Has there been a changing of guard for London sides in the WSL?

Sonia Bompastor's Chelsea lost to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2025-26 [Getty Images] Last season, Arsenal finished above Chelsea in the Women's Super League for the first time in seven years. The last occasion was in 2018-19, the most recent title for the Gunners. In between, Chelsea finished top of the pile for six straight seasons. In 2025-26, while both trailed in the wake of eventual champions Manchester City, Arsenal leapfrogged their London rivals to finish second. They also knocked the Blues out of the Women's Champions League in the quarter-finals. So did those results signal a changing of the guard in the capital? And what about London City Lionesses, who opened the WSL season with victory over Manchester United on Friday and now boast Spain superstar Alexia Putellas in their ranks? Arsenal 'have real hunger' for WSL title England midfielder Georgia Stanway (left) is the biggest name of seven new arrivals at Arsenal [Getty Images] This summer, both Arsenal and Chelsea have experienced turnover in their squads. The Gunners lost stalwarts Beth Mead and Katie McCabe among others but have freshened their team with England midfielder Georgia Stanway, Spain World Cup winner Ona Batlle and Switzerland captain Geraldine Reuteler among a glut of exciting signings. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea snapped up McCabe on a free transfer and splashed cash on Manchester United's Melvine Malard but can no longer call on Sam Kerr and Millie Bright, two defining players from their era of dominance. With their latest quest for silverware getting started this weekend, it was Arsenal boss Renee Slegers who struck a more confident tone about her expectations for the season. "We've been open about it - the WSL title is something we're going after," said Slegers, before her side open the season at Brighton on Sunday. "It's something where we really have our mind set. "Of course there's a big belief in what we are doing, the quality that we possess and the different tools we have to use. There's a real hunger." Sunday's game offers Arsenal an early return to Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, where their bid to chase down Manchester City last season was ended by a 1-1 draw against Brighton in May. A number of similar results cost Arsenal, particularly at the beginning of the year, and Slegers is determined to avoid lightning striking twice. "We've spoken about it with the staff, the captains, the player group," she said. "Everyone is aware of it. We know the hurdles we had last year - and that's what we're working towards. "The quality of players that we have here, there's so many things that we can bring to a game now. I'm really happy about it." And is this her strongest squad at Arsenal? "Yes, I would say so." Chelsea 'in a transitional phase' At Chelsea, manager Sonia Bompastor was less bullish about her side's chances of regaining the WSL title. "I'm trying to be as honest as possible. Chelsea is in a transitional phase," Bompastor said. "We are rebuilding, regenerating the squad. "As much as I know my job is to win many games and to win trophies and I'm desperate for that - but it also takes time for the squad to gel together." "The DNA for Chelsea is to win and we want to make sure we go as far as possible in every competition." Chelsea open the season against Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime, live on BBC One, and have been installed as favourites by Opta's supercomputer, which gives the Blues a 39.9% chance of winning the league. Not that Bompastor is paying any attention. "I remember sitting here last season and someone told me the same," she said. "Our percentage was higher than this season! I'm not too focused on what numbers and what is coming from AI or computers." She believes that this season will be the toughest yet and, while acknowledging the significant threat from champions Manchester City, she says challengers will come from all directions. "The beauty in this league is that many clubs are in a position to win the title," Bompastor said. "It was already the most competitive league in the world and it's becoming stronger every season. "Every game is so difficult but that's good. I'm excited for it." One of those could be London City, who after finishing sixth in their maiden WSL season have spent big this summer. Their goal is likely to be challenging the established elite in the WSL, although ambitious owner Michelle Kang will not settle for that. She has previously told BBC Sport that London City "have an aspiration to be at the top of the game" and starting the season with a convincing performance against Manchester United lends credence to that plan. Arsenal to face Barca & Lyon in Women's Champions League How London City proved they can live up to the hype Where to follow women's football on BBC Sport this season London City shirt deal biggest in women's game - Kang Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed Don't miss the BBC's Women's Football channel on YouTube