Laura Hunter, the Sky Sports columnist, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the latest round of Women's Super League fixtures, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women’s game. Manchester City entered the weekend on the brink of clinching the championship.
Had Arsenal faltered against Leicester—a scenario that seemed unlikely but not impossible—City’s lead could have become insurmountable with only a handful of matches left to play. That hypothetical scenario has now vanished, and the celebration that seemed inevitable has been put on hold. The shock loss to Brighton over the weekend has reopened the title race.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal now possess the mathematical ability to match City’s current points tally of 49. In practice, Chelsea, under Sonia Bompastor, are unlikely to overtake City because of an inferior goal‑difference, but Arsenal remain a genuine threat. What was once a one‑per‑cent chance for a rival to catch City has swelled to roughly five per cent, and this shift has occurred without Arsenal even taking the field. Regular followers of Hunter’s column will recall her February prediction that the trophy would be handed over early in the season.
In hindsight, that forecast now looks premature, prompting a reassessment of whether that early confidence was a mistake. Even with the setback, it would still be a tall order for a dominant side like City to lose the title at this stage. As Fran Kirby remarked after the Brighton game, "We’re happy to keep the title race going a little longer." Kirby’s creativity from a free‑roaming role proved decisive in a stunning 3‑2 defeat, highlighting how individual brilliance can tip the balance in tightly contested matches.
Andree Jeglertz’s side now needs at least five points from their remaining fixtures to secure the crown. As long as Arsenal win the games they have in hand, City cannot guarantee the title until the final matchday. Jeglertz appears unfazed by this uncertainty, reminding readers that his side has suffered only one defeat this season—at the hands of City—so any further slip‑ups could prove costly.
Looking ahead, City will host Liverpool before travelling to West Ham for their last two league games, with an FA Cup semi‑final against Chelsea sandwiched in between. None of those matches are easy wins; the pressure is high and the momentum has been dented by a defeat that could have been settled in the first half.
It marks the first occasion this season that City have dropped points after leading a game. Captain Alex Greenwood offered a measured post‑match interview, emphasizing how the squad has responded positively to setbacks throughout the campaign. She admitted that the loss to Brighton was painful because the team had been in control for large periods. In that match, City generated seven clear‑cut chances yet failed to convert any, a sign that the side had not yet fully re‑gel after a 19‑day break for international duties.
The fixture schedule has been both a blessing and a curse for City this season. The absence of European competition has reduced fatigue and allowed the squad to focus on domestic matches, yet the irregular gaps between games have sometimes disrupted rhythm. City’s roster was assembled to endure the rigours of three‑game weeks, and at times the long intervals between fixtures have been advantageous, giving players time to recover and train tactically. Despite the recent stumble, there is no reason for panic.
City have been exceptional for the majority of the 2025/26 season and deserve the championship on the basis of a consistency that no other side has matched. However, they cannot treat the title as a foregone conclusion; the final stretch will test their mental fortitude. Players such as Greenwood, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp will be keenly aware that a single misstep could see their dreams slip away, recalling the heartbreak of missing out on the 2023/24 title to Chelsea on goal‑difference. Could history repeat itself?
The fear lingers, but the team’s depth and experience may be enough to avoid a repeat. Meanwhile, Manchester United have emerged as the other major disappointment of matchweek 20. Their problem is not a loss—United held Tottenham to a goalless draw—but a loss of initiative.
Once considered the favourite to finish second behind city rivals, United now appear to be slipping out of the top‑three race. Marc Skinner’s side have managed only one victory in their last eight matches across all competitions. Scoring has dried up, and performance levels have plummeted.
The question arises: is this decline a symptom of the limited size of Skinner’s squad compared with rivals, or are there other factors at play, such as the congested schedule and injuries? United have yet 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 that United have struggled to bridge.
Even the return of Ella Toone from injury could not spark a revival in the Sunday match. Spurs displayed worrying trends of their own.
Their attacking metrics were dominated by Martin Ho’s side, with an expected‑goals (xG) differential of 2.58 to 0.47. United required 56 minutes just to register a shot on target, while Tottenham enjoyed more than double the number of touches inside the box (42 versus 20). Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce was United’s saviour, keeping them in the game.
For Skinner, the pressure is relentless. As the longest‑serving manager in the WSL, his position is never far from scrutiny, especially given the high expectations attached to the United badge.
One poor result can ignite talk of his job being on the line. Nevertheless, some of the criticism is self‑inflicted. Skinner himself has acknowledged that the results since the FA Cup loss to Chelsea and the subsequent League Cup final defeat have been insufficient.
Balancing a maiden Champions League campaign with domestic obligations appears to have stretched the squad’s resources, leading to a noticeable dip in form. "We have to make some changes in the summer," Skinner said, noting that his contract still has a year left. Whether those changes will involve personnel, tactics, or a combination of both remains to be seen, but the manager’s willingness to adapt could be a vital factor in United’s attempt to recover.
In summary, both Manchester clubs face pivotal moments. City must regroup quickly to preserve their title hopes, while United need to rediscover their attacking spark and defensive solidity if they hope to climb back into the top tier of the league. The coming weeks will be decisive for both sides, and fans will be watching closely to see whether either club can turn the tide and finish the season on a high note.