The current WSL season has just one game left to play – sadly, for Arsenal, the 2022/23 season will ultimately go down as a disappointed. A strong run in the Champions League and a victory in the FA Women’s League Cup aside, there are several audiences who believe the Gunners could’ve done more with a bit of luck.

Nevertheless, the Gunners will regroup for next season – moreover, we believe that they will be strong contenders to win the title in next year’s campaign.

For this to come to fruition, we first need to identify and analyse why Arsenal did not win the WSL title this season – and what they can do to change this.

Why Arsenal didn’t win the WSL this season

Much of Arsenal’s lack of success this season can be attributed to their rotten luck with injuries. Towards the beginning of the current campaign, two of the Gunners’ best players were ruled out with ACL problems – Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema.

Head coach Jonas Eidevall has bemoaned his team’s fixture congestion this season – playing so many games in such a short space of time is very conductive for injuries.

The latter half of the current season hasn’t been much better for the North London outfit, either. Not only did they lose talisman Leah Williamson for injury (just a few days after Eidevall questioned Arsenal’s bloated fixture list), captain Kim Little was ruled out soon after this.

If Arsenal can keep their key players fit for next season, expect them to make a much greater impact than they have this year. Consider this – how would league leaders Chelsea have fared if Sam Kerr was ruled out for the season before it even reached its halfway point?

Other strong contenders for next season

Of course, Arsenal aren’t the only key contenders to win the WSL league title next season. Chelsea, as always, will be up there – moreover, they will likely be the bookies’ favourites.

Manchester United have led a wonderful underdog campaign this season. They could replicate this next season – certainly, they have shown they aren’t to be underestimated.

Additionally, Aston Villa will be dark horses next season. With the ruthless Rachel Daly and excellent providers such as Kenza Dali and Jordan Nobbs, they cannot be overlooked.