After five frantic weeks, the Women's Super League takes a two-week break, offering the perfect chance to take stock of a thrilling start to the season. Here are five key takeaways from the opening weeks. For the first time this decade, the established order of the WSL looks under threat.
London City Lionesses and Tottenham have been bullish about climbing the table, while Liverpool also sought to kick on this season. After five games, London City look the most convincing, with Sunday's statement 6-1 win at Spurs a dazzling example of the talent and depth manager Eder Maestre has at his disposal. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas headlined some eye-catching summer signings and she scored twice against Tottenham.
But it was the manner in which the whole team dismantled their previously impressive opponents that was so spectacular, with fellow forwards Kadidiatou Diani and Danielle van de Donk also looking a class above. "This kind of win can be a game-changer," Maestre said. It is the kind of display that can lead to talk of a title charge.
For Spurs, a humiliating home loss is a reality check after promising early results. Liverpool acquitted themselves well in narrow losses away to both Manchester clubs but, with key attacking players such as Vivien Endemann missing against United, they lacked creativity. That points to perhaps the biggest thing both Liverpool and Spurs lack in comparison with London City: squad depth.
Five wins from five with 16 goals scored, defending champions Manchester City have picked up where they left off. Sunday's comeback victory over Arsenal made it City's best start to a season since opening the 2017-18 campaign with seven straight victories, cementing their status as the team to beat. In so doing, City also likely ended the Gunners' title aspirations even this early on.
It helps when their best players are performing. Khadija Shaw's contract renewal in the summer was key and the striker has five league goals already. England winger Lauren Hemp is also in fine form, contributing four goals and two assists.
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