Manchester City Women have won the Women's Super League (WSL) title for the first time in 10 years, securing a dramatic victory over Liverpool that put them on the verge of the championship. The sight of defender Rebecca Knaak fighting back tears at the full-time whistle summed up the significance of the moment. Knaak had scored a late header to snatch the win, despite a painful shoulder injury, embodying the relief, soreness, and joy of a decade-long wait for the title.
A Decade of Change
When City last lifted the trophy in 2016, the women's game was vastly different. Managed by Nick Cushing, they went unbeaten through a 16-game season with a starting XI featuring nine English and two Scottish players, and only six non-English players in the squad. Fast forward to 2026, and City's squad boasts players from 15 nations, with eight nationalities represented in the starting lineup against Liverpool. The team's unity has been a defining feature of their season, with sources describing this group as the most 'together' City team in the WSL era.
Key Factors Behind the Triumph
Much of the credit goes to captain Alex Greenwood, a first-time WSL champion at 32, and head coach Andrée Jeglertz, whose calm demeanor and unwavering belief have been instrumental. City's attacking prowess has been unmatched, scoring 58 goals at an average of 2.8 per game, 15 more than reigning champions Chelsea. The top three players for goal contributions in the league—Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, and Kerolin—all play for City. Shaw has been the standout, netting 19 goals and looking unstoppable, likely earning the WSL Player of the Season award.
City's home form was peerless, winning all 11 WSL home games, a feat achieved only by Chelsea in 2019-20 and 2022-23. Jeglertz has called the Joie Stadium their 'castle.' The team's determination late in games has been crucial, scoring winning goals in the 74th minute or later six times, with four beyond the 85th minute. They have also come from behind to win twice.
Key Moments of the Campaign
- A 3-2 win over Arsenal in October, sealed by Iman Beney's late strike.
- A comeback victory at Anfield a week later.
- January's late winner from Shaw against London City Lionesses.
- A dominant 5-1 win over Chelsea at the Etihad in February, symbolizing a changing of the guard.
- Emphatic 3-0 wins in both league derbies against Manchester United.
City also benefited from not being in the Champions League, allowing extra rest and recovery, which proved vital in a league where fine margins often decide games.
Looking Ahead
The title win secures a place in the Champions League league phase, and it will be fascinating to see if City can compete in a competition they have never won. For now, they can savor a moment that has been a long time coming, after finishing second six times since 2016, including on goal difference two years ago and during the pandemic-curtailed 2019-20 season. Their celebrations will no doubt befit the long wait.
