WSL Mid-Season Review: Surprises, Standouts, and Signings
Two former England stars assess the Women's Super League at the halfway mark, highlighting surprises, star players, and teams to watch as the title race tightens.
The Women's Super League has reached its winter break, and the season so far has produced surprising turns, rising stars, and clearer clues about the title race. INLIBER's panel of former England players shares their take on who’s ahead, who’s catching up, and which signings are making the biggest impact.
Which team has surprised you the most?
Fara Williams: Tottenham have turned a corner this year, showing better organisation and consistency. Their fifth-place position reflects real progress compared with previous seasons.
Ellen White: Manchester City deserve praise for how they’ve adapted under a new manager, adopting a sharper approach and benefiting from smart new signings that have sharpened their attack.
Which team has room to improve?
Fara Williams: Liverpool’s off-season left gaps. They sold a key player, Olivia Smith, for £1m and lost their vice-captain Taylor Hinds, with limited summer reinforcements. A new manager is in place, but the squad isn’t yet able to match the departures.
Ellen White: Liverpool face similar concerns—new management, some solid performances, but not consistently earning the results their play warrants. A longer international break could help them refocus and push in the new year.
Who has been the best signing?
Fara Williams: Alyssa Thompson at Chelsea has lived up to the hype and the price tag, contributing consistently for a talented attack.
Ellen White: Toko Koga at Tottenham stands out as a 19-year-old centre-back who reads the game well and provides important stability at the back.
Who has been the player of the season so far?
Fara Williams: Olivia Holdt has brought a dynamic edge to Tottenham’s frontline, giving them a creative spark and a forward presence they lacked earlier last season.
Ellen White: Khadija Shaw of Manchester City has been relentlessly clinical, producing a wide range of goals and showing excellent finishing and movement.
What has been your favourite match?
Fara Williams: The opening clash between Chelsea and Manchester City ended 2-1 to the champions, but the recent United vs Tottenham thriller stood out for excitement and late drama.
Ellen White: Manchester United against Tottenham was a truly exciting match, with several goals and a dramatic late turnaround in favour of United.
Do you stand by your pre-season predictions?
Both analysts predicted Chelsea to win the title with Arsenal in second.
Fara Williams: "City have hit the front early with fewer fixtures to manage, so closing the gap will be tough but not impossible; Arsenal and Chelsea still have chances to catch them when they meet again."
Ellen White: "I’m sticking with our picks for now."
Note: This season’s coverage emphasizes mid-season shifts and what to watch next as teams reassess during the break.
Expert comment
INLIBER analysis: "Mid-season form can redefine the title race, and this year Tottenham's organisation and Manchester City's clinical finishing are proving decisive. The next weeks will reveal whether Chelsea and Arsenal can close the gap."
Short summary
At the halfway point, Tottenham have evolved into a more structured side, while Manchester City have shown clinical efficiency under their new leadership. Liverpool look for improvements after key departures, and Chelsea and Arsenal remain in the mix with the potential to rise. Standout signings like Alyssa Thompson and Toko Koga have influenced results, and the player of the season conversations continue to evolve as the league resumes.
Key takeaway: Tottenham’s improved structure and Manchester City’s clinical finishing are reshaping the WSL title race, with the second half promising more twists. BBC Sport
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