December WSL roundup: Manchester City extend lead, while Liverpool remain twelfth place

Heading into 2026, Manchester City lead the Barclays Women’s Super League with a six-point advantage. Following an end to Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the WSL under Sonia Bompastor, Andrée Jegerletz captured this opportunity to extend City’s lead.

Regarding the fight for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying spots, there is no clear answer to whether it will be Arsenal, Manchester United, or Tottenham Hotspur who finish in the top four.

However, both Liverpool and West Ham United are still struggling to get off the mark in the league. Both clubs look to fear the relegation battle, with the January transfer window proving vital to their survival in the top-flight.  

Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Arsenal returned to the Emirates after the international break to do one thing only to win. Arsenal struck first through Olivia Smith after her low, bouncing drive had the power and accuracy to arrow in past the near post. Mia Enderby plays a lovely ball around the corner Beats Olsson skips away from Steph Catley and tucks the ball into the bottom corner. Liverpool thought that they were going to take a point off a tough side. But in the 87th minute Arsenal claimed all 3 points, after Stina Blackstenius, half-volley from inside the D, arrowed into the top corner. Arsenal took all 3 points which helps them in the title race where they sit 3rd with 19 points. 

Leicester City 0-3 Manchester City

Manchester City edged past Leicester City at King Power in a tightly contested WSL clash, with the win making them 6 points clear of Chelsea. Bunny Shaw gave City the lead and then added a second to put the visitors in control. Kerolin got the third to steal all 3 points, which made City now 6 points clear at the top of the table.

London City Lionesses 0-1 Brighton

Bright edged out London City Lionesses with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The visitors controlled much of the game and finally broke through with a well-taken finish in the second half. London City pushed for an equaliser late on but couldn't find a way past Brighton's organised defence, as Brighton held on to secure a tight but deserved win.

Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa

Tottenham produced a dramatic late comeback as they defeated Aston Villa in a tense WSL clash. Kirsty Hanson struck late to give Villa the lead despite the visitors being reduced to ten players, but Spurs refused to fade. Bethany England headed in an immediate equaliser before Olivia Holdt smashed home a stoppage-time winner, completing a thrilling turnaround as Tottenham claimed a statement victory.

Manchester United 2-1 West Ham

Manchester United edged past West Ham at Leigh Sports Village in a tightly contested WSL clash. Elisabeth Terland gave United the lead in the first half.

Shekiera Martinez scored a wonderful Bicycle Kick to make them level. Dominique Janssen scored the winning goal after scoring a wonderful free kick. Manchester United was able to hold on and take all 3 points that will be crucial in the title race.

Chelsea 0-1 Everton

Chelsea suffered their first defeat in 34-games as Everton pulled off a superb away win at Kingsmeadow. Honoka Hayashi struck in the first half with a close-range finish, giving the Visitors a lead they refused to surrender. Chelsea created chances but couldn't find a way through Everton's resilient defence, as the visitors held on for a record-breaking victory that shook up the top of the WSL table.

Everton 1-3 Arsenal

Arsenal travelled to Goodison Park, knowing the importance of picking up three points. The visitors took the lead early on before Everton responded quickly to bring themselves back into the game. Arsenal, however, showed their quality going forward and regained control before halftime. Everton battled hard and looked to frustrate Arsenal in the second half, but late on the Gunners sealed the win to claim all three points and continue their push near the top of the Women's Super League table.

West Ham 2-2 Liverpool

Liverpool made the trip to face West Ham, looking to get their first win of the season. West Ham started strongly and took the lead, but Liverpool responded well to level the game and keep themselves competitive throughout. Both sides got two goals in the second half, with neither willing to settle for a draw in the end, the points were shared, leaving both teams with positives to take from a lively contest.

Brighton 0-3 Chelsea

Chelsea produced a strong performance, as they ran out 3-0 winners away at Brighton. The visitors took the lead before half-time through Sandy Baltimore's strike and Brighton struggled to create clear chances in response. Chelsea extended their advantage early in the second half with an own goal before stealing the win with a third goal in the closing stages, ensuring all three points on the road and a confidence-boosting result in their title challenge.

Leicester City 1-0 London City Lionesses

Leicester City edged out London City Lionesses 1-0 in a tight contest at the King Power Stadium. The deadlock was broken in the second half and despite late pressure from the Lionesses, Leicester held firm to secure all three points. A dramatic late penalty save ensured the narrow victory, giving Leicester reason to celebrate as they head into the winter break with confidence. 

Manchester City 6-1 Aston Villa 

Manchester City produced a commanding performance as they ran out 6-1 winners against Aston Villa. The hosts took control with multiple goals before half-time and continued to pressure in the second half, led by a sensational four-goal haul from Khadija Shaw as City maintained their strong title push. Villa managed a consolation goal, but City's dominant display ensured all three points and a statement result as they head into the winter break.

Manchester United 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur  

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Leigh Sports Village, with United staging a dramatic comeback after finding themselves 3-0 down early in the second half. Spurs had punished defensive lapses with clinical finishing, but United fought back through goals from Ella Toone and a late brace from Fridolina Rolfö to snatch a share of the points. The contest was an entertaining, high-tempo affair that showcased both sides' resilience and tacking intent.