Inside Man City's WSL title-winning season
Manchester City claimed their first Women's Super League title in a decade on Wednesday, ending Chelsea's six-year dominance. Third-placed Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Brighton on Wednesday - one of their three games in hand - was not enough to keep the fight alive and confirmed City's status as England's best this season. They were crowned champions with a game to spare and a six-point gap to second-placed Chelsea.
Having dominated from start to finish, City's title win has been a long time coming. With no Champions League distractions, they have been able to give the WSL their full attention after a disappointing fourth-placed finish last term. Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has spoken of City's squad depth being vital as they have been able to rotate players and keep them fit.
That is a sentiment echoed by many, including former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, who told the Women's Football Weekly podcast: "I've said for several seasons now that if they kept everyone fit, they would win the league. "There are so many contributing factors as to why Manchester City are doing so well. They have such a talented group.
"It's difficult to manage that calendar in the Champions League. " Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij said the absence from European competition is "not the reason why" they have been successful, but it has "definitely helped them" to focus on the WSL. Top scorer Khadija Shaw believes the same factor sparked a "mentality shift".
Being able to navigate a calmer schedule has been key, added former Manchester City striker Ellen White. "If you look at last season, they were 17 points behind Chelsea when they won the title. Manchester City were fighting for the Champions League as well," she said.