After a great first half of the season and a well deserved break, the top tier of women’s football in England is kicked off by Aston Villa and Tottenham on Saturday 14th January 2023.
Arsenal and Manchester United will be hunting down Emma Hayes’ side, to prevent Chelsea’s fourth consecutive title, whilst Leicester will be searching for points on the table.
With injuries, transfer discussions and a title, 2023 poses nothing but excitement for the Women’s Super League. All 12 teams have a lot to prove this year, but how have they performed so far?
Chelsea:
The Blues remain key favourites to replicate last season and lift the trophy again this season. Although just three points ahead of Arsenal- who have a game in hand- minimal injuries and scoring super stars Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby show Chelsea’s resilience and attacking mindset. Hayes’ squad has used their Champions League campaign as a confidence boost, through their undefeated run across the knock out and group stages.
Arsenal:
With recent ACL injuries suffered by dynamic duo Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema filling media spaces, it’s important to notice how well the Gunners have played this season. Like Chelsea, Jonas Edievall’s side has shown a threatening squad, frightening their opponents. The Red Army’s attacking force is still prominent from key players like Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Lina Hurtig, so goals shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Manchester United:
Just two points off the top places Marc Skinner’s side as title-contenders. New players have embedded effectively in the team, with the win over Arsenal being a turning point in mindset, something that if carried on throughout 2023 will be feared by others.
Manchester City:
City had a tough start to the season, with many crucial players- including Caroline Weir, Lucy Bronze, and Ellen White- all departing from the club. Despite this, the club has turned this around with many goals from this season's top goal scorer Khadija Shaw, which puts them in a good position for a Champions League place.
West Ham:
The Hammers have proved their worth and placement near the top 4 this season, with many displays of great football. Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Viviane Asseyi and West Ham legend Kate Longhurst are just a few to show appreciation for the club's improvements this season.
Everton:
What almost appears as a new squad since their victory over Spurs, Brian Sorensen’s side have transformed last season’s chaos into a respectable sixth place spot at the winter break. Upcoming star Jess Park has been unleashed, and who knows where she will help take this team!
Aston Villa:
Despite a lack of consistency from Villa this season, the threat of their front three can be seen through Rachel Daly’s eight goals. With injured players like Simone Magill making their comebacks soon, the rest of the season is promising.
Tottenham:
Rehanne Skinner enters the new year under real pressure, after Spurs have lost their last four WSL games to Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Everton.
Liverpool:
Although their positioning is not as high in the table as hoped, they have consistently put in good shifts against the top teams- with an impressive victory over current leaders Chelsea in their first game in this league.
Reading:
They have had no issue with scoring goals, but earning the points so far, in which they are reliant on Leicester win drought to keep them up this season.
Brighton:
Hope Powell’s resignation following a shocking 8-0 defeat to Spurs has inevitably damaged the club, with minimal wins since. To keep their spot in this league, they need to ensure their defensive structure is stronger going forward.
Leicester:
A worrying start with no wins out of their 9 games puts Leicester as leading favourites to be relegated. A huge turn around for the club moving forward and other teams to face all losses is the only way for this team to maintain their spot, a position they were only promoted into in 2021.
Make sure you see how the league will play out, starting next weekend!
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