Manchester United could decide the WSL title race after Manchester City slip
The 2025/26 Women's Super League season has entered its decisive stage — and suddenly the title race looks far more open than it did just a few weeks ago.
Manchester City remain at the top of the table, but their recent 0–0 draw against Aston Villa reminded everyone that nothing is guaranteed in the final stretch of the campaign.
With several matches still to play, three teams remain in pursuit: Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
But one club may end up deciding the entire championship race.
Manchester United still have to face both Manchester City and Chelsea before the season ends — meaning they could directly shape the destiny of the title.
If they take points from City, the race could explode again.
If they beat Chelsea as well, they might eliminate one of the contenders entirely.
In many ways, United have become the kingmakers of the WSL title race.
Current WSL standings
| Position | Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 17 | 43 |
| 2 | Manchester United | 16 | 34 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 16 | 33 |
| 4 | Arsenal | 15 | 32 |
At first glance, Manchester City appear comfortably ahead.
However, the table hides a key detail: Arsenal have played fewer matches than every other contender.
If the Gunners win their games in hand, the gap to the top could shrink significantly.
Arsenal may be the most dangerous challenger
While City lead the standings, Arsenal might be the team with the strongest momentum.
The North London club have played only 15 matches — two fewer than City — meaning they have the biggest opportunity to close the gap.
They also possess the best defensive record among the title contenders.
| Team | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 47 | 13 |
| Manchester United | 35 | 16 |
| Chelsea | 36 | 13 |
| Arsenal | 34 | 10 |
Arsenal’s defensive stability has been one of the defining features of their season.
In tight title races, the ability to grind out narrow victories often proves more valuable than attacking brilliance.
That is exactly the type of football Arsenal have produced in recent weeks.
Manchester City still control their destiny
Despite the renewed pressure, Manchester City remain the clear favourites.
They have been the most consistent team throughout the campaign and possess the most powerful attack in the league.
Their remaining fixtures are:
| Manchester City remaining fixtures |
|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur |
| Manchester United |
| Brighton |
| Liverpool |
| West Ham United |
On paper, this schedule looks manageable — but the Manchester derby could completely change the situation.
A defeat there would immediately reopen the title race.
Manchester United could decide everything
Manchester United may not currently lead the table, but their schedule puts them in a unique position.
They still have to face both Manchester City and Chelsea before the season ends.
| Manchester United remaining fixtures |
|---|
| West Ham United |
| Everton |
| Manchester City |
| Tottenham Hotspur |
| Brighton |
| Chelsea |
This effectively turns United into the kingmakers of the WSL title race.
If they defeat City, Arsenal and Chelsea could suddenly close the gap.
If they defeat Chelsea as well, they could eliminate one of the main contenders entirely.
Few teams have had such a direct influence on the outcome of a title race.
Chelsea remain within striking distance
The reigning champions are still very much alive in the race, although their margin for error is now extremely small.
Chelsea’s remaining fixtures include:
| Chelsea remaining fixtures |
|---|
| Brighton |
| London City Lionesses |
| Aston Villa |
| Everton |
| Leicester City |
| Manchester United |
The final match against Manchester United could become decisive — especially if the title race remains tight heading into the final round.
Chelsea have won multiple WSL titles in recent seasons, and their experience in high-pressure situations could still prove decisive.
Arsenal face the longest run-in
Among the contenders, Arsenal have the most matches left to play.
| Arsenal remaining fixtures |
|---|
| West Ham United |
| Tottenham Hotspur |
| Aston Villa |
| Leicester City |
| Everton |
| Brighton |
| Liverpool |
Seven matches still separate Arsenal from the finish line.
That gives them more opportunities to collect points — but also increases the risk of a costly slip.
Consistency will be crucial.
Maximum possible points
If every contender won all of their remaining matches, the final points totals could look like this:
| Team | Current Points | Maximum Points |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 43 | 58 |
| Manchester United | 34 | 52 |
| Chelsea | 33 | 51 |
| Arsenal | 32 | 53 |
Manchester City therefore remain the only team fully in control of their own destiny.
However, Arsenal still have the mathematical potential to reach 53 points, which keeps them firmly in the race.
The decisive weeks ahead
With several rounds remaining, the WSL title race is entering one of the most unpredictable finishes in recent seasons.
Manchester City lead the standings.
Arsenal have the games in hand.
Chelsea have championship experience.
And Manchester United may ultimately decide the fate of the trophy.
Over the coming weeks, every result could reshape the standings.
And one thing is certain.
The WSL title race is far from over.
