Manchester City have been crowned champions of the Women's Super League, securing their first league title in a decade and bringing an end to Chelsea's remarkable six-year period of dominance. The championship was confirmed on Wednesday night following Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Brighton, a result that mathematically ensured City's 52-point tally could not be surpassed.
The triumph marks a significant achievement for manager Andree Jeglertz, who took charge of the club last summer. In his debut campaign in English football, the Swedish coach has guided City to the summit of the women's game, making him only the second manager in WSL history to win the title in their first season, following Chelsea's Sonia Bompastor who accomplished the feat in 2025.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live shortly after the title was secured, Jeglertz revealed his early confidence in the project. "I knew the ambition from the club, what they put into the women's programme, the quality of players and also the hunger to win," he explained. "Definitely, I had a feeling already from the beginning that it was possible. I'm here because that was one of the many things they wanted us to aim for."
The manager described the tense wait during Arsenal's match as "the worst 90 minutes of the season," joking about the helplessness of watching another team's result determine their fate. However, he emphasized that the belief within the squad grew organically throughout the campaign. "We had a long streak of winning during autumn and that caused a feeling of needing to start talking about winning the league," Jeglertz noted. "I'm a strong believer that if you believe you can win, you have more opportunity to actually do it."
City's consistency has been a hallmark of their season. The team has occupied the top spot in the WSL table since November 9, demonstrating a sustained level of performance that ultimately proved insurmountable for their rivals. They wrap up the championship with a game still to play and hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Chelsea, while Arsenal sit a further four points adrift in third place.
The squad's composition adds another layer to the achievement. Jeglertz pointed out that only two players in the Manchester City roster had previously won the WSL title, and both did so with other clubs. Midfielder Laura Coombs, who is retiring from professional football at the end of the season, won the league with Chelsea, while striker Vivianne Miedema achieved the feat during her time at Arsenal. This relative inexperience at the top of the table makes their collective success all the more impressive.
The title victory represents a return to glory for Manchester City, who last won the WSL in 2016. The decade-long wait underscores the competitive nature of the league and the difficulty of sustaining success against well-resourced opponents like Chelsea, who had built a dynasty with their consecutive title wins.
Attention now turns to the possibility of a domestic double. City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a Women's FA Cup semi-final, offering an immediate opportunity to build on their league success. Jeglertz expressed confidence that the title celebrations would not derail their focus, describing his players as "very professional." He acknowledged they deserved to enjoy the evening but confirmed the squad would quickly redirect their energy toward the cup tie.
The implications of this title win extend beyond the trophy itself. It signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the WSL, challenging the established hierarchy that Chelsea had cemented. For Manchester City, it validates the investment and strategic direction of their women's programme, while for the league as a whole, it promises continued competitiveness and intrigue at the top of the table.
Jeglertz's successful integration into English football and immediate impact highlights the importance of managerial vision aligned with club ambition. His ability to harness the existing quality within the squad while instilling a winning mentality has been central to City's resurgence. The season stands as a testament to collective belief and professional execution.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
