FOOTBALL – Manchester City were crowned Women’s Super League champions yesterday for the first time in a decade after Arsenal, their last remaining challengers, were held to a 1-1 draw away by Brighton & Hove Albion.
City top the standings on 52 points with 21 of their 22 games played. Arsenal needed to win all of their remaining four games to have any chance of stealing top spot, but Brighton held them to a stalemate to send the title to the north-west, instead of North London.
“The girls have met every challenge in front of them head on and have been an absolute joy to coach this season,” City coach Andre Jeglertz said in a statement released by the club.
“In the good moments and the bad, they’ve always stuck together and found a way to win – something that all great champions do.”
Having made it to the Champions League semi-finals before being knocked out by OL Lyonnes last weekend, Arsenal came into Wednesday’s game against Brighton with a considerable task ahead of them if they were to threaten City, but they went behind when Fuka Tsunoda scored just before the break.
Norwegian midfielder Frida Maanum pulled a goal back on the hour mark, but despite a late surge Arsenal couldn’t find a winner.
“Congratulations to Man City who have now won the league. It was disappointing today,” Arsenal coach Renee Slegers said.
“Credit to Brighton who are a very tough opponent to play against and they did well, but we have to look at ourselves and we are very disappointed.”
The title has looked to be City’s to lose for several weeks as Jeglertz’s charges racked up wins playing some superb attacking football.
A recent 3-2 reverse to Brighton could not derail them as City surged to a title victory that finally brought an end to Chelsea’s dominant run of six titles in a row.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort, belief, passion and dedication of my colleagues, the players and the fans. They’ve all been a credit to the club as well as themselves and deserve to celebrate this amazing moment,” Jeglertz said.
“But this isn’t the end of the road – we still have plenty to fight for this season and in the coming years. I’m excited by what the future holds for this amazing group of players and this fantastic club.”
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