"MANCHESTER, England -- They may be European champions, but Arsenal's hopes of rekindling some domestic glory after a six-year drought in the Women's Super League (WSL) may already be in tatters after Saturday's 3-2 loss at Manchester City. This was meant to be the season that Arsenal proved they could compete in the league. Chelsea have claimed every title since Arsenal last won it in 2019, and though they have claimed the League Cup trophy twice since then, the Women's Champions League victory was a statement that the Gunners should be considered one of the best in Europe."
"But this defeat in Manchester now leaves plenty of questions for coach Renée Slegers' side who have dropped seven points from just five games, more than Chelsea dropped all last season. The Blues only dropped six points as they won the 2024-25 title, from three draws, and Sonia Bompastor is yet to lose a WSL game at the helm of the west London club. Chelsea were held to a draw at Manchester United on Friday -- two months earlier than when they first dropped points last season. But assuming they continue their invincible league form under Bompastor, you cannot expect Chelsea to lose significantly more points than last term, leaving Arsenal already trailing behind."
Arsenal's attempt to return to WSL dominance suffered a setback after a 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, undermining hopes of ending a six-year league drought. Despite winning the Women's Champions League, Arsenal have dropped seven points from five games, which already exceeds Chelsea's total dropped points from last season. Chelsea dropped only six points en route to the 2024-25 title and remain unbeaten under Sonia Bompastor, increasing the gap between the teams. Defensive lapses helped Manchester City take the lead, and the result raises questions about Arsenal's readiness to challenge domestically this season.
Read at ESPN.com
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