Arsenal’s loss is Man City’s gain as key transfer could lead to historic WSL and Premier League title double

For a moment last season, it really looked as though Man City were going to win both the Premier League and the WSL.

But at the final hurdle, the club fell short of securing a full dominance over English football’s top tiers.

City came agonisingly close, but lacked the clinical edge to close out their title chargeCredit: GettyIn the end, it was a slip-up to Arsenal and some sheer genius from Emma Hayes that meant Man City had to settle for second as their wait for a first WSL trophy since 2016 was extended by another year.

“I think it all comes down to fine margins,” City winger Lauren Hemp told talkSPORT, while reflecting on last season at a KP Snacks Everyone In event at Cheetham Hill Sports Club in Manchester

“I think you can look back at so many games and think, where we necessarily could have scored more goals, could have kept a lead and things like that.

Read More on Women’s Football“But, like I said, ultimately, it comes down to fine margins. And at the end of the day, it came down to that last game and we just didn’t manage to win. And, yes, it was unfortunate.

“I mean, it still hurts, but we’ve got a new season to hopefully put things right. And, yes, we’ve got a new chance to pick up titles. And hopefully with a great group of players that we’ve got, we’ll be able to go on and do that.”

The bottom line remains that Man City look like the most likely contenders to knock defending champions Chelsea off their perch this season.

They have an immensely stacked squad, a dedicated fanbase and a style of play that gets the job done (most of the time).

With a club like Chelsea in the league, Man City must be faultless if they are to go one better than last year.

The manager: Gareth TaylorFormer striker Gareth Taylor enjoyed a 20-year-career as a player, featuring for sides including Crystal Palace, Man City and Nottingham Forest.

This is the first managerial job that the Wales international has taken on, and he did lead City to victory in the League Cup in 2022.

Taylor is under pressure to deliver the WSL title, especially after last seasonCredit: GettyPressure will no doubt ramp up now for him to challenge for the WSL title again and a side this talented will be expected to bring home some silverware, as well as to make a good run in Europe.

Taylor signed a new three-year contract with Man City in March, months before the WSL title slipped out their hands – but the deal also rewards the fact they will now be playing Champions League football again.

Star player: Bunny Shaw This one is up for debate, and they definitely have more than a few candidates – speedy winger Lauren Hemp, stalwart defender Alex Greenwood and midfield maestro Yui Hasegawa all deserve an honourable mention here.

Manchester City Women’s manager Gareth Taylor reveals he was left stunned by gesture from Pep Guardiola

But it cannot be a coincidence that Manchester City lost Shaw to injury – and then subsequently lost control of the title from a winning position.

The Jamaican striker, who got her nickname as a youngster because of her love of carrots, used to have to sneak off to play football as a child against the wishes of her parents.

And the world of football could not be more thankful that she did.

She recently captained Jamaica to the Round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, with the side becoming the first ever Jamaican team from – men’s or women’s – to make it to that stage.

Shaw became City Women’s all-time record scorer against rivals Man UnitedCredit: Getty

She is supported by the likes of England stars Chloe Kelly, Jess Park and Alex Greenwood on the pitchCredit: GettyThe 2023/24 Golden Boot winner then scored 21 goals in 18 WSL appearances last season and became the side’s all-time top goalscorer in the process.

She broke her foot a few games from the end of the season and could only watch on as City dropped all three points to Arsenal in a game which ultimately cost them the title.

But expect her to back with a vengeance this season as she looks to add a WSL trophy to her many individual accolades.

One to watch: Vivianne MiedemaCould it be anyone else?

Vivianne Miedema’s move from rivals Arsenal has been one of the biggest transfers in the history of the WSL, if only because it has left Gunners fan questioning how their club could possibly have let her go.

The forward is the all-time top-goalscorer in the league and as England star Hemp has told talkSPORT, her new teammates already cannot wait for her to get stuck into life at the club.

“She’s done many special things for Arsenal and we’re hoping she’ll do the exact same, if not more, for Manchester City,” said Hemp. “And, yes, I mean, it’ll be a great opening fixture as well against Arsenal at the Emirates. So, yes, it’s great to have her on the team. I’ve looked up to her for so many years. She’s a fantastic player.”

She has struggled with injury over recent seasons, sustaining a dreaded ACL injury in late 2022.

Miedema has switched out North London for Manchester

The WSL record scorer has 80 WSL goals scored across seven seasons at ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd though her return to action has taken time, she showed glimpses of her best form last season – and this looks like it will be the season where she returns to greatness.

Man City seemed to be missing something in their hunt for the title last season – they might just have found it in the form of Miedema.

Transfer windowMiedema is certainly the big incoming here, but they have lost a few names too.

Ex-England skipper Steph Houghton retired from football last season, and current England defender Esme Morgan also left the club to head stateside.

Read More on talkSPORTDemi Stokes has left for an ambition Newcastle side in the second-tier, meanwhile Risa Rimizu headlines three new Japanese recruits.

Expect Keating – the likely successor to Mary Earps for England – to star again this yearCredit: Getty

Former England skipper Houghton bid an emotional farewell to fans last seasonCredit: GettyEllie Roebuck, the keeper who had already been pushed down the pecking order due to the heroics of the 20-year-old Khiara Keating, has also departed to join Spanish giants Barcelona.

Man City Women transfers 24/25

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)
Risa Shimizu (West Ham)
Aoba Fujino (Tokyo Verdy Beleza)
Eve Annets (Reading)
Ayaka Yamashita (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Naomi Layzell (Bristol City)
Katie Startup (Brighton)

Out

Filippa Angeldahl to Real Madrid
Steph Houghton (Retired)
Ruby Mace to Leicester City
Ellie Roebuck to Barcelona
Demi Stokes to Newcastle United
Esme Morgan to Washington Spirit