Women’s Super League: How Manchester City clinched a first title in 10 years

Having dominated from start to finish, City’s title win has been a long time coming.

With no Champions League distractions, they have been able to give the WSL their full attention after a disappointing fourth-placed finish last term.

That has surely helped their cause.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has spoken of City’s squad depth being vital as they have been able to rotate players and keep them fit.

That is a sentiment echoed by many, including former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, who told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast: “I’ve said for several seasons now that if they kept everyone fit, they would win the league.

“There are so many contributing factors as to why Manchester City are doing so well. They have such a talented group.

“It’s difficult to manage that calendar in the Champions League.”

Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij said the absence from European competition is “not the reason why” they have been successful, but it has “definitely helped them” to focus on the WSL.

Top scorer Khadija Shaw believes the same factor sparked a “mentality shift”.

Being able to navigate a calmer schedule has been key, added former Manchester City striker Ellen White.

“If you look at last season, they were 17 points behind Chelsea when they won the title. Manchester City were fighting for the Champions League as well,” she said.

“That is a big factor for them performing so well this season, as not competing in the Champions League has given them a lot of freedom.”

City reached the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League, losing to a Chelsea side who were well beaten in the semi-finals by Barcelona.

Of City’s current campaign, White added: “Their priority was winning WSL games. They have also been able to future-proof their squad depth for next season.

“It’s a factor. They have been able to push to perform to their best level every week.”