WSL Season Review: Tottenham Rise, City Adaptation, and Key Signings
Former England stars analyse the Women's Super League at the winter break, highlighting surprises, standout signings, and how early predictions are shaping up.
As the Women’s Super League reaches its winter break, the season is nearly halfway done and the storylines are taking shape. INLIBER Sport speaks with former England internationals to assess what has changed and what lies ahead.
With the campaign paused for a breather, fans are weighing up who impressed so far, which clubs still need a push, and how the early forecasts have aged. Here is a structured midseason take on the WSL’s biggest talking points.
Which team has surprised you the most?
Fara Williams: Tottenham have transformed into a well-organized, structured side, climbing to fifth and showing real progress compared with recent seasons.
Ellen White: Manchester City have adapted superbly under their new manager, delivering clinical finishes and benefiting from smart new signings.
Which team has room to improve?
Fara Williams: Liverpool still looks a step behind after selling key players and not adding enough depth in the summer; the club also changed managers without a full squad rebuild, which has limited their impact.
Ellen White: I agree — Liverpool have had moments of good football but haven’t consistently converted chances into points. The new era needs more time, and a stronger run after the international break could help.
Who has been the best signing?
Fara Williams: Alyssa Thompson at Chelsea has lived up to the hype, delivering impact and production beyond her price tag.
Ellen White: Toko Koga at Tottenham has been outstanding for a 19-year-old centre-back, reading play well and contributing to clean sheets.
Who has been the player of the season so far?
Fara Williams: Olivia Holdt has added a fresh attacking threat for Tottenham, driving the ball forward and improving the team’s tempo.
Ellen White: Khadija Shaw of Manchester City has been relentlessly clinical, with a broad goal threat and excellent aerial ability.
What has been your favourite match?
Fara Williams: The early Chelsea vs Manchester City clash, a 2-1 win for City, sticks out, though the recent United vs Tottenham 3-3 thriller was equally memorable.
Ellen White: Manchester United versus Tottenham produced a remarkable comeback and a dramatic late twist, making it a standout for many fans.
Do you stand by your pre-season predictions?
At the season’s start, both pundits forecast Chelsea to win the title with Arsenal in second place.
Fara Williams: It’s a tight race and City’s midseason lead is hard to bridge, but Arsenal and Chelsea still have head-to-head fixtures that could swing the balance again. I’ll stay with the forecast for now.
Ellen White: I’m sticking with it as well — Chelsea and Arsenal remain strong contenders to close the gap.
Note: Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie return for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on INLIBER Sounds, with interviews and extra content from the WSL and beyond on the Women’s Football Weekly feed.
Expert insight
Expert comment: The season’s turning points show two clubs rising in pressure while others recalibrate, making the title race more open than expected. Tactical tweaks and smart signings are redefining who can win the league.
Conclusion / Short summary
Summary: The midseason snapshot highlights Tottenham’s disciplined improvement and Manchester City’s adaptable style. Liverpool’s gaps remain an issue, while Chelsea and Arsenal look well-placed to challenge once the games resume. Individual players like Alyssa Thompson and Khadija Shaw have stood out, underscoring how top teams are leveraging new talent to push for glory. The next stretch of fixtures will reveal whether these early trends solidify or shift again.
Key insight: Tottenham’s rise signals a broader shift in the WSL, as City’s adaptability keeps the title race wide open. BBC Sport
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