A place to discuss the Women's Super League, the international game and more
Image source, GettyAt the time of writing, Chelsea are top of the WSL table with 19 points. (Played 7, won 6 and drawn 1).
Manchester City are second also with 19 points and London City Lionesses are in third place with 16 points.
Is it a three horse race or can anyone else claim the title?
Image source, GettyWe asked you for your thoughts on how women's football can attract younger fans without alienating loyal supporters.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Sean: Give discounts or free entry to fans who attend the men's game. If the stadiums are full and there is a great atmosphere you will attract more fans. You will initially make a loss but once people experience a few games they will be hooked.
Steven: Fans want to see players and they want to be part of the club. A bit of entertainment is fine but shouldn't be a theme park. So, promote and expose the players and make their achievements central to the club history.
Jan: Better coverage on free to view channels and equal (or any in some cases) reporting in national and local newspapers and on national and local radio. We don't get any mention of women's football in our local press, when every minor men's team matches are reported.
Tim: Match day marketing doesn't need to be either/or. London City had fan zone activities aimed at children ahead of last week's match with Everton. They also had a post match Oktoberfest aimed at an older age group. Different marketing for different audiences for the same match day.
Hannah: I think the real question is why isn't the men's more family friendly?! I don't want it to be completely overrun with kids, but there is space for everyone at the women's game - that's what makes it special and long may it continue.
Image source, GettyThere's been plenty of debate recently about who women's football is targeting as its audience.
Social media marketing for the North London WSL derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal has sparked plenty of online chat among fans.
One Spurs fan posted on X:
"I'm almost glad I can't make it, we'll never grow as a women's club if the entire marketing is for kids and families rather than young adults with disposable income."
The comment referred to a Spurs Instagram advert promoting "a big day out for the whole family", with DJs, free giveaways, football freestylers and face-painters.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion women are promoting this weekend's match against West Ham at the Amex as a 'Saturday Spooktacular', featuring a haunted house, games and Halloween activities, with the caption 'perfect for you and the family.'
What do you think? How can women's football attract younger fans without alienating its loyal supporters?
Image source, GettyAttendances are falling across some WSL matches, but one Chelsea fan travelled 8,543km to watch Lucy Bronze
We asked you for your thoughts on falling attendances at Women's Super League matches.
This subject has generated lots of ideas and comments, so we thought we'd share a second sample of what some of you said:
Philip - lack of jeopardy
Attendances need to be taken in context. If a match is a 'dead rubber' less people will turn up against a game with something on it. In the Premier League most games have competition for something. WSL has less European places and fewer relegation places. Too many 'nothing' games.
Sue - changing kick-off times and travel disruption
It's the constant changing of the game times & travel issues. Had six lots of tickets for Arsenal games last season. Three the day and time changed. Three, there were bus replacements for trains.
These issues put families off.
WSL needs regular days/time slots to attract consistent fans.
Lisa - product quality
Product just isn't very good at the moment.
1.A lot of life is being sucked out of it with uninspired tactical battles.
2. A lot of likeable/marketable stars for people connect with aren't playing.
Arsenal not playing fan favourites like O.Smith. Liverpool not playing Hoebinger and Hollland. Chelsea unable to play Girma.
Peter - a myriad of reasons
1. Winter league - too dark and cold for kids.
2. Selling alcohol attracts bad language & rowdy behaviour - not good for kids.
3. "How did you travel" surveys discourage car use.
4. TV commentary so Arsenal centric it discourages local team support - think Newcastle, Sunderland.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you for your thoughts on why attendances are a little down so far on previous seasons.
You replied in your drove and there were a number of clear strands.
Here's an initial sample of what you said:
Kick-off times
Darren: The kick-off times make going to the games difficult. Previously we had Sunday games. Now they are on Saturdays at 12pm. This makes it tough for kids' football on Saturday morning.
Lisa: The majority of games are the same time that kids play football on a Sunday. I would say a big chunk of women's fans are women - who literally have no time!
Cathy: Part of the challenge is scheduling, the best tv times are often bad for attending fans, especially the Friday night and late Sunday slots.
Cost
Shannon: Cost of fuel, cost of living, fixture times, two extra games and less advertisement.
Dan: Cost of fuel and tickets both increasing has had an impact!
TV coverage:
Nastasia: I can't watch most games because I don't have the Sky subscription (too expensive). That means I'm following the WSL less closely and hence also less likely to watch the games in person. They should make the games accessible for free on TV to grow the game.
Freddie: Every game can be watched live so who needs to go to a match? The biggest mistake they could have made was signing that deal.
Lack of jeopardy and homegrown talent:
Sue: Not enough Brits in the teams. Top teams too dominant. Too many games unexciting. At times, there are large gaps between matches.
Myles: Matches clashing with girls' grassroots football, lack of mainstream media coverage, teams are mostly London based and marketing is poor as it should be aimed at families. Need more high profile British academy players making it into the WSL and being featured in marketing.
Audience:
Natalie: I think it is a lot to do with the league not knowing its audience and who it wants to advertise to. Do we want family friendly or rivals? Until they understand this, the audience will continue to slide.
Image source, GettyIt might be too early to draw any big conclusions, but the data so far illustrates WSL attendances are down in some big matches this season compared to previous seasons.
For example, Arsenal v Manchester United hosted at Emirates Stadium had an attendance of 46,603 in 2024-2025 compared to 37, 627 in 2025-26 and only 29,853 in 2026-27.
Similarly, Chelsea v Arsenal at Stamford Bridge has gone from 34,302 in 2024-2025 to just 19,349 in 2026-27.
What are your thoughts? Ticket prices? Scheduling? Less interest? Too early to say? Anything else?
Image source, GettyWiegman has been manager of the England women's national team since 2021
We asked you for your thoughts on Sarina Wiegman staying on as England manager beyond 2027.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Elaine: I believe everyone has their time and if Sarina wins the World Cup I would walk away. On a high winning the pinnacle of football. If they lose I think I would also leave, but whatever her decision, we owe her, she's fab.
Scott: While I can occasionally disagree with some of Wiegman's decisions and she can be overly loyal, her achievements speak for themselves. Sign her up. In Sarina we trust!
Mandy: Of course she should stay. England has never been more successful and given us all something to look forward to. The players seem to really like and respect her which is paramount. Sarina also appears to very nice and genuine while all the time being professional.
Garon: I absolutely think Serina should stay as England manager, just look what we have won with her at the helm, we should keep her for as long as possible in my humble opinion.
Jonathan: Not sure how this is a conversation. She's professional, committed and an empathetic person who obviously has the support of the FA and her squads. She has overseen an unprecedented period of success for the Lionesses.
Anne: Great manager, she needs to be kept on.
Image source, GettyWiegman has been manager of the England women's national team since 2021
Sarina Wiegman's contract is set to expire after the 2027 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
When asked about the possibility of Wiegman leaving, Lionesses midfielder, Keira Walsh recently told ITV Sport:
"Obviously I would want her to stay. I would never ask her those questions. Sarina's the boss. I think everyone would love her to stay."
So, what do you think? Do you agree with Walsh? Would you like Wiegman to stay beyond 2027?
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you for your thoughts on whether England boss Sarina Wiegman should refresh her team for Tuesday's World Cup play-off semi-final second leg at King Power Stadium.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Pat: I'd give Lexi Potter a start alongside Keira Walsh as that's been working in the league . Stay with the backline and also start with Beth Mead next to Alessia Russo . Leave Georgia Stanway out .
Peter: Maya le Tissier should be selected as centre-back and captain -and see what happens.
Maddie: Of course Godfrey needs to be on the pitch. She adds pace and energy, is a great team player and always shows commitment and resilience. We need to start letting more players like this on the pitch to gain the necessary match experience and bring fresh energy.
Evie: Laura Blindkilde Brown as central defensive midfield with Stanway and Erica Meg Parkinson at number 10.
Colin: England need to look at some different options in central defence. Grace Fisk should be given a chance and Ruby Mace called up next time as Leah Williamson was easily beaten for the Greece goal. Esme Morgan looked very vulnerable when pressed. Mead should start. Also give Godfrey a chance.
Jeffrey: Play Potter in midfield, and give Hannah Hampton a rest.
Tim: Yes, time to bring in Potter in midfield, Le Tissier to centre-back, Erica Meg in for Russo and refresh the oldies. My team: Hampton; Fisk, Le Tissier, Morgan, Greenwood; Potter, Walsh; Parkinson, Stanway, Hemp; James. Key subs: Park, Russo, Godfrey.
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland won the first leg of their World Cup qualification play-off semi-final with Greece on Friday but it was not a perfect performance.
Despite being 55 places below their visitors, Greece gave England a few problems and a final scoreline of 3-1 to the Lionesses has not completely ended the tie before Tuesday's second leg at King Power Stadium (19:30 BST).
So who would you like to see given an opportunity to ensure Sarina Wiegman's side progress to the next round of the play-offs?
Is it time for the likes of Erica Meg Parkinson, Lexi Potter or Freya Godfrey to step up?
Or should the boss stick with the side that ultimately got the job done in Crete?
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you for your thoughts on Sarina Wiegman's England squad for the World Cup play-offs, with stalwarts Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly left out.
With Freya Godfrey and Lexi Potter among the uncapped players named in the squad, we also wanted to know who you would like to see given a chance in the two games against Greece.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Mike: I agree with Sarina. Neither Ella or Chloe are in good form at the moment and need more minutes. I think this is an opportunity for them to work on their fitness and form. It is also, an opportunity to try out some new and exciting younger players who are in form.
Andy: I think that Kelly should definitely be included in the squad. As we saw in the Arsenal agaainst Man Utd, when Kelly came on she impacted the game massively and helped Arsenal score to level the game.
Simon: Sad for Ella and Chloe but Sarina's track record is pretty good, to put it mildly, so I think she knows what she's doing.
Rose: I love Ella Toone, but she hasn't been getting as much game time recently. However it's pretty inconsistent that Alessia Russo has also been called up given how much she and Arsenal have been struggling.
Sally: I think Ruby Mace should have been given a call up. She has been the most consistent defender in the WSL both last year and the start of this season. Agree with Toone and Kelly being dropped, as no real form for a while.
Philip: Players should be selected on form and until recently Man Utd have not been performing. Jess Park looked good on Saturday. Surprised Ruby Mace hasn't been included. She kept Everton going last year with sterling defensive work and by all accounts has been playing well in a poor team this year.
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen England boss Sarina Wiegman made her squad announcement for the Women's World Cup qualifying play-off matches against Greece on Tuesday, two big names were missing; Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly.
Toone played the first 67 minutes for Manchester United as they beat Liverpool 1-0 to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
Speaking after the match, Toone said: "It's been a really difficult week - not the news any footballer wants. But I've got good people around me. The manager played me today so that shows the belief she has.
"It's about me now. I've got to keep working hard and use it as fuel to come back even better."
On this week's episode of The Women's Football Fallout, former England captain Steph Houghton recognised Toone's disappointment but says Wiegman has lots of quality to choose from.
"The competition in a World Cup year heats up and there's no denying that," she said. "People are starting to take their game to another level because they want to be in Brazil."
What do you think of Wiegman's decision not to select Toone for the Lionesses squad?
And with Freya Godfrey and Lexi Potter among the uncapped players named in the squad, who would you like to see given a chance by Wiegman in the two games?
Image source, Disney+After Leah Williamson's blunder on Wednesday led to a penalty being given to Paris FC against Arsenal, we asked you for your thoughts on the decision.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Anna: It was a mistake but the referee was right with the decision to award a penalty. It was a handball from a direct pass.
Chris: Seen this numerous times in the Premier League and I am surprised it hasn't been picked up regularly.
Adam: Experienced players like her should be aware of that. It's obviously just a heat-of-the-moment lack of judgement, but it has cost her team big time.
Arthur: This is harsh. Williamson obviously didn't think the ball was in play otherwise she wouldn't have handballed it.
Vic: A goal-kick was always taken on the white line, either left or right. In the video the goalkeeper nonchalantly taps the ball to the player on the white line. Therefore, it hasn't been taken and the decision is wrong.
Zxcv: 'It's the rule'. Yes, but what if it's a really badly thought-out rule? Which it is, if a plainly unintentional and otherwise inconsequential act can change the result. Most people think of a goal kick being taken with the ball on the line of the six-yard box. Just make that a requirement and there's no more confusion. You can't take any other dead ball restart from wherever you like.
Arsenal let two-goal lead slip to draw with Paris FC
By now, you will likely have seen Leah Williamson's bizarre error that resulted in Arsenal letting a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Paris FC on Wednesday in the Women's Champions League.
With the Gunners leading 2-1 late on, England captain Williamson stopped a short goal-kick with her hand - believing it had not been taken - only for a penalty being awarded to the hosts, scored by Maeline Mendy.
While Arsenal felt hard done to, the guidance on such incidents state that the decision to award a penalty was correct.
Law 16 of the International Football Association Board's (Ifab) laws of the game state: "In goal-kick restarts, if the ball is stationary within the goal area and is kicked by any defending player, the goal-kick is considered to have been taken.
"If, after the ball is in play, [a player] commits a handball offence, a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the kicker's penalty area."
The law seems pretty clear, but what did you make of the incident?
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter another difficult day in front of goal for Arsenal on Sunday, we asked you why they were struggling to score this season.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Ryan: The Crystal Palace result aside, Arsenal have consistently dropped points to Brighton, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent seasons regardless of when the fixtures occur. It's a copout to say that the issue is they start the season slowly.
Harry: I just feel that right now we are overplaying in possession. Right now I find myself just wanting players like Georgia Stanway taking shots from outside the box knowing she's more than capable of scoring those types of goals trying to open up the floodgates for the others to start scoring.
Keeley: I don't think it's struggling. I just feel like Arsenal are still getting used to their new players.
David: So very frustrating. Arsenal look so good everywhere on the pitch except in front of goal.
AJ: Arsenal need to bring a sports psychologist. It's like they're afraid to shoot sometimes. The pattern is obvious - wasteful in front of goal, slow start every season costing them a chance at the title. They need to change something.
Leigh: Arsenal women need a natural goalscorer. Yes they have the players to score but they need a finisher when playing teams like Chelsea and Man City women.
Image source, GettyAhead of Chelsea against Arsenal on Sunday in the Women's Super League, the Gunners are already seven points behind leaders Manchester City.
Successive draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United have dented Arsenal's start to the campaign.
Their slow starts have proven to be their undoing in previous campaigns as Arsenal's search for another WSL title has gone on for seven years.
So why do you think they are struggling to find the back of the net this season?
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you for your thoughts on how much trouble Manchester United were in after their difficult start to the season.
Then, they almost beat Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
So here's where you landed:
Andy: The game against Arsenal was a big step forwards and the important thing now is maintaining that level of fight. Being hard to beat is a good start, and I think Eva Olid will come good, although it may take time for her vision to work. Patience is needed.
Bernard: Just warming up. New players and new coach need time to gel.
Natalie: It wass only two games in. Why was this never a topic when Marc Skinner went over 10 games without a win? This goes beyond just constructive - it's a direct attack on Eva Olid.
Sandeep: Eh, drawing against Arsenal?
Roland: ope Eva succeeds in bringing the best out of these players who want to play for the club, rather than those who run away to a club that flashes their eyes at them.
Stacey: Manchester United are very poor considering their players.
Carry on the conversation in the comments over here
Arsenal grab last-minute equaliser to deny Man Utd's first WSL win
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesManchester United have struggled to get going. After a fourth place finish last season, they looked to carry that momentum into this season with newly appointed boss, Eva Olid.
Their opening game saw them fall short to an impressive display from the London City Lionesses.
The hunt for their first points continued the following weekend, but the Red Devils were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea.
Currently sitting bottom of the table, United have scored one goal across their two games and conceded seven, which is the most of any team.
Manchester United take a trip to Emirates Stadium this weekend, searching for points against fifth-placed Arsenal.
Olid's side may have struggled so far this season, but will they settle or will the troubles continue?
Let us know your thoughts - send us your views here and we'll publish a selection of replies on Monday.
We asked you for your thoughts on which Women's Super League player should win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Here's a sample of what you said:
Eliza: I think Alessia Russo should win as she is such an inspirational player and can change games. I think she is amazing!
David: Bunny. No other words needed!
Anushka: Kersten Casparij is so slay - she should win!
Michelle: Alexia Putellas or Mariona Caldentey - outstanding players compared to others. Unfortunately, Alex Greenwood is awesome but not the level necessary and Alessia Russo is a lot of hype and misses. We have far better players that should have been considered.
Graham: My take on this award is that in 2025, our Champions League winning captain, Kim Little wasn't even nominated, when in fact she should have won the award. In my opinion, such a shocking omission has forever devalued the Ballon d'Or.
Baz: Bunny Shaw for me deserves top accolades. Very consistent player and quality stats.
Gordon: Vivianne Miedema consistently performed at the highest level for Manchester City Women last season. Composed in possession, provided defence-splitting passes, and scored goals with feet and head, surprisingly a threat at corners. A future manager, her exceptional talent over many seasons should be recognised.
And fair enough to those of you that pointed out Caroline Weir was also on the shortlist.
Now at Lyon, the Scotland captain had a sensational 2025-26 while at Real Madrid so is definitely in contention for the award.
Can Bunny Shaw with the Balon D'or?
"It's only the Barcelona players that can make her fall out of it."
Ex-England midfielder Fara Williams was discussing Khadija Shaw's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this season after the Manchester City forward made the 30-strong shortlist this week.
She is one of 11 Women's Super League players in with a shout - with five of them from Andree Jeglertz's side.
But who do you think should take the crown this year?
And is there anyone who is not on the list that should be?
Image source, Getty ImagesAlessia Russo (left) and Alex Greenwood are the only two English players on the women's shortlist
England stars Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are among 11 Women's Super League players who were nominated this week for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
WSL footballers make up a third of the 30-strong shortlist - although there are only four English clubs represented.
Here are the WSL representatives...
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain)
Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City/Netherlands)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City/England)
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City/Japan)
Melvine Malard (Chelsea/France)
Manaka Matsukubo (Chelsea/Japan)
Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City/Netherlands)
Mapi Leon (London City Lionesses/Spain)
Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses/Spain)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal/England)
Khadija Shaw (Manchester City/Jamaica)
Who do you think would be the most worthy winner from a WSL team?
Tell us why.
Promoted Crystal Palace got off to the perfect start with victory over Everton last Sunday but face a daunting trip to Arsenal this weekend - and it's live on the BBC!
Renee Slegers' Gunners are unbeaten in 19 home games, a club record, and also won 1-0 last weekend, on the road at Brighton.
Build-up gets going at 14:30 BST on BBC Two on BBC iPlayer and then remember to stick around for for The Women's Football Fallout after the game has ended.
We'll obviously have every beat covered on our live text - and you can watch it there too.
For week two on the 2026-27 Women's Super League season, there's another glut of high-quality games on the fixtures slate.
It all gets under way on Saturday at 12:45 BST as London City Lionesses travel to West Ham, hoping for another statement win.
On Sunday, Manchester United and Chelsea (12:00) reignite their rivalry with both needing a victory to kickstart their season after disappointments on opening weekend.
Liverpool against Tottenham is the highlight of the 14:00 games after impressive performances to start the campaign while Aston Villa hosting Manchester City closes out Sunday at 18:30.
Pundits discuss London City Lionesses’ investment
After England legends Fara Williams and Ellen White gave their thoughts on London City Lionesses' impact on the Women's Super League, we asked for your views.
Here are a few more of your submissions:
Eleanor: I'm an Arsenal fan, and I'm excited to see what impact LCL will have. The league has been dominated by the same few teams each season because they're the ones putting money in. Don't get mad at Michelle Kang… get mad at your club's owners for not looking to invest!
Phil: LCL are more of a circus act than a football club. I equate them with the Harlem Globetrotters. A load of star players, but little fan-base and little history. It would be good for a club to breach the top three though.
Ellie: I was sad not to see a British player playing. Why wasn't Mary Earps playing? Surely the youngsters watching the game wanted to see Mary start? I will not choose to watch them again - I prefer to see our young future English team develop.
William: The amount of investment is interesting, without an established fan base I suspect they will struggle long term. You are starting to see the tribalism from the men's game replicate in the women's game - those priced out of the men's are to a degree creeping into women's football.
