Arsenal versus Manchester City is the most even fixture in Women’s Super League history – 11 wins apiece. The pendulum has swung from left to right down the years but almost always seems to settle somewhere in the middle.
These are the two most prolific chasing clubs. Except this season the rules of engagement have changed, no longer are Man City in pursuit; they are the ones being pursued.
Since losing to Chelsea on opening weekend, Andree Jeglertz has masterminded a 13-game winning run, yielding an 11-point gap at the top of the table. City’s 39 points is the second-highest total of any team at this stage of a campaign. For the first time in 10 years, the title is firmly in their hands.
It brings to mind a conversation with Jeglertz about the importance of taking ownership on the eve of the season back in September. During his first few weeks as City boss he had noticed a tendency of players to wait to be instructed rather than looking to proactively problem-solve. City were stuck in the mindset of a chaser.
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He believed it to be his biggest barrier to success. “I don’t think you develop that way,” he said.
Fortunately, ditching that defect did not take long. City have embraced the revolution to take the league by storm. “We go into games with the feeling there is no possibility to lose,” midfielder Grace Clinton tells Sky Sports. “It’s such an achievement to be in that mindset.”
This shift has made for a seismic change in the WSL pecking order. Jeglertz might have landed upon a goldmine in terms of playing talent, but transforming talent into champions is not an easy task. It took Emma Hayes years to build a title-winning team at Chelsea. The Swede has done it in six months.
Clinton summarises: “It’s been a different team this year, winning games that maybe we wouldn’t have in the past. I never get the feeling we’re going to lose and it’s shared by the whole group – that’s powerful.
“The manager is big on creating that culture, having important conversations before it’s too late. He wants to speak about momentum and mentality constantly.”
City’s rebrand has been sharp but also compelling. This is not a side on course for a first title in a decade because of a lack of competition – they have simply blown that competition out of the water. And done so playing overwhelmingly attractive football, underpinned by Jeglertz’s theories on how ownership empowers.
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Highlights from the Women’s Super League clash between London City Lionesses and Manchester City.
Speaking after thrashing Chelsea 5-1 last week, he told reporters the game was won by “owning Chelsea’s half”. City have regained possession in the final third more than any other this side this season (130), with eight out of 10 outfield players averaging more touches in the opposition half than their own.
The confidence to be so front-footed and aggressive is one of the manager’s best weapons, packing central areas, where he believes games to be won and lost.
“We’ve got the recipe for success so let’s keep going with that,” Clinton adds. “I’m such a better player than I was in previous years and I’ve learnt so much.
“We’ve gone pretty much unbeaten all season and you can’t argue with that. We’ve got world-class players and that competition keeps us fresh.”
Clinton has quickly bought into the vibe at City despite only making two league starts. She’s unique in the fact she has won a European Championship with England before ever winning any domestic top-flight honours at club level.
That is undoubtedly set to change this season, and so too has her outlook on football more broadly after a number of injury setbacks prompted her own mindset shift.
“I’ve learnt a lot of resilience. I’ve had time away from the pitch and football isn’t everything.
“It used to consume me. If things aren’t going well there are other outlets in the world and other things that make me happy. My whole mood doesn’t just depend on football; I’ve got so much passion for the game, but I’ve discovered other hobbies that have given me fulfilment and eased the pressure.
I signed a long-term contract and I’m ambitious, that’s why I came here. I could see the vision. I spoke to Man City a lot, I always knew it was here. I want to improve my game but I also want to win, I want silverware.
“Now I enjoy football so much more. I’ve always loved to cook. I’ve had projects on the side just for myself and different creative outlets beyond the pitch. I make a great steak with garlic butter!”
Man City have taken ‘owning it’ to the next level. They celebrate the autonomy it gives them. And it has manifested in the football they play. City are only team in the WSL yet to commit an error leading to a goal this season.
They lead the 2025/26 charts for shots on target (105), goals (41, at least 10 more than any other side), shot conversion rate (15.1 per cent), xG (39.4) and big chances (70).
In doing so, they have redefined the title race this year, and perhaps, for many years to come.
Watch Arsenal vs Man City live on Sky Sports Football on Sunday from 11am; kick-off 12pm
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
