Has there been a changing of guard for London sides in the WSL?
September 5, 2026 07:22
Arsenal finished above Chelsea in the Women's Super League in 2025-26 for the first time since 2018-19, ending Chelsea's run of six consecutive top-place finishes. Arsenal also eliminated Chelsea from the Women's Champions League in the quarter-finals as Manchester City went on to win the title that season.
SQUAD MOVE AND SUMMER TURNOVER
Both London clubs have reshaped their squads in the close season. Arsenal lost players including Beth Mead and Katie McCabe, and added England midfielder Georgia Stanway, Spain World Cup winner Ona Batlle and Switzerland captain Geraldine Reuteler among a wider recruitment drive.
Chelsea signed Katie McCabe on a free transfer and paid for Manchester United's Melvine Malard, while no longer having Sam Kerr and Millie Bright — players who helped define their period of dominance.
MANAGERS' VIEWS
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers set a clear target ahead of the new campaign: "We've been open about it - the WSL title is something we're going after. It's something where we really have our mind set." She stressed the squad has learned from last season's dropped points and highlighted increased options across the team.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor struck a different tone, describing her side as "in a transitional phase" and saying: "We are rebuilding, regenerating the squad." She added that Chelsea's "DNA... is to win" but accepted the process of the squad gelling will take time.
Opta's supercomputer has installed Chelsea as favourites for the upcoming league season, giving them a 39.9% chance of winning the title; Bompastor said she was "not too focused on what numbers and what is coming from AI or computers."
LONDON CITY AND THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
London City — who finished sixth in their maiden WSL season — began the new campaign with a win over Manchester United and have signed Spain star Alexia Putellas. Owner Michelle Kang has previously told BBC Sport that London City "have an aspiration to be at the top of the game."
WHY IT MATTERS (CONCISE)
Arsenal's leap above Chelsea and both clubs' summer reshaping change the immediate narrative around London clubs in the WSL, but managers on both sides acknowledge unfinished business: Arsenal are explicit about targeting the title, while Chelsea describe a rebuilding phase.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Chelsea open their WSL season against Aston Villa on Saturday (live on BBC One). Arsenal begin at Brighton on Sunday, returning to Broadfield Stadium in Crawley — the venue where their 2024-25 title chase was dented by a 1-1 draw against Brighton in May.
Source: BBC Sport Football