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With the new Women’s Super League (WSL) season now officially underway, we take a closer look at Arsenal, their key players, new signings, and their chances of dethroning Chelsea.
After conquering Europe with an historic Champions League title win in May, Arsenal divert their attention back to domestic matters. With Chelsea the team to beat, Renée Slegers’ side head into this season with new players, a roaring Emirates crowd, and a belief that this could be the season where they reclaim the league title.
Building on European glory
Arsenal enter the season on a high following their historic night in Lisbon, where they saw off Barcelona to claim their second European title. A second half goal from Stina Blackstenius ensured Arsenal remain the only English side to have won the UEFA Women’s Champions League, following on from their 2007 victory.
It was a performance defined by defensive resilience to beat one of the strongest forces in the women’s game. For the fans, it rekindled a sense of pride and created a belief that Arsenal could once again compete with Europe’s best.
Now, looking forward to the 2025/26 WSL season, the Gunners will want to translate this success to the domestic stage. With Chelsea still reigning superior, and both Manchester clubs lurking, Arsenal’s UWCL momentum could be vital to regaining the title that has evaded them since 2019.
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Pre-season form
Pre-season on the whole has been successful for Arsenal, with new signings such as Olivia Smith making her debut in red and white. A training camp at the Adidas campus in Germany, followed by victories against Bristol City, Southampton and West Ham, ensures the Gunners are ready to hit the ground running.
However, questions were asked of Arsenal’s backline following a shaky defensive performance against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, which saw them suffer a 4-3 defeat. Spurs were able to exploit gaps in transition, particularly down the flanks, and Arsenal’s centre-backs at times struggled with the pace and movement of their opponents. An injury to vice-captain Leah Williamson, and no replacement signed, could be a huge miss for Arsenal in the early weeks of the season.
Fresh faces and familiar threats
The headline arrival this summer is Smith for a record-breaking fee from Liverpool. Despite her age, the 21-year-old Canadian forward is one of the most exciting prospects in the women’s game. Her creativity and directness in the final third should inject a youthful spark in attack for the Gunners.
Another key figure will be Ballon d’Or nominee Mariona Caldentey. Following her performances last season, the midfielder picked up the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Her technical ability to operate between the lines could be crucial once again in unlocking stubborn WSL defences, something Arsenal struggled with under Jonas Eidevall.
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Following the departure of Lia Wälti, an irreplaceable midfield presence, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Victoria Pelova will be crucial in trying to fill the void left behind by the Swiss captain. Pelova, who returned from an ACL injury in March, saw limited minutes upon her return. However, after scoring two goals during the Euros, and another in pre-season, the Dutch midfielder appears back to her best.
It will be interesting to see how Slegers utilises her midfield this season, particularly in balancing defensive stability with attacking threat. The Dutch manager prefers a double pivot, in contrast to Joe Montemurro, where Wälti was often the standalone defensive midfielder. However, in this new setup, Cooney-Cross could find herself with more game time, potentially sitting deeper alongside Kim Little, providing defensive solidity and control. Pelova however, could see herself given more license to push forward, providing a high press and late runs into the box.
The failed move for Géraldine Reuteler and no direct replacement for Wälti could leave gaps if the new setup doesn’t click. How effectively this midfield trio functions together could prove pivotal to Arsenal’s success this season.
Season opener
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In an exciting move, the Emirates Stadium will host all 11 home WSL fixtures, with 17,000 memberships purchased already — a 12 percent increase from last season. To kick off their 2025/26 WSL campaign, the Gunners face newly promoted London City Lionesses, the league’s first independent side. Backed by Michelle Kang, the team has recruited heavily, including former Arsenal stars Nikita Parris and Daniëlle van de Donk, as well as ex-Man United captain Katie Zelem and Australia international Alanna Kennedy.
Kicking off at 1pm BST, Arsenal’s opening match will air live on BBC One and iPlayer, as well as the Barclays WSL YouTube channel for international fans.
