It has been eight years since the Premier League and the Women’s Super League organized their seasons to both take place during the winter – in that time, no team has achieved victory in both competitions in the same year.
Chelsea secured the Premier League title in May 2015 and followed it up by claiming the WSL title that October – besides that instance, one must look back to the time before the WSL to identify a season where the same club emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s leagues.
Arsenal locked up both championships during the 2001-02 campaign, then repeated the feat in 2003-04, when the men’s team reached the status of Invincibles. These are the singular events when a club has attained victory in both divisions concurrently.
Trio backed to contend, as Izzy Christiansen says any of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City could lift BOTH English titles
Izzy Christiansen participated as a member of the Manchester City team that clinched the WSL in 2016 – Leicester secured the men’s title during that same year – and she will contribute to Sky Sports’ Premier League broadcasts this season as an analyst.
She suggests that the possibility exists for one club to secure the Premier League and WSL double in the current year.
“Should it happen, it would represent a prestigious accomplishment for any club achieving it, and the reality is that it’s within the realm of possibility,” she expressed to FourFourTwo.
“Considering the Premier League, the general consensus leans towards Liverpool as potential favorites once more. However, I wouldn’t consider Liverpool as favorites in the WSL, as they have undergone managerial changes and are likely to undertake a restructuring phase.
“But Manchester City… and Chelsea possess the capability to excel in both leagues. It could very well be Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City that accomplish this feat.
“Observing such a development would be exhilarating and establish a firm stronghold, indicating total domestic superiority for the club in question.”
Manchester City concluded the previous Premier League season in only third place, but Christiansen is of the opinion that they are better positioned to contend for the title again this season – despite Rodri’s current absence due to injury.
“There’s an undeniable sense of freshness surrounding the team,” she stated. “While they experienced an off year previously, they’ve undergone a rebuilding phase, including changes behind the scenes with the addition of coaching staff like Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure.”
“It appears they’ve reignited their enthusiasm, and the situation has almost reversed – they are now the pursuers, rather than the pursued.”
“They’ve successfully recruited exceptional players like Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki is proving to be an incredibly promising talent. It seems that Rodri and Mateo Kovacic will not be available for the season’s commencement, but their squad boasts remarkable depth.”
“The arrival of Nico Gonzalez and Reijnders has strengthened their midfield presence and fortitude, which will be vital during Rodri’s absence. Last season, they appeared somewhat vulnerable with Ilkay Gundogan – despite his undeniable skill, he lacked the physical dominance that Rodri possesses.”
“However, they’ve effectively adapted to life without Rodri, and having him available for the majority of the season will be a welcome advantage, given his past challenges.”
Everton’s fresh start
Christiansen also conveys optimism regarding Everton’s aspirations in the Premier League – a club with which she has a connection, having played for them in two separate stints.
“The acquisition of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall represents a reliable addition, and Jack Grealish only serves to elevate the squad’s quality; he’s a remarkable player,” she remarked.
“He’s a creative force, excels at carrying the ball, endears himself to fans, and simply loves engaging in football, which I believe he’ll thoroughly enjoy doing for Everton.”
“As they transition into their new stadium, a captivating interplay of expectations will unfold. While supporters may anticipate substantial success, they must realistically adapt to their new surroundings gradually.”
“However, they are under the guidance of a manager in Davd Moyes, who is adept at stabilizing the team and ensuring the transition is as seamless and emotionally balanced as possible.”
“For Everton, securing a spot in the top half would signify progress, given their performance in recent seasons. Considering their past challenges, this transition feels like a fresh beginning.”
“If they can position themselves towards the upper echelons of the lower half or the lower echelons of the upper half, they’ll be in a favorable position.”
Sky Sports and NOW are scheduled to broadcast a minimum of 87 additional Premier League matches live this season, marking an increase from the previous term. All Sunday matches will be broadcast live, along with every match on the final day of the campaign.
“That will generate excitement, and we hope that both the Premier League and the WSL will culminate on the final day, heightening the drama,” Christiansen commented.
“This season heralds a thrilling new era, characterized by an increased number of matches and greater accessibility for fans, who can seamlessly switch between different games based on the scores.”
“I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to both watch and contribute to the coverage across both leagues. In my opinion, they represent the most captivating leagues globally in both men’s and women’s football.”
Sky Sports and NOW will broadcast over 215 Premier League matches exclusively live this season
