As the Women's Super League returned last weekend, we thought it would be helpful to offer some insights into the teams that we think may be challenging for the title this season. Of course, it is very early in the season and the first game is by no means a good indicator. Nonetheless, teams have begun to show some promising signs (and also potential problems).
Arsenal
Promising signs: clinical attackers, new signings fit in well
Potential problems: defence (or a lack thereof)
Long time listeners of our show will know that I am constantly concerned with Leah Williamson and Arsenal's defence in general. I have said this multiple times and will stand by my words: Williamson is a defensive midfielder, not a centre back. In a way, it is promising to see Joe Montemurro playing her alongside Lia Walti as holding midfielders/defensive midfielders. However, I feel like the problem has not been solved yet. Last week, Arsenal played with a back three which in effect was still a back 4 with Williamson often dropping deep to help out with the defence. I wouldn’t comment on whether the system is effective since Reading rarely threatened the Arsenal defence throughout the game. On the other hand, it was clear that the Arsenal defence was shaky at times on the rare occasions where Reading did threaten.
The most encouraging sign for Arsenal (and has been for the past season) is there raw attacking power. Although pushing Williamson forward leaves the defence exposed at times, it also gave Arsenal more people on the attack. In the Reading game, Arsenal easily had five to six players in the final third every time. And as usual, the players were able to make the most of the space given to them and convert most of their chances (yes, there were some glaring misses but they still managed 6 goals). With that said though, the biggest challenge Arsenal faces are teams that are built for counter-attacking football. Arsenal’s three-person defence is built without wingbacks, adding that with Williamson and Walti pushing up, they could easily get stretched thin at the back.
Of course, these are still early days. Perhaps Arsenal will prove that their system is more effective than it looks. Or perhaps they will be able to compensate their shaky defence with the amount of power they have in the final third. Either way, we wouldn’t really know how effective the system is until Arsenal faces a team in the upper tier of the league.
Manchester United
Promising signs: financial support; the team plays well together
Potential problems: lack the experience of challenging for a title
Manchester United reminds me a lot of Monaco a few years back. A newly promoted side given huge amounts of financial support to challenge for the title, what could go wrong? In truth, United has been doing very well considering this is only their second year in the WSL. Although I do not see them challenging for the title yet, the next few games could prove me wrong. Taking two points away from Chelsea by holding them to a 1-1 draw is more than proof that United could be in the title race if they manage to hold everything together. The team has received great financial support from the club, signing a number of top players (including Tobin Heath and Christian Press who are rumoured to be announced soon).
On the other hand, players at United do not have the same experience as most Chelsea or Manchester City or Arsenal players do - challenging for the WSL title. Of course, there are World Cup winners, Euros winners and more. However, not having the experience of challenging for a domestic title could harm the team’s chances. On the other hand, this could be compensated by their manager’s experience - Cassey Stoney. In any event, United will need to put in solid performances in every single game to get a decent chance in dethroning Chelsea.
Next week, we will continue with our analysis on the two teams that we think are most likely to win the WSL title this season - Chelsea and Manchester City.
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