Published: Wed, 06 May 2026 20:47:52 GMT
Manchester City have been crowned Women’s Super League champions for the first time in a decade, ending Chelsea’s six-year stranglehold on the title. Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Wednesday confirmed City’s status as England’s best this season, with a six-point lead and one game to spare.
So how did Andrée Jeglertz’s side achieve such a dominant campaign? We break down the key factors.
No European distractions
After a disappointing fourth-placed finish last season, City have been able to give their full attention to the WSL after missing out on the Champions League. That single-minded focus has been decisive.
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor pointed to City’s squad depth as vital, allowing rotation and keeping players fresh. Former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast: “I’ve said for several seasons that if they kept everyone fit, they would win the league. There are so many contributing factors. It’s difficult to manage that calendar in the Champions League.”
Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij acknowledged that the absence from Europe “definitely helped” but insisted it was “not the reason why”. Top scorer Khadija Shaw believes it sparked a “mentality shift”. Former City striker Ellen White added: “Look at last season – they were 17 points behind Chelsea. City were also fighting in the Champions League. Not competing in Europe has given them freedom.”
The influence of manager Andrée Jeglertz
One of the biggest changes this season has been the arrival of Swedish boss Jeglertz, who joined after leading Denmark at Euro 2025. He has injected a more creative, adventurous style of play compared to the rigid structure under former manager Gareth Taylor.
Jeglertz vowed to bring “adventurous, possession-based” football and has focused on unlocking each player’s potential. Shaw said in March: “This season we’ve been playing with a lot more freedom. The most important thing is to have fun. He’s allowed us to be more confident – we’ve been scoring a lot of goals.”
Jeglertz also instils confidence and a clear purpose. He frequently gives pre-match team talks reminding players of their abilities and ambitions. The 54-year-old is a calming presence who interacts with fans, creating a family feel. “Creating this winning mentality is important,” he said. “In the end, everything is about winning.”
Depth, quality and hunger
Beyond tactics and scheduling, City’s squad depth has been crucial. Players like Shaw, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood have led the charge, while new signings, including Spain international Aitana Bonmatí (who arrived in January), have added even more quality.
Jen Beattie highlighted “ambition, quality and hunger” as the true foundation. Ellen White noted that City “future-proofed their squad depth for next season” while focusing on winning WSL games. Jeglertz himself said the team’s belief “has been built over months, not days.”
The result: a well-deserved title, a six-point gap over Chelsea, and a return to the top of English women’s football after a decade of waiting.