The 2026-27 Barclays Women’s Super League season is officially underway, already producing remarkable breakout performances. With a full campaign ahead for unexpected results and underdog narratives, it is time to unveil the power rankings. Following each matchweek, teams will be evaluated based on their overall performance or lack thereof. Chelsea FC appear to be exactly the formidable side we anticipated, fully capable of overwhelming opponents, while Manchester United may possess a significantly larger gap between themselves and the top contenders than ever before.
Now, the latest rankings:
1. Manchester City (–)
As if the defending champions did not already appear invincible, the attacking partnership of Mary Fowler and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw shows no indication of decelerating anytime soon.
2. Chelsea FC (+1)
Lucy Bronze is an absolute menace, as you may have missed. The veteran orchestrated a massive comeback, leading the team with 120 touches and finding the net in the dominant victory.
3. Arsenal (-1)
Gunners manager Renee Slegers encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “A point is not enough for us,” following a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. She is entirely correct, given Arsenal’s 30 shots and a dismal three attempts on target despite the aggressive offensive pressure.
4. Tottenham (+1)
Creation is paramount even without receiving recognition, and thankfully Spurs have Signe Gaupset to fulfill that role currently. Demonstrating effort on and off the ball, this is precisely the type of play the squad requires to endure a grueling season.
5. Liverpool (+2)
Fuka Nagano might be an early candidate for the most underrated player in the league this season. She is shrewd on the ball and possesses the vision to evaluate sequences one or two actions ahead, alongside the ability to initiate and disrupt attacks.
6. London City Lionesses (-2)
Danielle Van de Donk has rapidly emerged as the most crucial player on a roster brimming with stars. Perhaps London City is facing excessive pressure to overachieve this early in the campaign, but the reality is undeniable: you cannot possess this much talent and allow opposing sides to outshine you.
7. Everton (+2)
Securing your first victory of the season without registering a single shot on goal? That is quite the unique definition of soccer. It took a peculiar twist, and Holly McNamara’s own goal provided exactly that result.
8. Manchester United (-2)
There are difficult losses and outright terrible losses, and Manchester United must implement swift adjustments to recover from the steep downward trajectory they have embarked upon to start the season.
9. Brighton & Hove Albion (-1)
Anticipating more positive developments from Kiko Seike for Brighton, but the squad will need to improve their game management against newly promoted opponents.
10. Crystal Palace (+1)
Who does not relish an underdog that surpasses expectations? Crystal Palace is doing precisely that to start the season, and even when they are not threatening in front of goal, they are threatening in positioning and proving to be a nuisance.
11. West Ham United (+1)
Momentum and the cessation of poor results are vital, and Viviane Asseyi capitalized on that by scoring the decisive goal. A commendable performance for manager Rita Guarino and the squad to leave the previous week behind them.
12. Aston Villa (-2)
Power rankings are defined by shifts, and Aston Villa clearly illustrates how rapidly fortunes can change. Amalie Vangsgaard offered a respectable effort over the weekend, but the challenges will only intensify from here.
13. Birmingham City (–)
Another weekend where Oceane Hurtre is showcasing her attacking prowess in the league, yet it also serves as a harsh introduction to the competition. There is no clearer example of how quickly a lead can dissipate in the top flight when you are initially up by two goals but fail to close it out in stoppage time.
14. Charlton Athletic (–)
If you cannot score goals, perhaps you should simply try collecting red cards instead? Congratulations to Charlton Athletic on losing not just one, but two players for the upcoming week.
