The stats behind matchweek 6

The Barclays Women’s Super League is back after the international break.

At the top and bottom, the story continued for Manchester City and Charlton, as they made it six wins and six defeats respectively from as many matches.

Sandwiched in between are a number of teams that have made fascinating starts to the campaign. Here are some of the main statistical talking points to emerge from the weekend fixtures.

Oceane on target again

Birmingham City are still awaiting their first win since returning to the top flight. But in Oceane Hurtre, they arguably have the standout player in the BWSL so far this season.

The forward struck in the 53rd minute away at Arsenal to make it six goals in as many games this season. Unfortunately for her, it was not enough to get the Blues three points on the day, as Olivia Smith was able to find an equaliser.

Hurtre’s form will give Birmingham hope that they can stay up this season, even though only Charlton Athletic sit below them in the standings.

The winger’s six goals make up 75% of the team’s overall total — a BWSL high — while her assist for Lily Crosthwaite’s effort against Brighton last month means Hurtre has directly contributed to all but one of her team’s goals this season. She is also the first newly promoted player in the history of the league to score at Arsenal and Manchester City in the same season.

Hurtre will need more support from her team-mates. But the 22-year-old has excelled in making the step up from the second tier this season and, buoyed by her maiden senior call-up for France during the international break, could be the competition’s breakthrough star for 2026-27.

Gunners’ struggles continue

By contrast, Arsenal’s form remains perplexing.

Against Birmingham, they had the chances to win the game, albeit only four of their 27 shots were on target. The visitors scored with their only effort on target in the game.

It means the Gunners are now without a win in their last five BWSL matches, their longest winless streak in the competition since the 2018-19 season.

At times, you could call Arsenal unfortunate, as they have hit the woodwork a league-high five times this season. The Gunners have also had the most touches in the box of any side.

However, they have struggled in front of goal throughout the season, underperforming their xG of 10.98 by a league-high 5.98. Indeed, only bottom club Charlton have scored fewer than the Gunners’ five goals this term, with Arsenal’s shot conversion rate of 4.13% also the worst in the league.

Bronze the beating heart of Chelsea

Chelsea were blistering going forward against Tottenham on Sunday in a fantastic 6-2 win, keeping them within two points of leaders Manchester City.

But even after a game in which Lauren James and Ellie Carpenter both bagged braces for the Blues, it was defender Lucie Bronze who stood out yet again with a superb performance. She won the most duels (nine), the most tackles (five) and made one assist on the day.

Even though they conceded a couple on Sunday, Chelsea still have the best defensive record in the division and the form of the 34-year-old has been crucial to their stingy record.

After six games, Bronze leads the BWSL for aerial duels won (19) and successful tackles (19), while only Ruby Mace has managed more interceptions that Bronze’s haul of 15. On the ball she’s been excellent too, as only four players in the league have completed more passes than her 416.

Eva’s evolution underway?

After a challenging start to her tenure as Manchester Unite boss, Eva Olid’s messaging seems to be finally permeating into the playing squad. A 3-1 win against Charlton on Sunday made it five wins in a row in all competitions.

After a 5-0 loss to Chelsea, there has clearly been a big switch in the mindset of the team. Their captain, Maya Le Tissier, has epitomised that new mindset.

Against Charlton, the centre-back was not only excellent in her defensive duties, but she controlled large portions of the contest with her astute work on the ball. She attempted 131 passes in this game, the highest total for a player in the Women's Super League this season, while United’s overall passes of 789 is also a high for the campaign.

Further forward, Andrea Medina continues to impress after her summer transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Playing in an advanced role on the left wing again, United’s September player of the month scored her second goal of the season and was also able to impact the play from a defensive perspective. So far this season, only two players have averaged more defensive contributions per 90 than Medina, with 12.3.