“Arsenal Women 2 Lewes FC Women 0 FAC 23” (CC BY 2.0) by jamesboyes
London Calling as England’s WSL Battle Heats Up
As the Women’s Super League in England reaches its halfway stage, London teams are dominating at the top. After nine games, Arsenal were in pole position with 25 points while second placed Chelsea were four points behind.
In third place were Tottenham Hotspur who have enjoyed something of a transformation this season. There’s everything to play for but who will come out on top at the end of the campaign?
Been There, Done That
In terms of experience, Arsenal may well have the edge over the chasing pack. They are the most successful women’s side in the history of this competition with no fewer than 15 wins since the 1992/93 season.
Arsenal’s most recent title came at the end of 2018/19 and this was their first since 2012. It’s been something of a barren spell for Jonas Eidevall’s team but that ability to get over the line could yet prove crucial.
Arsenal are certainly the form team and are the only side in the WSL to be unbeaten at this stage with eight wins and one draw. It’s a solid record and one which has made the club favourites to lift the trophy.
Not every sportsbook offers markets for women’s football but that’s a situation which is rapidly changing. Many of the sports betting websites attached to asiabet.org do have odds and they have Arsenal in the clear.
With just over half of the WSL season left to play, it’s conceivable that the markets will shift and asiabet.org will be on hand to reflect any updates as they come in. while checking out those odds, readers can also keep up to date with football via news and opinion pieces that appear here.
It’s also possible to move forward a stage as each of the sportsbooks listed here are happy to take on new customers. Most outlets have published generous welcome offers and there should also be some ongoing promotions once on board.
A choice of payment methods, efficient customer service and the possibility of live streaming top class sporting events are among the other advantages. All signs point to Arsenal for the WSL win but where will the challenges come from?
The Closest Challengers
Chelsea are the most likely team to overtake Arsenal at the top: After nine games, Emma Hayes’ team sat in second place, four points behind the league leaders. In that time, the club have won seven games but two defeats leave them playing catch up.
In terms of immediate history, Chelsea are the team to beat. They are the defending WSL Champions and have won the title in three of the last four seasons. The Blues may have their work cut out in terms of overhauling the leaders but few will be ruling them out.
The Surprise Package
Completing the London trio are Tottenham Hotspur and many followers of women’s football will be surprised to see them in third place. In 2020/21, Spurs finished in eighth position after briefly flirting with relegation. The high profile signing of USWNT’s Alex Morgan did little to inspire the squad and the world cup winner and Olympic gold medalist left after just four games with the club.
To challenge for the title is a big achievement in itself with Spurs winning six, drawing two and losing two of their first ten games in 2021/22. They were in the Championship five years ago but is it possible to maintain that challenge and put some serious pressure on Arsenal at the top?
Verdict
Arsenal have that advantage but Chelsea fans will be hopeful that their team can overhaul them before the season’s end. Goals win games and, in that sense, Chelsea’s strikers could hold the key.
The leading goal scorer in the WSL at this stage of the season is Sam Kerr who has scored nine goals in her opening nine games. Proving support is Fran Kirby with six goals in the same period of time.
Arsenal also have representatives at the top of those scoring charts: Vivianne Miedema has seven goals in nine games while Kim Little is just behind with six. The potency of those women should decide the destiny of the title moving forward.
The WSU Team bringing you news and updates from the world of women’s football.