The WSL season is over, and the players are now off to the World Cup or their holidays. So now that the dust has settled, let’s look back at some of the highs and lows of another incredible WSL season, as the Sporting Her writing team acknowledge the best (and worst) moments of the WSL 2022-23.
Team of the Season
Polly Starkie: Arsenal
Nobody would have predicted that one team would face the number of injuries and challenges which Arsenal have faced this season. Losing four players to ACL injuries – including two of the world’s best strikers before Christmas is hard enough but add the long-term loss of captain and top midfielder Kim Little and numerous injuries to Rafaelle Souza, Lia Walti, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley – it makes their achievements remarkable.
Arsenal reached the UWCL semi-final for the first time in ten years, beat rivals Chelsea in the Continental Cup and importantly, secured a space in the Champions League qualifiers for next season. The determination and mentality of the team can only place them in a stronger position heading into next season.
Emily Cleland: Aston Villa
After finishing 10th last season, Carla Ward’s new signings have created a cohesive team, excellent linkups (e.g., Daly-Dali). Even with their injuries this season, with their quality it feels like they could walk into a game and beat anyone.
Stephen Conroy: Arsenal
A third-place finish for the Gunners would’ve been viewed as a disappointment before the season started, but unbelievably bad injury luck tested the resiliency of the squad as they fought and clawed to secure Champions League football.
Louise Quirke: Aston Villa
No doubt about it! From finishing 9th last season to 5th with just 10 points behind 4th place Man City to become the first club outside of the top 4 to win 10 games. Villa’s success has been a huge credit to Carla Ward, she has brought in some world class players and the impact she has had on this team is truly incredible. Villa have built something incredible and have put together a really fun attacking team which has definitely paid off!!
Adam Salter: Manchester United
It would be easy to say Chelsea because won the title, but I wanted to pick a side that surpassed my expectations. Aston Villa and Man United are my two candidates, but I’ve opted for the latter on this one. With Arsenal and Man City struggling, they gave Chelsea a title race up until the final day and avoided the WSL simply being a procession this season. The reached their first ever Cup Final as well, where their inexperience on the big occasion showed as Chelsea won there once again. Whilst the season may have ended trophyless, they have finally broken into that Top 3, something they have been threatening since promotion. The exciting prospect of European Football now awaits. Man United now have a strong core of talented players. If Marc Skinner wants his side to kick on again next season, he would be wise to hold on to as many of them as possible.
Player of the Season
Emily Cleland: Guro Reiten
Reiten reads the game so well, her passes and assists have been outstanding. In Chelsea’s 8-0-win vs Reading, that was probably the best individual performance of the season. Scored a few goals too!
Stephen Conroy: Guro Reiten
Players like Khadija Shaw and Rachel Daly are definitely worth consideration but Guro Reiten was directly involved in nearly a third of Chelsea’s goals this campaign. 9 goals and 11 assists all while missing only 1 game for the league champions. Hard to look past that.
Louise Quirke: Rachel Daly
There just nothing stopping Rachel Daly this season, give her the ball anywhere near that box and its inevitable, its going in the back of the net. Signed in the summer from Houston Dash where she was playing as a defender to now a key role at Villa as their top striker. Bagging 22 goals in 22 games, a record-breaking campaign. No one can argue with it really.
Adam Salter: Frida Leonhardsen Maanum
Arsenal’s player of the season. It was an incredibly tough season for Arsenal, with a major injury setback occurring almost every month. One player who was thankfully able to stay the course was Frida Leonhardsen Maanum. The Norwegian hadn’t really shone the previous season as Jonas struggled to find the best place for her in his team. But after a run out at 10 away at Lyon, it all changed. Her driving runs through midfield, pinpoint assists, long range shooting and crucial goals all helped drag a wounded Arsenal over the line, picking a trophy and scraping into Top 3.
Polly Starkie: Guro Reiten
Coming off perhaps a slightly underwhelming performance at Euro 2022, Norwegian Guro Reiten wasn’t tipped to be a standout player this season. Her 2021/22 season performances were strong, but Reiten took her game to another level this year with 9 goals.
Surprise of the Season
Stephen Conroy: Tottenham Hotspur
Nobody expected Tottenham to break into the top 4 or anything of that nature this season, but only securing WSL survival on matchday 21 was still a huge surprise. Make no mistake, this team would’ve been relegated without the January addition of Beth England.
Louise Quirke: Jordan Nobbs moves to Aston Villa
I think a lot of people didn’t see this move happening or saw a move on the horizon but maybe not this one. Jordan wasn’t getting the game time she needed/deserved at Arsenal and with the world cup this summer she wanted a place on that plane. Jordans move to Villa was a heart-breaking move for Arsenal fans for such a valued, club legend like Jordan and of course it was difficult to see Nobbs move from a club she loves. But in all fairness, it worked in her favour. She’s had an incredible season with Villa, scoring her first hattrick in the WSL, and achieving the one thing she moved for – a place on that plane to Australia this summer.
Adam Salter: Leicester City
You know what? Fair play to Leicester City. I had them written off after their winless start under Lydia Bedford, but Willie Kirk stepped into the breach and managed to steer them up the table and away to safety. Some shrewd loan acquisitions in the winter window, such as goalkeeper Janina Leitzig from Bayern Munich, and defender Ruby Mace from Man City, helped shore up the back line. 5 wins, including home and away against Liverpool, saw them finish 2 spaces and 5 points clear of the drop. Now work must be done in the summer to ensure they don’t spend a third straight season treading water, although this will be made complicated by the fact they are no longer a PL backed side following the Men’s side’s relegation.
Polly Starkie: Aston Villa
From signings to huge wins, Villa have been full of surprises. Finishing 5th in the WSL would not have been many people’s predictions for the Villa. However, Ward has transformed this side and is bridging the gap between the top four and the rest of the league. Opening their season with a win over Manchester City was not a fluke – it was a taste of the top performances fans could expect from the Midlands side.
Emily Cleland: Leicester City (second half of the season!)
Having not picked up a single point until January, other relegation-battle teams perhaps felt relieved as Leicester seemed destined for the Championship. The arrival of manager Willie Kirk and loan keeper Janina Leitzig has completely turned around their mentality, and they’ve defied all odds, fighting to successfully stay in the league.
Unsung Hero of the Season
Louise Quirke: Niamh Charles
Its incredibly hard to stand out in a team with so many world class players, but for Charles she has been one of the key players in Hayes’ back line and has been very dependable for them this season. Niamh is such a versatile player, she can play both on the left or the right but this season even bagging a few goals for the Chelsea side.
Adam Salter: Lotte Wubben-Moy
Arsenal’s injury issues have been well documented, and the defence has taken its fair share of blows all season. With Rafa Souza out for half the season and Leah Williamson suffering two long term injuries, it has been up to Lotte Wubben-Moy to step up and cover. Partnering Steph Catley before Christmas and then Jen Beattie in the New Year, Lotte has had to adapt to differing partnerships and formations, as Jonas moved to a back 3 in the spring to counter his dwindling numbers. Such a huge responsibility fell upon Lotte’s shoulders to manage that defence against some of the best teams in Europe, and whilst her youth and inexperience did on occasion betray her, she never let those setbacks define her, instead used them to inspire her to better herself and fight for her team. She scored her team’s last goal of the season, a header vs Everton, a great way to cap off a strong season.
Emily Cleland: Kenza Dali
Dali has been crucial in the build-up to so many goals for Villa this season, especially the Dali-Daly link up. She’s the stability and core of the team that Villa need, especially playing alongside new signings like Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth, and she’s very intelligent on the pitch.
Polly Starkie: Dagný Brynjarsdóttir
West Ham United have had a very inconsistent season, have some strong performances at the start of the season but found themselves in a losing rut in the new year. It would be fair to suggest that Paul Konchesky hasn’t been the best manager for the Hammers but as captain, Brynjarsdóttir has been vital for the side.
The Icelandic midfielder has played the greatest number of minutes ever in one season and has been a real leader on the pitch. Contributing six goals and one assist, it’s not the most impressive stats list however, her involvement as captain has been essential to West Ham salvaging their poor season to finish in 8th place.
Stephen Conroy: Danielle Turner
After spending 15 years at Everton, Dan Turner made the decision to leave the club on expiry of her contract and join Aston Villa. This season she has played in every single league game for the club and has made herself a vital part of the Aston Villa defence alongside Anna Patten.
Villa boss Carla Ward feels Danielle Turner is unlucky not to have an international call-up, saying: "Arguably she's been one of the best left-centre-backs in the league, let alone the English girls, she's first class. Got to be in the conversation." #Lionesses #AVFC #BarclaysWSL
— Tom Garry (@TomJGarry) February 10, 2023
Game of the Season
Adam Salter: Manchester United 2-1 Man City
There have been some crazy games this season loaded with drama, but nothing will come close to what happened at the LSV and the high stakes involved. Both teams knew only a win would do if they were to achieve their goals this season. Man United made the perfect start after only 2 minutes thanks to a Hayley Ladd screamer, and when Ellie Roebuck was sent off at the end of the half, it looked like the points were Man United’s.
But Man City roared back, and got an equaliser with just over 20 minutes to go when Filippa Angeldahl’s cross looped over Mary Earps. Man City had the chances to even win it and go level with Arsenal. Shaw was denied a certain goal by a superb Le Tissier block, whilst Raso missed an open goal tap in at the far post. As the game went into injury time, the scores were level and as it stood, Chelsea were the champions. But just before that champagne cork could be let loose, Lucia Garcia found some space in the box to drive home a last gasp winner to send the home fans into delirium, win their first ever WSL Manchester Derby, and take the title race to the final day.
Polly Starkie: Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
Although the game brought heartbreak for Arsenal and England fans as Beth Mead left the field with a torn ACL, this game was a turning point for Manchester United and their success. It was a huge statement for Alessia Russo to score the winner at the Emirates in added time for the Reds to win 3-2.
It showed that United could be in contention for the title and that the top three had expanded to the top four. It was also the start of Arsenal’s struggles, proving to be an influential result for both sides.
The game also showed the appetite for away ends with many United fans attending, reflecting the increased attention and interest in the game.
Emily Cleland: Aston Villa 4-3 Man City
Aston Villa made a huge statement on the opening day, showing exactly why they signed Rachel Daly. They showed real fighting spirit coming in as the underdogs, and they’ve maintained this level all season.
Stephen Conroy: Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
Honourable mention to the barmy West Ham 4-5 Brighton game but this battle at the Emirates was too difficult to look past. Arsenal looked to be closing in on a huge win, but two late United goals sent the away end into raptures with some of the best scenes of the season. Cemented Man United as genuine title contenders.
Louise Quirke: Arsenal 4-0 Spurs
In front of a record-breaking crowd (47,367 fans) at the Emirates stadium a historic north London derby at the beginning of the season. A 4-0 win, a home crowd, a day written in history for women’s football. Arsenal were dominant from start to finish. Any NLD is special but this one was a day for fans to remember.
47,367 FANS!
A RECORD #BARCLAYSWSL ATTENDANCE 🤩 pic.twitter.com/q7iCHSYfmy
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 24, 2022
Goal of the Season
Polly Starkie: Katie McCabe v Manchester City
It will probably go down in WSL history because of the context, significance, and unbelievable skill of the goal but Katie McCabe’s strike against Manchester City to secure the win was something special.
McCabe had left the field injured just days before, returning on crutches – another injury to add to Arsenal’s list. However, McCabe returned against City – miraculously healed – and scored an absolute rocket to win Arsenal the game in which was important in deciding who would secure a Champions League place.
AN ABSOLUTE ROCKET FROM KATIE MCCABE! 🚀@Katie_McCabe11 that is incredible!#BarclaysWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/um671lyjKG
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) April 2, 2023
Emily Cleland: Beth England vs Leicester City
From a relatively dull game, one moment of magic from Beth England gifted Spurs a massive 3 points to keep their hopes of staying in the WSL alive. Solo goals like that show exactly why they brought her.
THE MATCH WINNER 🤩
A beauty of a goal, @Bethany_Eng15 💫 pic.twitter.com/Z9Eq0jE4w0
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) March 16, 2023
Stephen Conroy: Ashleigh Neville vs Leicester City
Neville set the bar on the very first game of the season and it’s a bar that hasn’t been met. Stunning goal and a worthy goal of the season winner
Louise Quirke: Katie McCabe v Manchester City
This was a huge goal in the title race, but 3 days before McCabe hobbled off injured down the tunnel of the Emirates and returned on crutches and in a boot… you couldn’t have written it. Arsenal brought an end to Man City’s 14 game unbeaten streak, an absolute rocket from McCabe to hand the Gunners all three points. From the edge of the area Katie’s shot whizzed past the six-yard box and into the top left corner, what a comeback.
Adam Salter: Frida Leonhardsen Maanum vs Leicester City
Having been put through the emotional and physical wringer in their Champions League Semi Final, Arsenal returned to WSL action and their fight for Top 3 with a home tie against Leicester City. A routine win looked on the cards when they were awarded an early penalty, only for Janina Leitzig to save Katie McCabe’s tame effort. From then on, it looked as though the excursions against Wolfsburg had taken their toll on Arsenal, as the game became pedestrian and laboured, as Leicester dug in for a crucial point. That was until Frida intervened, taking a Jodie Taylor cutback and curling a superb strike into the top corner, sending Meadow Park wild. It would prove to be the solitary goal of the game, and sealed Arsenal’s last home win of the season.
Frida L Maanum bends one!
1-0 Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/MperAVDZow
— AWFCLIPS (@awfclips) May 5, 2023
Shock of the Season
Emily Cleland: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Liverpool came into their first WSL game in 2 years as huge underdogs against the Champions. Worryingly, it didn’t even seem like Chelsea lost out of complacency, or Liverpool simply clung onto their lead, but rather had some great chances whereas Chelsea didn’t seem to get into the game at all.
Stephen Conroy: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Another game that took place on the opening weekend, as reigning champions Chelsea travelled to newly promoted Liverpool. Two Katie Stengel goals later and they were travelling back down to London in shock.
Louise Quirke: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Liverpool’s win over the league champions in the first game of the season saw Chelsea lose their first match where they had the lead at HT since 2013. I think everyone was surprised, league champions for the 21/22 season coming back for the first game against the newly promoted side, for most fans this would have been seen as a Chelsea win, no brainer but with two penalties from Katie Stengel the newly promoted side surprised us all!
Adam Salter: Liverpool 2-1 Man City
Going into this match, Man City had only lost 1 game in 17, and looked set to salvage 3rd place in what had been an ultimately been a disappointing season. But against Liverpool, they looked flat, and went behind when Natasha Dowie profited on a slack Laura Coombs pass to Roebuck to slot home. Man City rallied, and equalised through Lauren Hemp’s header. But the expected rally never happened. Man City were slow and ponderous, struggling to exert any pressure against an impressively disciplined Liverpool side. And Liverpool made them pay when Missy Bo Kearns gave Liverpool the lead early in the second half. Man City’s day was best summed up by Ellie Roebuck, who inexplicably walked out of the box carrying the ball, conceding a needless free kick. Hemp hit the bar late on as Man City finally managed to build up some momentum, but it was too late. The defeat left the European door open for Arsenal, and they would go on to take full advantage.
Polly Starkie: Aston Villa unbeaten vs Man City
Aston Villa were unbeaten against Manchester City all season. Beating them 4-3 on the opening day was put down as a fluke – similarly Liverpool beat Chelsea on the opening weekend. However, Villa remained consistent and went on to beat them in the FA Cup quarterfinals and drew with them again in the league.
Full time at Villa Park.
A topsy turvy game goes the way of the Aston Villa, who record a historic first win over Man City in the Women's Super League.
With two goals and an assist, England Lioness Rachel Daly proved the crucial matchwinner. #BBCFootball #BBCWSL pic.twitter.com/IyY9O6XW5k
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 18, 2022
Disappointment of the Season
Stephen Conroy: Late notice postponements
Another season where the Winter months have hugely disrupted the WSL calendar, another season where once again both fans and players have been notified that a game is called off just hours before it’s set to be played.
Louise Quirke: Man United’s lack of silverware despite their run
I think Man United have had such a good run this season. FA cup semi-final, top of the WSL league for so long. I think it’s disappointing for them, to have such a good run but not be rewarded anything for it. I think most of us thought FA cup was there’s but again Chelsea turns up and throw the dreams all away. With what Man United have achieved this season you’d only hope they’d achieve some silverware to show it?!
Adam Salter: Lina Hurtig
Arsenal had just managed to move Nikita Parris on to Man United when they promptly went and signed another struggling winger. Hurtig never settled in her debut season, lacking fitness and form, and spent most of the time on the treatment table. No WSL goals to her name, and her performances at home to Chelsea and away at West Ham left a lot to be desired, although she did set up Stina’s winner in the Conti Cup against Man City. When she was brought on to replace an injured Stina against Wolfsburg, it was clear that she was not fit enough to play at this high level and passed up a glorious chance in extra time to send the Gunners through. She has an awful lot of ground to make up if she has any hope to fight for her place next season, especially with Mead due to return from her ACL injury.
Polly Starkie: Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur were tipped to be quite successful this season however, it’s been an absolute disaster. It is hard to see how Spurs would have stayed up if it wasn’t for the signing of Bethany England from Chelsea in January. England has scored 12 goals in 12 games since signing and has been the only reliable, consistent, or top-quality player.
The entire club have had their fair share of issues, particularly managerial wise and the women’s team have felt the effects of this. There were a few positives such as their 8-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in November but it’s hard to see where there’s been any success.
Emily Cleland: Tottenham Hotspur
On paper, Spurs have fantastic talent, but just haven’t worked as a team this season. Too many times have Beth England’s individual performances saved them, they arguably wouldn’t be in the WSL next season without her.
Manager of the Season
Louise Quirke: Jonas Eidevall
Despite Arsenals somewhat never-ending run of injuries this season, Jonas has secured the first major trophy (Conti Cup) since 18/19 (when they won the WSL) and have secured a Champions League place for next season. He deserves a lot of credit for this season, what he’s managed to achieve considering all the setbacks he’s suffered. Despite essentially having most of his starting 11 lost through injury, he has still been able to build a really strong team and continued to get results against some of the top teams, who can boast a stronger starting 11. It just shows his mentality of never quitting and it’s been very impressive to see how he’s managed this.
Adam Salter: Carla Ward
I gave Man United Team of the Season, but I must also acknowledge the superb work Carla Ward has done at Aston Villa as well. Aston Villa had spent the last two seasons loitering just above the relegation zone, but under Carla Ward this season, have exploded up the table, to even be tussling with the higher order. Whilst most managers opt to have their teams sit back and low block against the top sides, Carla has coached her side to be brave, to have them fight back, and it has lead to some superb contests. The 3-2 defeat to Man United, the 4-3 win over Man City. And on the final day, they spoiled Arsenal’s home send off with a deserved 2-0 win. A brilliant campaign and a highest ever WSL finish for Aston Villa of 5th place. Well done Carla Ward!
Polly Starkie: Willie Kirk
When Kirk was appointed manager in November, Leicester were rooted at the bottom of the table and on 0 points. Kirk has transformed the side, salvaging them from relegation. He also secured Man City defender Ruby Mace and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Janina Leitzig on loan spells who have both been key to Leicester’s comeback.
Emily Cleland: Carla Ward
Carla obviously had big ambitions for this season to attract the likes of Rachel Daly and has executed them perfectly. From battling relegation to challenging top 4 in one season, as well as an FA Cup Semi Final, is no easy feat. She’s transformed Villa into an exciting and progressive team to watch, a team that players want to go to.
Stephen Conroy: Jonas Eidevall
If you’re going to credit Arsenal for overcoming adversity, you must direct a lot of that credit towards Jonas Eidevall. The Swede seemed to lose a key player every other week and still made Arsenal a competitive and tough to play against team.
Written by the Sporting Her team
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