WSL at halfway: best of the season, second-half hopes and biggest gripe

Chelsea's recent Carabao Cup semi-final match against Arsenal ended in disappointment as they lost 3-2, with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez's errors contributing significantly to the defeat. Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi showcased his skill by scoring a crucial goal, highlighting the disparity in performance between the two teams. Chelsea's reliance on a struggling goalkeeper raises concerns about their defensive stability.

Arsenal showcased their dominance in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea, taking a commanding lead until a late goal from Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho reduced the deficit. Despite this, Arsenal's performance under Mikel Arteta highlighted their potential to secure a place in the final.

Manchester City has officially signed Sam Coffey, a midfielder for the United States women's national team, on a contract that extends through June 29. This move marks a significant transition for Coffey, who previously played for the Portland Thorns in the NWSL.

Conor Gallagher has officially joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atlético Madrid for £34.6 million, signing a long-term deal and expressing his commitment to delivering 'special moments' for the club. This transfer follows the injury of Rodrigo Bentancur, prompting Spurs to act swiftly to bolster their midfield options.

Manchester City has signed USA midfielder Sam Coffey on a three-and-a-half-year deal, marking a significant addition to their squad. The 27-year-old, who has won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics and has 42 caps for the national team, previously played for Portland Thorns, where she won the 2022 NWSL Championship in her debut season.

Michael Carrick's journey at Manchester United spans over two decades, beginning with his debut in 2006, where he contributed to a 3-0 victory against Charlton. His evolution from player to interim manager reflects significant changes within the club, showcasing his deep connection to its history and culture.

The Women's Super League (WSL) resumed after the winter break with Arsenal and Manchester United playing to a goalless draw, effectively diminishing both teams' title hopes. Chelsea and Manchester City, however, returned to winning form, with Chelsea defeating West Ham and City continuing their strong performance in the league. The panel discusses Arsenal's ongoing attacking struggles and United's defensive resilience despite being reduced to ten players.

Manchester United is reportedly preparing a £30 million bid for Atlético Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente as they seek to strengthen their squad under new interim manager Michael Carrick. The club is also considering other midfield options, including Al-Hilal's Rúben Neves and Sassuolo's Tarik Muharemovic, amid a pressing need for reinforcements in the center of the pitch.