A gulf is appearing at the top of the Women's Super League, and London City Lionesses are emerging as front-runners. Manchester City remain perfect so far, and Chelsea look formidable too. Yet London City have come further in a short space of time than many expected, and they now sit third, five points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham, the side they humbled 6-1 a fortnight ago.
Their progress is built on creativity and structure. Only Chelsea have scored more times from open play, and Opta's big chances created metric ranks London City top, a sign of a team that sweeps forward with numbers and intensity. Danielle van de Donk's instinctive flick set up Delphine Cascarino's goal against Everton, and the relentless press produced a second chance for Freya Godfrey. Under Maestre, the attacking talents have been knitted into a cohesive unit with clear patterns of play. Alexia Putellas is also growing in influence, even when she starts from the bench.
A real test of their stamina comes at the start of next month, when they host league leaders Man City. Their rapid development and desire to compete with the division's best make them a serious contender for a place in the top three.
At the other end of the table, Arsenal's form has become a major talking point. Their latest defeat to newly promoted Birmingham City reflected the mood around north London, and the Gunners are on their longest winless run in club history. Boos rang out from the stands at the weekend, and Renee Slegers is running out of hiding places. Her side no longer plays on instinct and impulse, and that dismal run looks unsustainable.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing