The air at the City Football Academy crackles with a renewed sense of purpose. After a blistering finish to last season that saw them push Chelsea to the final day, Manchester City are not just contenders; they are hunters in the 2025/26 Women's Super League race.
A Squad Forged in Fire
Gareth Taylor's side returns stronger, wiser, and hungrier. The core that delivered a record points haul remains intact, a testament to the project's compelling vision. The formidable strike partnership of Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Mary Fowler promises goals, while the midfield engine room, powered by the vision of Yui Hasegawa and the tenacity of Laura Coombs, is among the league's best.
The defence, marshalled by the peerless Alex Greenwood and the rapidly improving Khiara Keating in goal, provides a steeliness that was the foundation of their previous campaign. This isn't just a team; it's a cohesive unit with a clear identity.
The Taylor Blueprint: Possession with a Punch
Under Gareth Taylor, City's philosophy is clear: dominate the ball, control the tempo, and attack with devastating precision. Their patient, possession-based style often feels like a strategic suffocation of their opponents, slowly dismantling defences before striking with lethal intent.
This season, the challenge is to maintain that intensity across a gruelling schedule that includes a deep Champions League run. Squad depth, therefore, is not a luxury but a necessity.
Overcoming the Final Hurdle
The question looming over the Etihad Campus is a simple one: can they finally get over the line? The shadow of Chelsea's dynasty is long, and past seasons have been defined by fine margins. Converting draws into wins in those tight, physical encounters will be the ultimate test of their championship mettle.
The mental fortitude developed from last season's heartbreak could be their greatest weapon. This is a group that has tasted the agony of coming close and is now utterly obsessed with finishing the job.
Verity's Verdict: A Title Tilt Built on Stability
While rivals have seen significant upheaval, City's stability is their superpower. In a transfer window of flux, their decision to retain their key assets is a statement of intent. The continuity in coaching, style, and personnel makes them the most formidable threat to the established order.
With a world-class starting XI and a point to prove, Manchester City are primed for a monumental assault on the WSL title. The hunger is palpable, the tools are there. Now, it's about turning potential into silverware.
