This is the largest WSL season to date, with the competition growing from 12 clubs to 14 following the promotion of three teams from WSL 2.
However, it remains unclear whether the expansion has improved the league’s overall quality.
Crystal Palace have adapted best among the promoted clubs. They have collected six points from five matches and climbed to eighth place after Sunday’s draw with Aston Villa.
The transition has been far more challenging for Birmingham and Charlton, who currently occupy the bottom two positions.
Although they have shown encouraging signs, reigning WSL 2 champions Birmingham have earned only two points, including one against Crystal Palace.
French forward Oceane Hurtre has nevertheless demonstrated that she belongs at this standard, sharing the lead in the WSL scoring chart with five goals in as many appearances.
Hurtre found the net during Sunday’s defeat by Everton, but defender Neve Herron acknowledged afterwards that Birmingham had been outperformed in every area.
Charlton’s position appears even more concerning. They sit last without a point, having conceded 15 goals while scoring only twice.
Following Sunday’s 5-1 defeat by Brighton, captain and goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse admitted that the team’s display had fallen well below the required standard.
She added that the league is extremely demanding, the step up is considerable, and even small errors can be severely punished.
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