No Excuses for Man City to Win the WSL, Says Steph Houghton

Manchester City Eyes Women's Super League Title Following Strong Season Start

Former Manchester City captain Steph Houghton believes her old club must seize their opportunity to win the Women's Super League (WSL) this season. Following a thrilling 2-2 draw against their title rivals, Arsenal, at the Emirates Stadium, Houghton highlighted that there are "no excuses" for City not to clinch the title.

Match Overview: Arsenal vs. Manchester City

In an intense opening fixture, Arsenal's Frida Maanum put the home side ahead before Jess Park equalised with a stunning long-range strike for City. Vivianne Miedema, who recently transferred from Arsenal to City, netted a deflected goal to give City the lead, but Beth Mead's late equaliser salvaged a point for Arsenal.

City's Resilient Performance

Despite the late disappointment, Houghton praised City for showing resilience and character, especially playing away from home. She stated, "City showed that they've got that resilience, character, and - playing away from home - to keep that mentality." With Houghton’s insight, City could very well turn their potential into success this season.

Miedema's Impact on City's Title Hopes

Miedema’s transfer from Arsenal has sparked discussions about the advantages it could provide to City in their title chase. Former footballer Sue Smith emphasized that Miedema, despite previous injuries, brings exceptional quality. She asserted, "You could just see the quality that she's got," hinting that Miedema's presence could give City an edge over Arsenal this season.

Arsenal's Strength in Depth

On the other hand, Arsenal's depth was evident as they brought on key players like Beth Mead and Alessia Russo from the bench. Smith commented on Arsenal's strategy, saying, "They now call them the 'finishers', not 'substitutes'... Mead coming on and getting the equaliser was crucial for Arsenal." This depth could be vital in the long WSL season ahead.

Other Teams to Watch in a Competitive WSL

Izzy Christiansen, a former City midfielder, has pointed out that the competition in the WSL is intensifying. Teams like Manchester United, Brighton, and Tottenham are making significant strides, which brings a greater level of uncertainty to the league. Christiansen noted, "This is Brighton's year to step up and grow," showcasing the unpredictable nature of this season.

Conclusion: A Season of Possibilities

As the WSL unfolds, all eyes will be on Manchester City, Arsenal, and emerging teams. With a competitive landscape, numerous title contenders, and the potential for surprises, this season promises to be thrilling for fans. City now faces the challenge of converting potential into performance and claiming the coveted WSL title.

Watch the WSL: Stay Updated

Fans can stream WSL matches and catch highlights on platforms like NOW, ensuring they stay updated on their favorite teams throughout the season.