The 2026-27 season of the Women’s Super League is in full swing. Title contenders and relegation candidates have surfaced, while the league’s traditional top four are back to business as usual (with an Arsenal-shaped asterisk).
Defending champions Manchester City and Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea are unbeaten and have emerged as the early contenders, but Renée Slegers’ Arsenal are out of the title picture after a sluggish start.
But who stands out among the chasing pack?
Manchester United under Eva Olid have gained momentum after a difficult start; the London City Lionesses project seems to be delivering; Martin Ho’s Tottenham side have flattered to deceive; and Brighton and Liverpool are struggling.
Let’s break down which team is shaping up to actually be the best of the rest. First up, London City Lionesses and Manchester United.
London City Lionesses
Eder Maestre’s team is currently third in the WSL with 16 points from eight games, having lost only twice, a shock defeat to West Ham United and the most recent defeat to Manchester City. London City are free-scoring and defensively strong, and look well worth their current league position.
Style of play evolution
Michele Kang’s ambitious project at the Lionesses garnered a lot of attention over the summer. Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was the headline act, but they secured multiple big names such as Mary Earps, Mapi Léon and Kadidiatou Diani. along with youngsters like Daniela Arques and Rosa Kafaji.
The Bromley-based club have looked far better than they did last season, and it’s no wonder considering they have some of the best players in the world.
However, Kang and the club’s leadership seemed to have learned from last season, when LCL played under two managers with distinct approaches and had to rely on a young Freya Godfrey as their primary source of goals. They felt more like a collection of signings than a team in 2025-26.
It’s safe to say things have changed this season.
