Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the latest round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers closer to the narratives shaping the women's game. Manchester City appeared poised to clinch the league title as early as Wednesday, potentially sealing the championship without needing to play another match. If Arsenal had stumbled against Leicester—a scenario that seemed 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That hypothetical is now off the table, and the celebratory atmosphere surrounding City’s title hopes has been replaced by uncertainty.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 Chelsea, under Sonia Bompastor, are realistically out of contention because of an inferior goal‑difference, Arsenal remain very much in the mix.
What was once described as a one‑percent chance for a title upset before the weekend has now risen to roughly five percent, and Arsenal have not even taken the field yet. Regular followers of Hunter’s column will recall her early February prediction that the trophy would be handed over to City; she now wonders whether that forecast was premature. Even with the setback, City’s dominance is not yet shattered. As forward Fran Kirby quipped after the 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 a surprising 3‑2 defeat.
Manager Andrée Jeglertz’s side now need at least five points from their remaining fixtures to lock the championship, and as long as Arsenal win the games they have in hand, the title cannot be secured until the final round. This reality does not appear to worry Jeglertz, but it serves as a reminder that United’s side, coached by Renee Slegers, has suffered only one defeat this term—at the hands of City. Any further 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 loss that came after City had the chance to decide the game in the first half. It marks the first occasion this season that City have dropped points after leading.
Captain Alex Greenwood reflected on the Brighton defeat, emphasizing how the squad has historically bounced back from adversity. She admitted the loss “hurts because we were in control,” noting that City generated seven clear‑cut chances during the 90 minutes but 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 congested schedule has been both a blessing and a curse for City.
On one hand, the absence of European fixtures has allowed them to avoid the fatigue that often plagues clubs juggling multiple competitions. On the other, the irregular rhythm—sometimes long gaps between games—has disrupted their momentum.
City’s roster was built to endure three‑game weeks, yet the season’s ebb and flow have tested that depth. Despite the recent stumble, panic is premature. City have been extraordinary for the majority of the 2025/26 campaign and merit the championship for a level of consistency unmatched by any rival.
However, they can no longer take the title for granted. Players such as Greenwood, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp will be keenly aware that a single misstep could see their dreams evaporate, especially after the bitter memory of missing out on the 2023/24 title on goal difference to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Manchester United endured a far more painful weekend, not because they lost their match— a goalless draw with Tottenham— but because the result exposed a deeper loss of initiative.
Once considered strong contenders for second place behind City, United now face an uphill battle to even finish in the top three. Marc Skinner’s side have managed just one victory in their last eight fixtures across all competitions. Their goal output has dried up, and performance levels have plummeted. The question looms: is this decline a symptom of the squad’s limited size compared with rivals, or are other factors at play?
United have failed to beat any of the current top‑five teams, a group that includes Spurs, City, Arsenal and Chelsea, all of which are averaging about 1.5 points per game. Even the return of Ella Toone from injury could not spark a revival. Spurs, on the other hand, displayed dominant offensive metrics. Martin Ho’s side enjoyed an xG (expected goals) advantage of 2.58 to United’s 0.47.
United required 56 minutes just to register a shot on target, while Spurs recorded more than double the number of touches inside the box (42 versus 20). Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce emerged as United’s saviour on the day. Skinner now finds himself under intense scrutiny, as the longest‑serving manager in the WSL is rarely far from criticism given the expectations attached to the United badge. One poor result can ignite talk of pressure and tension.
Yet Skinner must also recognize that much of the recent criticism is self‑inflicted. He openly admitted that the team’s performances since the FA Cup loss to Chelsea, followed by the League Cup final defeat, have been insufficient. Balancing a maiden Champions League campaign with domestic duties appears to have drained the squad’s energy. “We have to make some changes in the summer,” Skinner said, noting he still has a year left on his contract.
Whether those changes involve personnel, tactics or a reshaping of the club’s philosophy remains to be seen. In summary, the weekend has left both Manchester clubs at a crossroads. City must regroup quickly, secure the necessary points, and avoid complacency if they wish to lift the trophy.
United, meanwhile, must rediscover the spark that once made them genuine title challengers, or risk slipping further down the table. The next few weeks will be decisive for both sides as the season races toward its climax.