Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz made it clear that motivation is not an issue for his players. After watching his side dismantle Leicester City Women 6-0, Jeglertz praised both the performance and the mindset within the squad.
“I don’t need to motivate these players,” he said confidently. “They know exactly where we are in the table and what we’ve achieved so far. Our attacking play was marvellous throughout the entire game. I’m extremely impressed and proud.”
The emphatic victory restored Manchester City Women’s 11-point lead at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL). It also underlined why they are firm favourites to claim their second league title.
A statement performance after a rare stumble
Manchester City have been relentless this season. In 16 league matches, they have secured 14 victories. Their only dropped points came in away defeats at Stamford Bridge and Emirates Stadium, losing to defending WSL and European champions Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
Just a week earlier, City were stunned by Arsenal in a surprising defeat. However, the response against Leicester was immediate and emphatic. Facing the league’s bottom-placed side, City delivered a dominant, high-intensity display that left no doubt about their title credentials.
Even though they scored six goals, there was a sense they could have added more. The statistics highlight their superiority: 31 total shots, 15 on target, an expected goals (xG) figure of 4.61, and an astonishing 232 passes completed in the final third. All of those figures represent the highest totals recorded by any WSL side this season.
The result extended their goal difference to +34 — nearly double that of second-placed Manchester United Women, who sit on +18. City have now scored 47 goals in 16 games, averaging an impressive 2.94 goals per match.
A commanding position in the title race
While their closest rivals still have games in hand, the gap is significant. Manchester United trail by 11 points, Chelsea Women are 12 points back, and Arsenal Women sit another point further behind in fourth.
Those teams are locked in a fierce battle for Champions League qualification spots, but overtaking Manchester City at the summit appears increasingly unlikely. With only six games remaining, City need just 12 points to mathematically secure the title.
If results elsewhere go in their favour, they could even clinch the championship at Old Trafford on Sunday, 29 March — a fitting stage for a team that has set the standard throughout the campaign.
Relentless hunger and standards
City’s pursuit of excellence is perhaps best reflected in the attitude of Lauren Hemp. The England international was named player of the match against Leicester after providing two assists and creating 11 scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Despite her outstanding contribution, Hemp was self-critical. “Yes, but no goal — I think I need to practise my shooting,” she joked. “But I’m really happy to contribute in any way I can. We’re a confident group, everyone is contributing, and even the substitutes are making an impact.”
That mentality — always striving for improvement — mirrors the manager’s expectations. Jeglertz and his players understand that dominance in the WSL requires consistency, focus, and relentless ambition.
Fresh legs and a balanced schedule
One key advantage for Manchester City this season has been their schedule. Having missed out on Champions League qualification last year, they have played 22 matches across all competitions so far.
By contrast, their main rivals have endured heavier workloads. By the end of this weekend, Chelsea will have played 25 matches, Arsenal 27, and Manchester United 28. The additional fixtures, especially European commitments, can take a toll physically and mentally.
City’s relatively lighter calendar has kept the squad fresh. That freshness is particularly evident in star striker Khadija Shaw, who has been in sensational form. Shaw has already netted 15 league goals this season, surpassing the 12 she scored in the previous campaign.
Her sharpness in front of goal has been a decisive factor in City’s dominance. She combines power, pace, and intelligent movement, giving defenders constant problems.
Squad depth and new additions
Although the upcoming Asia Cup and player departures — including Yui Hasegawa — could pose challenges, City appear well-equipped to maintain momentum. Their squad depth has been bolstered by key additions.
Record signing Sam Coffey made her first start in the Leicester victory and impressed in midfield. Her composure on the ball and tactical awareness add further balance to a team already brimming with quality.
Former Manchester City captain Steph Houghton highlighted her old club’s determination during analysis on Sky Sports. She acknowledged that leading the league by a large margin brings its own pressure, especially after suffering a rare defeat.
“There’s always added pressure when you’re top with a big points difference,” Houghton said. “Naturally, you feel it in the days after being beaten. But that was the perfect reaction.”
Title within touching distance
With six games left, Manchester City stand on the brink of reclaiming the WSL crown. Their attacking numbers are unmatched, their defensive structure remains solid, and their mindset reflects a team determined not to let the opportunity slip.
Jeglertz insists he does not need to push his players — their position at the top is motivation enough. The blend of hunger, tactical discipline, and squad freshness has created a side capable of sustaining excellence.
If they continue at this level, the destination of the WSL trophy may soon be decided. For Manchester City, the focus is simple: maintain standards, collect the required points, and finish the job in style.
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