The possibility of an English football club achieving a historic double by winning both the Premier League and the Women’s Super League (WSL) is generating excitement among fans and analysts. Since the two leagues aligned their seasons in 2015, no club has managed to secure both titles in the same campaign. According to Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen, this year could see either Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City accomplish that rare feat.
Chelsea was the last club to win both leagues in the same season, achieving this in 2015, whereas the only previous instances of a club winning both the men’s and women’s leagues occurred during the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons, when Arsenal dominated. Their men’s side famously went unbeaten during the 2003-04 season, earning them the nickname “The Invincibles.”
Christiansen, who was part of Manchester City’s WSL-winning squad in 2016, believes that the current landscape offers a viable opportunity for one club to achieve the double this year. “If it happened, it would be class for whichever club it was, and you know what? It’s possible,” she stated in an interview with FourFourTwo. She noted the competitive nature of the Premier League, suggesting that while Liverpool may be the favorites in their league, they are undergoing a transition that could affect their performance in the WSL.
Despite finishing third in the Premier League last season, Christiansen sees Manchester City as a strong contender. “You can feel a freshness about them,” she said, emphasizing the impact of new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. While the team currently faces challenges with key players like Rodri sidelined due to injury, Christiansen believes their squad depth will help them navigate these obstacles.
She also expressed optimism about Everton’s potential this season, especially with new signings such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish. “He’s a creator, a ball carrier, fans love him,” Christiansen remarked about Grealish, highlighting his ability to elevate the team’s performance as they transition to a new stadium.
Looking ahead, the broadcasting landscape for the Premier League is changing, with Sky Sports and NOW set to air at least 87 more matches than last season. Christiansen expressed enthusiasm for the increased coverage, stating, “It’s a really exciting new dawn this season with more games and more access for fans.” She hopes for a thrilling climax to both leagues as they approach the season’s end.
As the new season unfolds, the potential for either Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City to make history remains a tantalizing prospect for fans and analysts alike. The race for the double is on, and the drama promises to unfold in the coming months.
