Shelina Zadorsky, Sam Kerr, Noelle Maritz and Louise Quinn
Shelina Zadorsky, Sam Kerr, Noelle Maritz and Louise Quinn have all played key roles for their clubs this season

One of the most exciting campaigns in the history of the Women's Super League saw Manchester clubs battle it out for a place in the top flight of European soccer.

How did each club fare in the league?

Chelsea - 1st (champions)

Another huge success for the team as they wrapped up their third successive WSL title. They battled with Covid, injuries and a heavy fixture schedule to win it on the final day, coming from behind twice to beat Manchester United. Their dominance has not slowed down.

Arsenal - 2nd

Having led the title race for so long after an impressive start to the season, it will be a huge disappointment to miss out on the trophy. It was the first season in charge of the club that there was a lot to suggest that they could challenge for silverware. There will be a huge gap if Miedema leaves, so the club needs to act in the summer.

Manchester City - 3rd

It was a bad start for City when they failed to qualify for the group stages of the competition, and they lost four games in a row in the WSL.

Since the turn of the year, they have gone on a 13-match winning run in all competitions, which has seen them win the League Cup and book their place in the FA Cup final. They will have European football in 2022-23, which must be seen as a success given their shaky start.

Manchester United - 4th

Manchester United and Manchester City competing against each other
Both Manchester clubs were still in with a chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League on the final day

Manchester United missed out on a place in the group stages of the European Championships, but they have maintained their position as the fourth-best team in the WSL for a second successive season.

Their overall points tally was five less than last season and they only picked up two points against the top three sides in the league. A lack of experience, ruthlessness and too many draws proved costly, but United showed lots of potential.

If they are to close the gap on the top three, they will need to strengthen in the transfer window.

Tottenham - 5th

It has been a great season for Spurs, who finish fifth in the WSL, their highest position after three campaigns in the top tier. They were still in the running for a European qualification spot in the new year, but a seven-game winless run in the second half of the season saw them drop down the table.

West Ham - 6th

The first full season in charge of the Hammers was a decent one, but they will be without the New Zealand coach next year after appointing Paul Konchesky. The Hammers finished with their highest-ever points tally in the WSL despite inconsistency costing them a higher finish. They need to add more depth to their squad.

Brighton - 7th

The Seagulls would have liked to see this reflected in a top-half finish. Hope Powell called for more consistency after their performances worsened after a strong start to the season. That is still missing, despite the defeats by Birmingham, Reading, and Villa. The teams around them are starting to show more ambition.

Reading - 8th

Despite several players leaving in the summer and limited funds in the transfer window, Kelly Chambers side have been able to compete for a mid-table spot. It took them five games to get their first win, but they went on to win eight in a row. They hope to keep the core of the squad together to push further next season.

Aston Villa - 9th

Anita Asante
Anita Asante retired this season and was given a guard of honour in her final two appearances against former club Arsenal and rivals Birmingham City

The home form of Villa has been very poor this season. They were unable to challenge the mid-table teams because they only had one win in 11 matches at home. Their overall points tally is six higher this year, and they only secured WSL safety on the final day of last season.

Everton - 10th

It has been a disappointing season forEverton, who had hoped to challenge for the top three. They finished in 10th because of poor results and managerial firings. They need to improve under new boss Brian Sorensen, who will take charge of the Toffees in the summer, but they have fallen behind this season after spending money.

Leicester City - 11th

They achieved what they set out to do in the first season of the WSL. They struggled initially, which led to the departure of manager Jonathan Morgan, but they have shown progress since the arrival of Lydia Bedford. They will face a lot of competition to stay up next season. The summer transfer window will be crucial.

Birmingham City - 12th (relegated)

Despite putting up a late fight, as well as securing an unlikely victory over Arsenal in January, they could not avoid the drop. A lack of investment from the club over several seasons and three managerial changes has proven costly. The Championship is a tough league to escape with only one promotion spot up for grabs.