BBC Women's Football Weekly

What the report says

BBC Sport’s "Women’s Football Weekly" focused on Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates and what losing early points could mean for their Women’s Super League title push. The episode, released on 14 September 2026, featured presenters Ben Haines and Ellen White discussing Arsenal’s dominance in possession but lack of finishing, alongside reaction to Chelsea’s strong form and Manchester City’s perfect start to the league season.

The programme also looked beyond the weekend’s results. Former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain joined to discuss the growing availability of fertility support in women’s football, including club- and confederation-funded IVF assistance and egg-freezing options. The conversation, as described by BBC Sport, highlighted how support systems for players have evolved and why those services can matter both professionally and personally.

Elsewhere in the episode, the team considered Manchester United’s transition under new head coach Eva Olid and reacted to the newly announced 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin shortlist. BBC Sport noted that players including Alessia Russo and Bunny Shaw were among the names under discussion, with the podcast raising the question of whether a WSL player could challenge Barcelona’s recent dominance in the award. The episode combines match analysis with broader issues shaping the women’s game.