Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City leave doubts after Women’s UCL return

The Women’s Champions League returned this week and, with it, a new set of doubts for the ambitious English trio: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. According to BBC Sport, while results looked solid on the surface (wins for Arsenal and Chelsea at home, and a comeback draw for City), the way those matches were played left plenty to be answered.

Early results, lingering concerns

For Manchester City, the warning arrived immediately. Against Bayern Munich, who had been semi-finalists last season, City conceded two early goals. Yet, as BBC Sport reports, Andree Jeglertz’s side showed they belong at this level by fighting back to a 2-2 draw, with summer signings Beth Mead and Carlotta Wamser scoring their first goals for the club. The article also notes the shock: regular scorer Khadija Shaw missed a penalty, meaning City’s ceiling may depend on whether she regains her usual finishing.

Arsenal’s issue is more about output and control. BBC Sport highlights a disappointing start in terms of scoring and points — two goals and five points from three matches — and points to their clash with Danish minnows HB Koge. Arsenal were expected to be comfortable, dominated the ball, but managed only two shots on target. They did take the win thanks to a penalty in the 95th minute, though the piece warns that dismissing lower-ranked teams early has been a recurring weakness.

Chelsea flashes, but fragility shows

Chelsea’s opening performance brought positives, but not full reassurance. BBC Sport underlines a standout strike from Wieke Kaptein and a promising attacking display, including brightness from summer signing Melvine Malard in a planned 45-minute spell and an electric showing from Alyssa Thompson as she enters her second season at Stamford Bridge. With Ellie Carpenter playing behind her, Chelsea’s right side could become a real weapon.

Still, concerns remain for Sonia Bompastor. BBC Sport points to the absence of injured captain Erin Cuthbert and early substitution of Keira Walsh, which allowed debutants in the tie to compete more evenly in midfield. Austria Vienna struck the post, created more chances, and Chelsea’s apparent fragility could hurt them against more clinical opponents.

BBC Sport closes by stressing who still looks best placed: last season’s finalists Barcelona and Lyon. Lyon crushed Servette 8-0 with Marie-Antoinette Katoto scoring a hat-trick, while Barcelona rallied after falling behind to Paris FC and finished 5-2.