Arsenal Women’s team is on a tear right now in the domestic league AND European football. After beating Chelsea in the FA Cup Final to secure the trophy and add silverware to their trophy cabinet this season, they are looking to dominate in the Champions League next year.
Can they win the cup and the coveted 2024-2025 UWCL? If they keep playing like they are now, the dream doesn’t look too far-fetched to the fans.
Arsenal Women Beat Leicester City With Ease
Our @emirates Goal of the Month winner for March 🏆
Congratulations, @SBlackstenius ❤️ pic.twitter.com/47I9DV8dsE
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 22, 2024
Leicester City aimed to put up a good fight to the almighty Gunners, but Beth Mead and her squad proved to be too much for the Midlothian side. Beth Mead was able to snag a brace, which will no doubt help her confidence coming back after her ACL injury, and Alessia Russo slotted home a beautiful goal as Arsenal’s Number 9 striker.
Mead was able to bring the outstanding crowd of over 48,000 people in the Emirates Stadium to their feet as she finished a fantastic pass from Caitlin Foord just before half-time. Scoring right before the halftime whistle not only lets Arsenal go into the dressing room with more confidence but also allows them to continue an attacking style of play in the second half.
However, the Foxes didn’t give in without a fight. They remained in close contention in the game until Russo scored the second goal for the Gunners, which took some steam out of Leicester City’s excitement and hopefulness to topple the giants. Russo’s 75th-minute goal was a careful and composed finish from a stylistic player who knew exactly what her team needed at that moment.
Then, just three minutes later, Mead added another goal just for safekeeping. It was at the 3-0 mark that Arsenal truly knew they were going to progress to the next round of the Champions League.
And that wasn’t the end of the good news in the Emirates. Frida Maanum came on as a second-half substitute to mark her return after the scary collapse that happened in extra time just a few weeks ago. After extensive testing and medical observation, she was able to return to training and games with her squad.
Also Read: Manchester United Set to Gain Financially in Champions League
What is Next For Arsenal?
Now that Arsenal have secured their UWCL spot for next year, they can rest easy. Hopefully, they can keep the same squad they have this year so they are in high contention for the 2024-2025 Champions League campaign that will no doubt see big players like Benfica, Barcelona, Rosengard, and other top-name clubs around the world.
In the last few matches of the season, Arsenal play Everton next. Arsenal currently sit in third, which sees them involved in European football next year. Hopefully, Miedema and the rest of the squad will be back and fully fit for the CL campaign. Everton is in ninth place, which is toward the bottom of the table, with just 18 points from 19 matches played this year.
For matchday 21, Arsenal face Manchester City. Not only is this a big deal for both teams, as it is a top-three battle, but Arsenal may look to change the trajectory of who will win the FA WSL this year. If they want Chelsea to win, they will look to beat City. If for some reason they aim for City to win, they may play younger players and bench their starters.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
