What Are the Surprises and Standouts in the WSL This Season?

The Women's Super League (WSL) has seen some remarkable performances and surprising developments as it approaches the winter break of the 2025 season. Key players like Olivia Holdt from Tottenham have made impactful contributions, while teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool are under scrutiny for their performances. This article delves into standout players, surprise teams, and those needing improvement, based on insights from former England internationals Ellen White and Fara Williams.

Last updated: 24 October 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

The WSL is nearing the halfway point of its season, creating a pivotal moment for teams to assess their standings and strategies for the second half. With Tottenham sitting fifth, their transformation from previous seasons is noteworthy, particularly due to their new signings and improved organisational structure. Meanwhile, Manchester City has adapted well under a new manager, showing a clinical edge that has caught many by surprise.

Key takeaways

Tottenham is experiencing a significant turnaround this season, sitting fifth in the standings.
Manchester City has impressed with a new style of play and key signings.
Liverpool has struggled after losing key players and failing to make sufficient reinforcements.
Alyssa Thompson and Toko Koga have emerged as standout young talents in the league.
Khadija Shaw of Manchester City is among the most clinical strikers this season.

Timeline: how we got here

The 2025 WSL season has been marked by crucial dates that define its trajectory:

August 2025: The season kicks off with high expectations for established teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.
September 2025: Major transfers, including Olivia Smith moving from Liverpool to Arsenal, reshape team dynamics.
November 2025: As the season reaches its halfway mark, Tottenham's improved performance becomes evident, while Liverpool's struggles lead to speculation about their management decisions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest discussions in the WSL highlight the impressive adaptation of Manchester City under their new manager, who has revitalised the squad's attack. Both Ellen White and Fara Williams have praised the team's clinical finishing and tactical adjustments that have positioned them as title contenders.

What was already established

At the start of the season, Chelsea and Arsenal were the predicted frontrunners for the title. However, the current standings suggest that Manchester City may be in a strong position to challenge for the championship, given their recent form and fewer commitments in other competitions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding the WSL has led to increased viewership and attendance at matches, positively impacting local economies. Fans are eager to support their teams, creating a vibrant atmosphere in stadiums across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs are benefitting from enhanced commercial opportunities, with new sponsorships and partnerships emerging as visibility grows. The demand for player merchandise is also on the rise, leading to job creation in retail and marketing sectors related to women's football.

Policy and regulation

As the league continues to grow, discussions around investment in women's football are gaining traction. Stakeholders are calling for increased funding to ensure that clubs can compete at the highest level and provide adequate support for their players.

Numbers that matter

5 – Tottenham's current position in the league, reflecting a significant improvement from previous seasons.
6 – The number of points Manchester City is clear at the top of the table.
1 million GBP – The transfer fee for Olivia Smith, highlighting the financial stakes in women's football.
3 – The number of key players Liverpool lost during the summer, affecting their squad depth.
19 – Toko Koga's age, representing the influx of young talent in the league this season.

Definitions and jargon buster

WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Vice-captain: A player who acts as the deputy to the team captain, often stepping in when the captain is unavailable.
Clinical: Referring to a team's ability to take chances and score goals efficiently.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Teams will be looking to solidify their strategies as they prepare for the second half of the season. Key matches in January will be critical for teams like Liverpool to gain momentum.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, clubs will need to assess their squad depth and make necessary adjustments during the January transfer window to bolster their chances of success.

Signals to watch

Performance in upcoming fixtures, particularly for teams like Liverpool and Manchester City.
Transfer activity in January that may impact team dynamics and league standings.
Injury updates on key players that could influence match outcomes.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on team news and squad changes as the transfer window approaches.
Engage with local clubs to support women's football initiatives.
Watch matches to better understand player performances and team strategies.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of young players in the league.
Ignore the importance of tactical adjustments by managers.
Assume that past performance will dictate future results in this dynamic league.

Checklist

Evaluate your favourite team's performance over the first half of the season.
Consider which players have stood out to you personally.
Identify teams that may need strategic changes before the transfer window closes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the league progresses, teams may face unexpected challenges such as injuries or loss of form. Additionally, the transfer market can be unpredictable, with clubs potentially making last-minute decisions that could alter the balance of power within the league.

Bottom line

The WSL season is shaping up to be highly competitive as teams like Tottenham show marked improvement, while Manchester City looks poised to challenge for the title. As the winter break approaches, clubs must evaluate their strategies to ensure they remain competitive in the second half of the season.

FAQs

Which player has stood out the most in the Women's Super League this season?

Players like Khadija Shaw of Manchester City and Toko Koga of Tottenham have been highlighted as standout performers, showcasing exceptional skills and contributions to their teams.

Which team has been the surprise package this season?

Tottenham has emerged as a surprise package, sitting in fifth place and demonstrating significant improvement in their performance and team structure compared to previous seasons.

Who needs to improve in the Women's Super League?

Liverpool has struggled this season, particularly after losing key players and failing to make adequate signings in the transfer window, indicating a need for improvement in their squad depth and performance.