Arsenal vs. Manchester City is the most even match in Women’s Super League history, with 11 wins each. The pendulum has swung from left to right for years, but most of the time it seems to settle somewhere in the middle.
These are two of the most prolific tracking clubs. Except for this season, the rules of the game have changed and Man City are no longer in the chase. They are the ones being chased.
Since losing to Chelsea on the opening weekend, Andrii Zeglarc has now won 13 games in a row, giving them an 11-point lead at the top of the table. City’s 39 points are the second highest total of any team at this stage of the campaign. They firmly held the title for the first time in 10 years.
It reminds me of a conversation I had with Jegratz on the eve of the season in September about the importance of ownership. In his first weeks as City manager, he noticed that his players tended to wait for instructions rather than actively trying to solve problems. City were trapped in a chaser mentality.
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He believed it was the biggest barrier to success. “I don’t think you’ll grow up like that,” he said.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long to eliminate that flaw. City embraced the revolution in order to take the league by storm. Midfielder Grace Clinton told Sky Sports: “We go into the game with the feeling that we can’t lose.” “Being in that mindset is a huge accomplishment.”
This change marked a major shift in the WSL hierarchy. Jegratz may have found a goldmine in terms of playing talent, but turning talent into champions is no easy task. It took Emma Hayes years to build a team capable of winning titles at Chelsea. The Swedes accomplished it in six months.
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Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and Chelsea.
Mr. Clinton summed it up as follows. “This year’s team is different and continues to win games that it probably wouldn’t have won in the past. It never feels like we’re losing, and that’s shared by the whole group. That’s a powerful thing.”
“The manager is keen to create that culture and have important conversations before it’s too late. He always wants to talk about momentum and mentality.”
City’s rebrand is as convincing as it is sharp. Due to a lack of competition, this team is not on track to win its first title in 10 years. It simply blew away the competition. And they did it by playing an overwhelmingly appealing game of football, supported by Seglerz’s theories about how ownership is empowering.
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Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between London City Lionesses and Manchester City.
After beating Chelsea 5-1 last week, he told reporters that the game was won by “dominating Chelsea’s half”. City have regained possession the most in the final third this season (130), with eight out of 10 outfield players averaging more touches in the opposition half than in their own half.
Confidence in being very forward and attacking is one of the manager’s best weapons as he packs in the central areas where he believes games are won or lost.
“We have a recipe for success, so let’s keep doing it,” Clinton added. “I’m a much better player than before and I’ve learned so much.
“We’ve been undefeated most of the season, there’s no disputing that. We have world-class players and that competition keeps us fresh.”
Despite starting just two league games, Clinton quickly embraced the City atmosphere. What makes her unique is the fact that she won the European Championship with England before winning domestic top-flight honors at club level.
That will definitely change this season. And her outlook on soccer more broadly changed after repeated injury setbacks prompted a change in her own mindset.
“I learned a lot about resilience, I had time away from the pitch and it’s not all about football.
“I used to be obsessed with it. Even if things don’t go well, there are plenty of other outlets and other things in the world that make me happy. My whole mood doesn’t just depend on soccer. I’m very passionate about soccer, but I’ve discovered other hobbies that give me fulfillment and relieve pressure.
I came here because I have a long-term contract and I have ambitions. I saw a vision. I spoke to Man City a lot and I always knew it was here. I want to improve my game, but I also want to win and I want silverware.
grace clinton
“Now I really enjoy playing soccer. I’ve always loved to cook. I’ve also been working on projects that are just for me and that allow me to be creative off the pitch. I make great steaks with garlic butter!”
Man City have taken ‘owning’ to the next level. They celebrate the autonomy it gives them. And it shows in the soccer they play. City are the only team in the WSL this season who have yet to make a mistake that leads to a goal.
They lead the charts for the 2025/26 season in terms of shots on target (105), goals (41, at least 10 more than any other team), shot conversion rate (15.1 per cent), xG (39.4) and big chances (70).
In doing so, they redefined the title race this year and likely for years to come.
Watch Arsenal vs Man City live on Sky Sports Football from 11am on Sunday. Kickoff at 12pm
