Manchester City are the only perfect team in the WSL. They’ve won their opening five games of the 2026-27 WSL season, scoring 16 goals and conceding six.
Andrée Jeglertz’s side beat Arsenal 4-2 in their most recent league game, coming from behind twice to pile pressure onto the Gunners and their manager Renée Slegers. City have also remained unbeaten across all competitions this season.
There were questions around Manchester City’s summer transfer business and their ability to cope with the demands of European competition. The 2025-26 champions responded with a relatively quiet transfer window, making just three signings.
Their most important addition this summer may actually be their mantra: “We will find a way.”
Jeglertz’s side have come from behind four times in seven games across all competitions to rescue a result. They have not always dominated games, but they have repeatedly absorbed pressure and found a way through.
They did so against Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and now Arsenal.
Is there a secret behind City’s ability to win without always being convincing?
The good
City have a thin but undeniably talented squad. They have exceptional players in every department. City set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Khadija Shaw spearheading the attack and Lauren Hemp and Aoba Fujino operating from the flanks. Yui Hasegawa controls midfield alongside Sam Coffey in the double pivot, while Jade Rose and Alex Greenwood provide the defensive foundation.
Jeglertz’s attacking system has plenty of variety. City can go long or build with short passes. They can cross, attack the channels and play through or around an opposition block.
This season, there has been greater fluidity among City’s midfielders and attackers. City usually use their goalkeeper in the build-up, with the two centre-backs splitting either side. The double pivot plays a crucial role in progressing the ball through the thirds. Both midfielders often drift slightly wider, allowing the full-backs to push higher and leaving the central corridor vacant.
That central space is then occupied by the No 10 or a winger moving inside to provide a vertical outlet. Last season, Vivianne Miedema often played as the attacking midfielder. This season, former Arsenal forward Beth Mead has taken up that role, with Fujino also spending time there.
These counter-movements from the double pivot open a direct route for City. They can either play a grounded pass into the feet of the No 10 or go directly to Shaw, with the attacking midfielder positioned to compete for the second ball. Once either receives possession, City have runners on both flanks and can attack at pace.
This season, 71.7% of City’s attacking-third touches have come down the flanks. Their attackers also make plenty of counter-movements in the final third, adding unpredictability to the attack. This makes it difficult for opponents to track runners and creates space across the pitch.
