Last month was the kickoff of the Women’s Super League 2023/24 season, which saw Leicester City face off against newly promoted side Bristol City. The former managed to come away with a 4-2 win, and landing them top of the table.
Since that opening fixture, they have gone on to beat Everton 1-0 and bag themselves a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, before facing their first defeat of the season against Manchester City. On that occasion, they conceded an early goal from England international Chloe Kelly. After the game, Leicester right back CJ Bott expressed her frustration with the loss, but also stated “I hope that our fans and everyone else watching are starting to believe in us as much as we’re believing in ourselves now.”
Those opening results see Leicester City sit 5th in the table on seven points, just three behind league leaders Manchester City. The very positive performance has seen the team nominated for three awards in October;
Goal of the Month: Aimee Palmer’s strike against Bristol City
Manager of the Month: Willie Kirk
Player of the Month: Lena Petermann
Third time is the charm
The 2023/24 season will mark Leicester’s third full season in the top flight of English women’s football after they won promotion in the 2020/21 season. To put this season’s performance into better perspective, it took Leicester City 10 games to even register their first points on the table. On that occasion, they beat Birmingham City 2-0 at home in the 2021/22 season, finishing the season in 11th place with 13 points.
The following season it also took another 10 games before they could register their first points on the table with a 3-0 over Brighton at home, in which they finished 10th on a total of 16 points.
Having secured 7 out of a possible 10 points, Leicester is having the best start they have ever had in the top flight of English football. In just four games they have already surpassed half of their total points tally from their maiden season. If their form continues, they will be on course to surpass their season best of 16 before Christmas.
Their mentality has changed
During the first press conference of the season, Leicester captain Aileen Whelan had this to say: “Last season was more a case of we can’t lose the game, whereas now we’re going into them wanting to win the games. Our mentality has changed.” With the performances out on the pitch, it is certainly hard to argue with that.
The Women’s Super League is currently on a break while players partake in international football. Leicester’s first game back will be Liverpool away on Sunday. The side will be hoping to replicate another win over the Merseyside team after they beat them 2-1 in the FA Cup earlier this month.
What are your thoughts on Leicester’s chances? Why not let us know where you think Leicester will finish this season?
If you are interested in more Leicester news, why not check out our other great reads like ‘Leicester City is a ‘One of a kind’ Club’ or Reminisce about their first-ever FA Cup win.