Despite beating Sunderland 3-1 away on Saturday evening, Arsenal Ladies’ 2015 title challenge is over.

Chelsea’s win on Sunday leaves them five points ahead of the Gunners with a game to play.

Sunday’s results have not been favorable to the Arsenal Ladies at all. First with Manchester City hammering Bristol Academy by six goals to one, which means the Vixens are relegated to the FA WSL 2, and then Chelsea’s four nil win at Liverpool putting them at the top of the table with 29 points and a +16 goal difference.

Manchester City have 27 points and a +13 goal difference. Arsenal Ladies have 24 points and +7 goal difference. So there is a still a slight chance for a runner-up place and therefore Champions League qualification.

On the final day next Sunday, Arsenal will be at home to Birmingham, while Manchester City will be at home to Notts County. Only a City defeat combined with an Arsenal win and a goal difference swing of seven goals would see the Gunners qualify for the Champions League. Considering that City are unbeaten in the second half of the season with a W12 D1 record, the odds are stacked against the Gunners.

Considering last season ended up as a transition season and this year was very much about rebuilding with Pedro Losa bringing in new players and promoting a lot of youngsters, it is not a bad season on the pitch. Efforts now need to be done off the field in order to be able to compete in terms of training and facilities available to the players with the likes of City and Chelsea. Those two teams lead the way and it is not a surprise to see them on top of the league.