[[[[Foreword]]]]
Manchester City have clinched their first league title in 10 years. The efforts of manager Andrée Jeglertz and his staff, as well as their sporting director’s precise signings, are largely to appreciate. The changes in the team and players that caught my eye are as follows: Last season, there were many instances where they miraculously scored from risky long-range shots, and they relied on that to some extent. This season, tactical scoring and counter-attacks have become more distinctive. Also, by moving Yui Hasegawa from number 6 to number 8, the attack has gained more variety, and there have been more instances where the genius of number 10 Vivian Miedema has been utilized by Hasegawa. Center forward Bunny Shaw also seemed to be calmly performing the standard role of a center forward rather than making “risky plays.” The reinforcements of the two center backs were precise, and the rotation of players was strategic, resulting in a significant decrease in injuries. I hope that they will make sufficient reinforcements to prepare for competing in the EWCL next season and defeat Barcelona again.
[[ FA Women’s Super League (WSL) 2025/26 after May 3rd ]]
[Blogger’s Preview]
Due to the irregular schedule, it has been omitted.
[Blogger’s Overall Review]
Brighton & Hove has played the main roles as expected. Their recent victories against City and draws against United in the last two weeks proved their strength. When Arsenal drew with Brighton & Hove, making it clear they are not able to above City in points, City’s first title in 10 years was sealed.
However, Arsenal also showed improvement against Aston Villa. Looking at the current race for second place, with a one-point difference, third-placed Arsenal have two matches remaining against Everton and Liverpool, while second-placed Chelsea have a match against United. Arsenal have a significant goal difference lead, so if they will have more than one win and one draw, they will secure second place, which is advantageous in the next season UWCL matches.
It’s worth noting that Riko Ueki and Fuka Tsunoda won the Player of the Match awards in last week’s league matches.
[League Matches after May 3rd]
Match 5 (5/4: Week 21): Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham
at Villa Park with attendance of 3,417.
West Ham’s goal: R. Ueki (86′), S. Piubel (90’+2)
Ball Possession/ Shots :(63:37)/(11:4)
Riko Ueki was awarded as POTM.
Match 6 (5/6: Week 16): Brighton & Hove 1-1 Arsenal
at Broadfield Stadium with attendance of 3,450.
Brighton’s goal: F. Tsunoda (43′)
Arsenal’s goal: F. Maanum (62′)
Ball Possession/ Shots :(45:55)/(6:17)
Full time played Nadeshiko: F. Tsunoda
Fuka Tsunoda was awarded as POTM.
Match 7 (5/9: Week 20): Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal
at Villa Park with attendance of 7,944.
Arsenal’s goals: A. Russo (4′, 52′), F. Maanum (35′)
Ball Possession/ Shots :(48:52)/(1:28)
Full time played Nadeshiko: M. Hijikata
Match 8 (5/13: Week 21): Arsenal – Everton at .
Arsenal’s goal:
Everton’s goal:
Ball Possession/ Shots :(xx:xx)/(x:x)
Full time played Nadeshiko:
[[ Women’s FA Cup Semifinals ]]
[Blogger’s Preview on May 10th, 2026]
I predict a victory for Brighton over Liverpool, as they’ve been in good form recently. However, the match is at Liverpool’s home stadium. How will that affect things? Their league encounter in March ended in a 0-0 draw. Liverpool’s defense has been solidifying lately, so they have a chance to win the cup semifinal.
The match between Chelsea and City is honestly difficult to predict. The fact that it’s at Chelsea’s home stadium might also have an impact. City could win if their league title victory and desire for a double work in their favor, but Miedema’s participation will undoubtedly be key. Chelsea have been unbeaten since their heavy defeat to City in February. Their only loss was against Arsenal in the EWCL. Sam Kerr seems to be a key player.
[Blogger’s Review]
Both matches were dramatic comebacks. The scores were the same, going from 2-0 to 2-3. Brighton & Hove scored the winning goal in second-half stoppage time, City equalized in second-half stoppage time, and then scored the winning goal in the first half of extra time. Brighton’s Noordam and City’s Fowler both scored immediately after coming on as substitutes. What a coincidence!
In the semifinals, Brighton certificated their recent good form and City’s substitution of young players in the 66th minute seemed to pay off.
City is on the verge of winning two titles. Brighton is aiming for their first FA cup championship.
For City, the choice of goalkeeper at the final will clearly reflect the manager’s philosophy, which should be noticed.
[Semifinals (May 10th)]
Liverpool 2-3 Brighton & Hove
May 10th at BrewDog Stadium, St Helens, Merseyside.
Liverpool’s goals: D. O’Sullivan (11′), B. Olsson (22′)
Brighton’s goals: M. Vanegas (23′), M. Haley (54′), N. Noordam (90’+5)
Ball Possession/ Attempts :(52:48)/(11:16)
Full time played Nadeshiko: F. Nagano, M. Minami, K. Seike
Kiko Seike was awarded as POTM.
Chelsea 2-3 City
May 10th at Stamford Bridge, London, with attendance of 7,773.
Chelsea’s goals: E. Cuthbert (8′), S. Kerr (59′)
City’s goals: M. Fowler (86′), K. Shaw (90’+1, 103′ ET)
Ball Possession/ Attempts :(56:44)/(27:18)
Full time played Nadeshiko: Y. Hasegawa
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