2024-25 WSL Season Recap: Chelsea's Dominance, Player Highlights, and Team Grades
The 2024-25 Women's Super League season concluded with Chelsea's sixth consecutive title. Explore team grades, standout players, and key stats.

The 2024-25 Women's Super League (WSL) season has wrapped up, and Chelsea once again emerged as champions, marking their sixth consecutive title. Under the leadership of Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea achieved an unbeaten season, setting a record points total of 60. This article delves into the team grades, standout players, and key statistics from the season.
Team Grades
Chelsea (A+) Chelsea's dominance was unparalleled this season. With 19 wins and 3 draws in 22 games, they secured their sixth consecutive title. The seamless transition from Emma Hayes to Sonia Bompastor was remarkable, and the team's record points tally of 60 highlights their impeccable campaign.
Arsenal (B-) Arsenal had a mixed season. A slow start saw them win only one of their first four games, and Jonas Eidevall's resignation in October added to the turmoil. However, Renée Slegers' appointment in January brought a rebirth, though the Gunners faltered towards the end, conceding 12 goals in their last three games.
Manchester United (B) Manchester United had a solid defensive campaign, with the joint-most clean sheets. However, their lack of clinical finishing hindered their progress. Finishing third, an improvement from last year's fifth place, shows potential, but investment is needed for a serious title challenge.
Manchester City (C-) Manchester City's season was marred by injuries and inconsistency. Despite a strong start, five defeats in the latter part of the season saw them finish fourth. Gareth Taylor's sacking before the League Cup final loss to Chelsea added to their woes.
Brighton & Hove Albion (B) Brighton showed flashes of brilliance, including a win over Arsenal and a draw against Chelsea. However, inconsistency plagued their season, and they finished 15 points off the top four.
Aston Villa (C+) Aston Villa's season was a tale of two halves. A poor start was followed by a remarkable turnaround under new manager Natalia Arroyo, with five straight wins propelling them from 11th to sixth.
Liverpool (B-) Liverpool's season was disappointing, falling to seventh after a fourth-place finish last year. Poor defending, injuries, and a lack of clinical finishing were recurring issues.
Everton (B-) Everton had some positives, including a double over local rivals Liverpool. However, injuries to key players and a mid-table finish highlighted the need for further investment.
West Ham United (A-) West Ham were the surprise package of the season, notching draws against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City. Despite a disappointing end, the pieces seem to be falling into place under Rehanne Skinner.
Leicester City (D) Leicester struggled with an injury crisis but managed to secure crucial wins to stay clear of relegation. However, warning signs remain for the team.
Tottenham Hotspur (F) Tottenham had a disastrous season, finishing 11th with only five wins from 22 games. Poor defense and a lack of positives have put manager Robert Vilahamn's job on the line.
Crystal Palace (D) Crystal Palace's return to the WSL was short-lived, as they were relegated after conceding 65 goals and securing only two wins.
Season-Leading Stats
Best Creator: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) Caldentey was influential, with 14 goal contributions and the league's highest expected assist tally of 6.9.
Most Overperforming xG: Shekiera Martinez (West Ham United) Martinez averaged a goal contribution every 90 minutes, scoring 10 goals from an expected goals tally of 5.5.
Best in the Box: Alessia Russo (Arsenal) Russo's 149 touches in the opposition area were the most in the WSL, highlighting her threat inside the box.
Best in the Air: Sophie Román Haug (Liverpool) Haug won 88 aerial duels, showcasing her dominance in the air despite her height.
Best All-Action Defender: Ashleigh Neville (Tottenham Hotspur) Neville led the league in tackles (73) and interceptions (44), despite Tottenham's poor season.
Best at Recovering the Ball: Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City) Hasegawa's 174 recoveries were the most in the league, showcasing her defensive prowess.
Best Goalkeeper: Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United) Tullis-Joyce kept 13 clean sheets and shared the Golden Glove award with Chelsea's Hannah Hampton.
Best at Drawing Fouls: Olivia Smith (Liverpool) Smith drew fouls at a rate of 2.64 per 90 minutes, wreaking havoc against top teams.
Best at Threading the Needle: Grace Clinton (Manchester United) Clinton recorded eight through-balls, showcasing her vision and passing ability.
Best at Switching Play: Millie Bright (Chelsea) Bright's 17 switch passes were the most in the league, highlighting her versatility.
Most Reliable Outfielder: Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) Le Tissier started and finished every league game, showcasing her fitness and importance to the team.