Man City’s Vivianne Miedema Shines in New WSL Challenge

Vivianne Miedema’s arrival at Manchester City marked a transformative moment for both player and club in the Women’s Super League. The league’s all-time top scorer joined City from Arsenal in the summer of 2024, not only bolstering City’s attack but also weakening a direct title rival. What initially seemed like a dream signing for City was clouded by questions about Miedema’s fitness after a difficult ACL injury and limited playing time in her final Arsenal season. However, the 2025-26 campaign has seen Miedema return to her world-class form, proving pivotal in City’s pursuit of their first WSL title in a decade.

Vivianne Miedema: Overcoming Injury to Lead Manchester City

Miedema’s journey back to the top has been anything but straightforward. After enduring three surgeries on her knee and missing large stretches of the previous two seasons, doubts lingered about whether she could regain her best form and stay consistently available. Throughout her early months with City, Miedema openly acknowledged the challenges, even questioning her future in football.

Despite these setbacks, her quality shone through when she was fit, netting seven goals in just eight WSL starts last term and delivering a stunning two-goal performance against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final. Yet, it was only this season that Miedema has truly demonstrated her enduring talent, starting every WSL match so far and reminding fans and critics alike of her elite status.

How Manchester City Got the Best Out of Vivianne Miedema

One of the keys to Miedema’s resurgence has been her consistent availability, made possible in part by City’s reduced fixture list after missing out on the Champions League. This lighter schedule has allowed her to maintain peak fitness, something she has openly discussed as vital given the demands of the women’s game and the prevalence of ACL injuries.

Only Khadija Shaw has more direct goal involvements for City this season than Miedema’s 11, while she leads the league in creating big chances and ranks among the top in key passes and shots on target. Playing in a No.10 role—a position she’s long described as her natural fit—Miedema has thrived, orchestrating City’s attacks and linking perfectly with teammates.

Embracing a New Role: Miedema as City’s No.10

Miedema’s move to a consistent No.10 role under coach Andree Jeglertz has been a masterstroke. While she often played as a central striker at Arsenal, City have granted her creative freedom behind the forwards. Supported by the midfield pairing of Yui Hasegawa and Laura Blindkilde Brown, Miedema can focus on making incisive runs, delivering key passes, and positioning herself for both assists and goals.

Her own words capture this transition: “In my head, I’m not an out-and-out No.9. I leave games happier when I’m involved a lot rather than just scoring a couple of goals.” This change has not only revitalized her game but also added a new dimension to City’s attack.

Vivianne Miedema and Khadija Shaw: Forming the WSL’s Most Potent Duo

The partnership between Miedema and Shaw has given Manchester City the deadliest attack in the league. Shaw, leading the race for the WSL Golden Boot, has benefited enormously from Miedema’s vision and creativity. Their understanding is clear—Miedema knows exactly when and how to provide Shaw with scoring opportunities, and their interplay has been honed through relentless training and communication.

As Shaw put it, “When she looks up, I just have to get going because I know she’s going to play a really good ball to me. That’s just something we’ve been working towards.” Miedema’s ability to read the game and generate space for others has made City’s forward line unpredictable and nearly unstoppable.

The New Manchester City Formula

Under Jeglertz, City have struck the perfect balance in midfield, allowing Miedema to attack without sacrificing defensive solidity. The chemistry between Hasegawa and Blindkilde Brown ensures that City remain resilient in transition, while Miedema’s freedom to roam has elevated the team’s playmaking capabilities.

Jeglertz summed it up: “My job is to put her in positions and situations where she can express herself.” The result is a Manchester City side that looks more dynamic and dangerous than ever.

Impact on the WSL Title Race

Manchester City currently sit 11 points clear at the top of the WSL table, having scored a remarkable 41 goals in just 14 games. With eight matches remaining and a crucial trip to the Emirates Stadium next, City are poised to dethrone Chelsea and claim their first league title since 2016. For Miedema, who was key to Arsenal’s 2019 triumph, this is a new chapter—helping another side break Chelsea’s dominance, but in a fresh role that showcases her evolution as a player.

Opinion: Miedema’s Reinvention Is City’s Secret Weapon

Vivianne Miedema’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Her ability to reinvent herself as a creative playmaker after a series of injuries has not only prolonged her career but also given Manchester City a unique edge in the title race. If she maintains this level, Miedema could redefine what it means to be a top forward in the women’s game—a blend of scoring threat and creative force. With her at the heart of City’s attack, WSL defenses should be on high alert.

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