WSL 2022-23 review: club-by-club analysis and our writers’ highlights

ACL injuries to Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson and Laura Wienroither. Season-ending injuries to Kim Little and Lia Wälti. Long-term injuries to Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley. Arsenal’s season was blighted by the absence of key personnel. Yet, somehow, they have a League Cup trophy and a place in next season’s Champions League. The resilience of the squad, the willingness and desire of players to step up and fight for each other as the challenge has got harder and harder, has been incredible. SW

The club secured their best WSL finish – fifth, 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. They became the first club outside the top four to win 10 or more games, beating City and Arsenal along the way. They did so after having one of last summer’s best transfer windows, their outstanding signing being England’sRachel Daly, who went on to be named WSL player of the season and won the Golden Boot. Villa’s success is a big credit to the manager, Carla Ward, who has signed a contract for another season with the option to extend by a year. SR

Fourth successive league title, most wins in a WSL season, most points accrued across a campaign. Chelsea have not looked their best at times, the absences of Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder for much of the season disrupted their rhythm and the defensive rock Millie Bright was a loss late on. Chuck in five weeks without the manager, Emma Hayes, as she recovered from her emergency hysterectomy and this has been a truly remarkable campaign. The Blues have had to dig deep and win ugly on occasions. Excellent squad management has been key to their success, with players stepping up in May when most needed. SW

Everton had a much-improved season, benefiting from the stability of