Manchester City is no stranger to being at the top of the WSL table. Their incredible player depth, technical ability, tactical awareness, and coaching staff has made them long-time favorites to win the title, and cup, every single season. Despite having a few setbacks, like injuries and coaching disputes, they have clawed their way back to contend against more recent winners, like Chelsea and Arsenal FC.
Do you think Manchester City can win the WSL again, or has their time come and gone? Based off of recent results, they might be getting back into the old swing of things.
Manchester City Sights Set on Winning WSL
5️⃣ star City cruise to victory over West Ham in the @BarclaysWSL! 💫
Watch the action 👇 pic.twitter.com/saUHSQRWkL
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 22, 2024
City took Chelsea’s Champions League distraction and ran with it. They knew that they could take this time to cement themselves back in the number one spot as Chelsea was too preoccupied with European competition to focus solely on the domestic league back in England. That gave Manchester City the chance to focus 100% on their upcoming matches – and they did just that.
The yare in full contention for the title race after having beaten West Ham United in a thrilling 5-0 win. The emphatic goal scoring, energy, and domination left fans hopeful that City could reclaim silverware once more. Bunny Shaw scored in just the fourth minute – but that was only after Leila Ouahabi scored in only 24 SECONDS into the game. Talk about starting on the right foot.
Since City was able to extend their goal difference and better the goal differential, they have a better chance now of earning one of their top spots. Despite having played one game more than the Blues, winning their last game puts added pressure on Emma Hayes’ side to nab the win and fight back against City.
And a win would go a long way for Manchester city. They haven’t won the domestic league since 2016, plagued by player injuries, transfers, questionable coaching tactics, and lack of belief. Plus, in this time frame, Chelsea had Emma Hayes who used her tactical genius and brought in expensive transfers to bolster their squad.
Can Manchester City reclaim their old glory days? Perhaps.
What Can We Expect Next From Manchester City?
Well, the last few weeks will come down to a tense battle between the top three in the WSL. Only three fixtures remain and Manchester City and Chelsea all battel for the top spot, with Arsenal FC holding onto third place.
Although women’s football is currently on a break due to EURO Qualifiers, that doesn’t mean the WSL is any less important. Theer is no doubt that Manchester City will hope that Chelsea’s European campaign will tire out key players, like Lauren James, so they do not perform as well in the league.
Before the European break, City beat Liverpool 4-1, securing an empathic three points. On the other hand, Chelsea missed their league fixture due to being in the League Cup final vs. Arsenal, where they suffered a shocking defeat late into the game.
Then, Manchester City beat West Ham, driving them even further forward. Chelsea won 3-0 against Aston Villa, which saw Beever-Jones, Hamano, and Buchanan all score for the Blues.
With both teams having only three games remaining, we can assume that if either team drops points, they lose out on first place.
City face off against Bristol City next, which we can assume will be an ‘easier’ three points for the Mancunian side. Chelsea face Liverpool, which is a slightly tougher draw and could see a potential upset on the cards.
For matchday 21, City face off against Arsenal. This is arguably the biggest day remaining in the season, as City will no doubt dread facing such a tough squad on their second-to-last game of the season to try and secure first place. On the other hand, Chelsea face Bristol City, which will give them a bit of a break before the final day of the season.
On the final match day of the 2023-2024 season, Chelsea face off against Manchester United (which could be an upset) and City face off against Villa.
Also Read: Who Will Win the 2024 Avenir Sports All-Island Cup?
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
