Manchester City Women are targeting a lasting dynasty, not only a title defence, as they build on their perfect Women's Super League season. Manager Andree Jegelertz is loath to use the phrase 'defending the title', insisting the club's transformation from finishing 17 points behind Chelsea to champions was never as drastic as it seemed. nytimes.com first reported the story.
This ambition is captured in the mantra 'We will find a way to win', emblazoned along the wall of their new £10 million training ground. The club finished the 2025 season first in the FA WSL with 55 points from 22 games, scoring 62 goals and conceding just 19. They ended the campaign four points clear of Arsenal W, according to the final standings.
How did Manchester City dominate last season?
Manchester City Women won every single WSL match last season, a remarkable achievement that secured the title. Their previous title wins were decided by finer margins, such as goal difference in 2024 and points per game during the pandemic. Jegelertz reminded the squad of how much they were capable of, both positionally and mentally, to drive this change. The team's recent form of WWLWW shows the high standards they have set.
What was the approach against Birmingham City?
The philosophy was evident in a recent match, as reported by The New York Times. Striker Bunny Shaw scored two headed goals from corners, with defender Kerstin Casparij providing the assist for the second. Mary Fowler added another from close range after a deflection. Birmingham City, managed by Amy Merricks, prepared with a philosophy of '11 v 11'. "It's just 11 v 11, and that'll be our philosophy," Merricks said. "We respect opponents, but we're not gonna fear anyone."
Merricks also outlined her side's broader ambition. "Our biggest priority is to become an established WSL side," she stated. "That's the first step that we need to take and we want to be competitive in every game that we're playing." Birmingham's goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley made several saves, including stops from Alex Greenwood's header and efforts from Aoba Fujino and Shaw.
Which players featured in the match?
Several key figures were involved for Manchester City. Lauren Hemp made her 200th appearance for the club. New signing Beth Mead, the former Arsenal winger, was denied a debut goal. Fujino had a chance but slipped when cutting the ball onto her right foot for a one-on-one with Baggaley. Birmingham's consolation goal came when Oceane Hurtre robbed a dithering Jade Rose on the edge of stoppage time. Veatriki Sarri also drove on for Birmingham during the match.
The game had a transfer subplot, as former Manchester United players Millie Turner and Lisa Fjeldstad Naalsund, who both signed for Birmingham City in the summer window, faced their old rivals. Fans can view the full current squad for Manchester City Women on our dedicated page.
What does the future hold for Manchester City?
The club's sights are set firmly on sustained success. Jegelertz's focus is on building a legacy, not resting on the laurels of one incredible season. With a goal difference of +43 from last term, the foundation is incredibly strong. The challenge now is to maintain that level of performance and consistency. Supporters can track the team's progress in the standings throughout the new campaign. The next step in building their dynasty continues with pre-season preparations, detailed on our fixtures page.
