Liverpool’s tough start to the Women’s Super League season shows no signs of easing, with just one point from seven matches under new manager Gareth Taylor. The two-time WSL champions are second bottom, above West Ham only on goal difference. A 1-1 draw against Brighton earned them their first point, but facing Chelsea and Arsenal next makes their path even harder.
Lack of investment catching up
Liverpool’s downfall has partly been linked to limited spending. Despite progress since their 2020 relegation — moving to Melwood and breaking transfer records — they still lag behind top teams like Chelsea and Manchester City. The club’s cautious “sell-to-buy” model has helped the men’s team thrive but hasn’t brought similar success for the women.
This summer, much of the transfer budget went toward compensating Manchester City to hire Taylor, leaving little time or money for key signings. Liverpool sold star forward Olivia Smith to Arsenal and lost vice-captain Taylor Hinds, weakening their core. Late transfer activity left the squad short of depth ahead of the new season.
Injuries and emotional setbacks
Injuries have worsened the situation. Star striker Sophie Roman Haug and playmaker Marie Hobinger both suffered ACL injuries, leaving Taylor with limited attacking options. Off the pitch, the deaths of former manager Matt Beard and kit man Jonathan Humble deeply affected the squad and staff.
Taylor admitted it has been a testing start: “The tough times make you stronger as a group. We care so much about what we do, and we’ll keep giving everything.” Fans like Philippa Smallwood echoed his sentiment, saying, “It’s been emotionally hard for everyone at the club.”
Building for the future
Liverpool are undergoing a tactical transition, shifting from a direct style to Taylor’s possession-based philosophy. The adjustment has shown promise but needs time. Supporter Smallwood said, “The passing has been some of the best I’ve seen. Taylor’s approach suits players like Fuka Nagano, but injuries haven’t helped.”
Liverpool have dropped 11 points from winning positions, showing inconsistency despite glimpses of quality. Defender Jenna Clark believes progress is close: “We’ve shown it in spells — it just hasn’t clicked yet.”
Taylor remains confident that patience will pay off. “We need to trust that it will get better,” he said. “We’ll fight for every point without moving away from what we’re trying to build.”
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