It was an outstanding weekend for both Manchester City’s boys and girls. The men took advantage of Arsenal’s defeat to close the gap with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland, and 24 hours later, the girls grabbed
the same result at Leicester, moving six points clear of Chelsea at the top of the WSL.
Chelsea’s surprise loss at home to Everton has now put the Blues in full control of the WSL title race. The girls in Blue had to be patient against a stubborn Foxes side, but two goals by Bunny Shaw and a goal for the returning Kerolin saw City take the points.
It was the hallmark of all potential champions – being able to grind out a victory whilst up against a tight defence, determined not to lose their sixth game of the season. The win puts the girls in a tremendous position, but with 12 games still to play, is the title City’s to lose?
Andree Jeglertz’ side have one more WSL match of 2025 remaining, which comes on Sunday when Aston Villa arrive at the Joie Stadium. Villa have been out of sorts this season, and have won one of their last five WSL matches, and City will fancy their chances of extending their lead even further.
The bonus for City is that they don’t have the distraction of Champions League football to navigate, whilst the current champions, Chelsea, will face Roma at home on Wednesday evening before travelling to Brighton on Sunday. A win for the Blues, coupled with anything less than three points for Sonia Bompastor’s side on the south coast will put the ball firmly in City’s court.
Both teams struggled against their respective opposition on Sunday, but whilst City found a way past, and comfortably so, Chelsea were unable to do the same. City had many chances to put the game to bed and some thought this would come back to bite them, until Shaw’s opening goal in the 74th minute.
Kerolin, who made her long-awaited return to the side from the subs bench, played a harmless ball into the box that should have been cleared by the Leicester defence. But the ball found its way to Shaw instead and this time, the Jamaican striker wouldn’t miss.
Shaw’s header seven minutes from time, and a good finish by Kerolin showed Chelsea how to beat a stubborn defence.
Of course, it isn’t over by a long stretch and the next five matches, which will take the Blues until the middle of February, will be crucial.
Villa await at the weekend before the winter break kicks in. Following that, a home match against Everton will be followed by a tricky visit to London City Lionesses, before February brings Chelsea to Manchester and a trip to Arsenal.
Of course, City have been there before. A home defeat to Arsenal, when victory would have all but guaranteed the title, ended City’s hopes and Chelsea took the trophy on goal difference. But, if the girls can navigate those first five league matches of 2026 without defeat, the title will be within reach and it will then be theirs to lose.
They just have to be brave enough to take it.
