There have been sackings, shock results and goals aplenty in the first half of the Women’s Super League, but reigning champions Chelsea once again lead the way heading into the winter break.

WSL newcomers Crystal Palace sit bottom after 10 matches, while Arsenal and Aston Villa are without permanent managers.

There are no WSL fixtures now until 17 January so BBC Sport assesses how teams have fared so far and whether they are living up to expectations.

Chelsea remained the team to beat as the campaign kicked off but it was expected to be the toughest defence of their title yet.

Under new management in Sonia Bompastor, the Blues could have been forgiven for an adjustment period.

But they hit the ground running and won every single match in all competitions prior to their 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.

Still unbeaten, they lead WSL rivals Manchester City by six points and look formidable.

Chelsea can look forward to the return of several injured stars in the new year that will add more strength.

Pre-season prediction: 2nd

Having missed out on the title by goal difference last season, City’s intentions were clear for 2024-25 – they want to win the WSL.

They got off to a strong start, performing well, seeing off European champions Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League and leading the WSL for a while.

Top scorer Khadija Shaw has been a standout performer once again but a knee injury for England international Lauren Hemp in November was disruptive.

Further injuries have followed and City’s squad depth suddenly looks thin.

A shock defeat by Everton in their final match before the Christmas break was damaging and they now have work to do in the new year to catch up Chelsea.

Pre-season prediction: 1st

Arsenal’s season has been a rollercoaster so far.

A run of one win in six matches in all competitions at the start of the campaign led to the departure of manager Jonas Eidevall.

It pushed Arsenal out of the early title chase and left them with work to do in the Women’s Champions League.

But under interim manager Renee Slegers they have bounced back, secured their spot in the European knockout rounds and have climbed up to third in the WSL.

Their revival is not fully complete and they are still searching for a permanent manager but Arsenal’s position is not far off where they should be now.

Pre-season prediction: 3rd

Like Arsenal, Manchester United have faced challenges this season with manager Marc Skinner coming under intense scrutiny.

They went nine games unbeaten in all competitions but that included three successive draws against Brighton, Arsenal and Aston Villa prior to defeat by Chelsea.

A strong defensive record but a lack of creativity going forward has left supporters craving more from United.

They are on course to finish inside the WSL’s top four – an improvement on last season – but there were hopes they could challenge higher up and that has not transpired so far.

Pre-season prediction: 4th

After an impressive summer transfer window, Brighton’s ambitions were clear.

They wanted to put pressure on the WSL’s top four and they have certainly done that, putting in good displays and creating a six-point gap to their challengers in sixth place.

New manager Dario Vidosic has not taken long to implement his style and to get the most out of his attack-packed squad.

They still need more consistency but having undergone plenty of changes in the past two years, it has been a very strong start to the season by Brighton.

Pre-season prediction: 7th

Spurs were the surprise package last season in manager Robert Vilahamn’s first campaign in charge, reaching the FA Cup final and finishing sixth.

A fairly underwhelming transfer window meant expectations were lower this season and Spurs have not always found it easy.

Heavy defeats by Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal led to questions over Vilahamn’s stubborn attacking style.

But despite concerns over their defensive stability, Spurs have picked up valuable points against teams around them and are starting to climb the table.

Pre-season prediction: 8th

One win in nine matches was a poor return for Villa having spent record fees in the transfer window and backing new boss Robert de Pauw.

It meant De Pauw was sacked by the club after just six months in charge with a refresh needed immediately.

A crucial victory over West Ham last weekend under interim manager Shaun Goater helps their position with points tight in the bottom half of the table.

But Villa have plenty to rectify if they want to match their ambitions of finishing inside the WSL’s top five this season and they need to find a new manager.

Pre-season prediction: 5th

Liverpool have overachieved in recent seasons in the WSL under manager Matt Beard, raising expectations and ambitions.

Having beaten Manchester United to fourth place last season, Liverpool hoped to mount a challenge on the WSL’s top three.

However, an underwhelming transfer window due to operating on a lower budget than their rivals has left Liverpool’s squad depth weak.

Disappointing results against Leicester City, West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace mean they are nine points off where they were at this stage last season.

Injuries have not helped but performances must improve in 2025 if Liverpool are to move up the table.

Pre-season prediction: 6th

Everton manager Brian Sorensen has had to manage another injury-hit squad while the club await the completion of a takeover.

They survived relegation last season and fans expected another tough ride in 2024-25, which is what they have endured.

But surprise results against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have given them a real boost.

Considering the challenges they have faced, Everton can be happy with their position going into a crucial winter transfer window.

Pre-season prediction: 10th

Without a win since February – a sequence spanning 15 games – West Ham were struggling near the relegation zone yet again.

However, a crucial victory over Leicester City was backed up with three points against Crystal Palace which has improved their position considerably.

With the teams at the bottom sitting so tightly together, West Ham know matches against their rivals could be season-defining and so far they have capitalised.

It is likely to be another precarious five months in the new year but West Ham have given themselves a platform to build on towards survival.

Pre-season prediction: 12th

Like Villa and Brighton, Leicester City appointed a new manager this summer and had impressed in pre-season.

Manager Amandine Miquel has certainly shown glimpses of her style and new signings have made a difference.

But injuries, again, have impacted them heavily.

They have scored just three goals in 10 matches and have only one win to show for their efforts but an impressive draw against Chelsea on Saturday shows they are on the right track.

Pre-season prediction: 9th

It was always going to be a challenge for Crystal Palace to stay in the WSL and they are realising that.

The club backed manager Laura Kaminski in the transfer window but they still struggled to compete with the significant increase in budgets from the second tier.

Key defender Brooke Aspin suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which was a major blow and they missed captain Aimee Everett for a few weeks.

But performances have given supporters hope. They have shown patches of quality and have been able to compete but they must pick up results soon.

Pre-season prediction: 11th