The WSL so far: goal-shy Arsenal, underrated Brighton and more data pointers

Arsenal Women's title hopes fade after five games as draws plague them despite strong expected goals; Brighton Women overperform their league position.

The Women's Super League season is taking shape in 2026-27 with Manchester City perfect on five wins. Arsenal Women, pre-season title favourites, have collapsed to two points from four games, continuing a pattern from last season where they draw matches they should win based on expected goals. They had positive xG margins of 2.2 and 1.2 in home draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United respectively, but finishing has been a collective problem with only three players on the scoresheet. Brighton Women sit ninth in the table but rank third for expected points, suggesting they are performing better than their results indicate.