The league's two leading scorers feature in Goal's team of the season, after the campaign was ended early due to the outbreak of coronavirus
The Women's Super League 2019-20 was finally put to rest on Friday, after the coronavirus pandemic forced the Football Association to decide one of the most exciting title races of recent times on points-per-game.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal were locked in a three-way battle for the trophy, which ended with Chelsea being crowned champions, while City settled for second and the Gunners fell short of qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League. Bottom of the table Liverpool were relegated.
With a 13-point gap between third-placed Arsenal and fourth-placed Manchester United when football was suspended, it's no surprise to see the top three teams dominate Goal's WSL team of the year.
GettyGK | Ellie Roebuck
There have been plenty of impressive goalkeepers in the Women's Super League this season, but Ellie Roebuck has proven herself as the best goalkeeper in the country.
The 20-year-old has been a key reason why Manchester City have the best defensive record in the division, with her 10 clean sheets four better than any other goalkeeper in the league.
However, it's not just because of the defenders in front of her that Roebuck racks up these stats. Her save percentage of 84 per cent is also the best in the WSL by some distance of goalkeepers playing more than two games.
Time and time again, the Sheffield-born shot-stopper has come up with some sensational saves for City and has firmly established herself as their No.1 choice in between the sticks.
AdvertisementGettyRB | Maren Mjelde
One of the unsung heroes of Chelsea's title triumph, Maren Mjelde has played her part in several positions this season.
The majority of her contributions have come in a right-back role, where she has bombed forward with intent while also defending with all the discipline learned from her extensive experience in a centre-back role.
A natural central midfielder, the 30-year-old has been required in the middle at times, and even out wide on the odd occasion. Wherever she has played though, she has provided Emma Hayes with a reliable and consistent presence who also has the ability to chip in with crucial goals.
Mjelde has found the back of the net an impressive four times in the WSL this year, created more chances than any other defensive player in the division and also completed 62.5% of tackles, impressing in all areas on her way to becoming a league champion once more.
GettyCB | Leah Williamson
Leah Williamson is quietly becoming one of the best defenders in the game.
This season was yet another under her belt and arguably her best yet, with her trusted to step into midfield when needed by Joe Montemurro as Arsenal endured injury after injury.
When she was moved further forward, it only highlighted how much any team would benefit from two of her – one to mop up in defence and one to control the play in midfield. Such is her class, she excels in both roles.
No one completed more passes in the WSL than Williamson, whose ability on the ball is one of her stand-out strengths. At the other end of the pitch though, the 23-year-old also won 66% of her tackles and 63% of aerial duels.
An all-round excellent defender, Williamson is finally getting the recognition she deserves at international level too, with her certain to be a key player for England for years to come.
GettyCB | Gemma Bonner
The stand-out member of Manchester City's impressive defence this season has been Gemma Bonner.
As well as posting a tackle success rate of 68% and winning 61% of her aerial battles, the 28-year-old has also scored three goals from the centre of defence. Two of those goals were worth three points on their own, coming in 1-0 wins over Liverpool and Bristol City.
With only Williamson having completed more passes than her in the WSL, the former Liverpool captain has shone as a ball-playing defender who is just as effective in possession as she is out of it.
The only disappointment of Bonner's season has been the lack of real recognition at international level, albeit in a very competitive position in the England team. However, if she continues to perform at this level for her club, she will get her chances soon.