed a deeper loss of momentum. United, once tipped as the likely second‑place finisher behind City, now find themselves fighting to stay inside 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: is this slump a symptom of the squad’s limited depth compared with rivals, or are other factors at play? United have failed to beat any of the current top‑five teams, while City, Arsenal and Chelsea are averaging roughly 1.5 points per game.
Even the return of Ella Toone from injury could not spark the needed revival. Spurs, on the other hand, displayed a stark contrast in attacking metrics. Their expected‑goals (xG) tally was a blowout—2.58 versus United’s 0.47. It took United 56 minutes just to register a shot on target, whereas Tottenham recorded more than double the number of touches inside the box (42 to 20).
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce emerged as United’s unlikely hero. Where does this leave Skinner? As the longest‑serving manager in the WSL, he is perpetually under the microscope, especially given the high expectations that accompany United’s badge.
One poor result can ignite a chorus of criticism, and recent setbacks have largely been self‑inflicted. Skinner himself admitted that the team’s performances since the FA Cup loss to Chelsea—and the subsequent League Cup final defeat—have not met the required standard. Balancing a maiden Champions League campaign with domestic obligations has taken its toll, and the squad appears to have run out of steam.
"We have to make some changes in the summer," Skinner, who has another year left on his contract, told reporters on Sunday. Whether those changes involve personnel, tactics or a fresh approach remains to be seen, but the pressure to act is mounting.
In summary, both Manchester clubs face pivotal crossroads. City must rediscover the clinical edge that saw them dominate most of the season, while United need to reignite the attacking spark that once made them genuine title contenders. The next few weeks will be decisive, and fans of both sides will be watching closely to see who can navigate the challenges and keep their championship aspirations alive.