Arsenal Women 2023/24 mid-season review: Standout performer, best signing & more

Arsenal have reached the WSL winter break in 2023/24 on a much better note than last season, starting their campaign positively in an attempt to secure their first league title since 2019.

Key players returning from injury ignited a change to the bleak narrative surrounding the Gunners after crashing out of the Champions League in the first qualifying round back in summer and failing to secure a WSL win until their third game of the league campaign.

Arsenal's quality was clear in a thrilling 4-1 thrashing of reigning title holders Chelsea. The result staked their claim in the the title race and blew it wide open, although a loss to Tottenham in the final game of 2023 prevented the Gunners from entering the break level on points with the Blues.

With the WSL set to return following a rest and last weekend's FA Cup fourth round, Arsenal sit third on goal difference, level on points with Manchester City and three points behind leaders Chelsea.

Overall, the Gunners are in a promising position, primed to continue their title charge in the second half of the season. In 2022/23, Arsenal only mustered a mere four points out of a possible 18 against their top four rivals, but this campaign has so far seen seven from a possible nine.

Background

Arsenal is a name synonymous with success in the women's game. Being one of the oldest and most experienced women's sides, the Gunners boast an impressive record across England - 15 league titles, 14 Women's FA Cups, six Women's League Cups, ten Women's National League Cups, and five Women's FA Community Shields. But, in contrast to years of former dominance, Arsenal have failed to win the league since 2019, only registering one piece of silverware - last season's Conti Cup - since then. That cup victory was a booster for the north London side amidst a craggy campaign.

The club has been a staple in European competition since the inception of the Champions League, previously known as the UEFA Women's Cup. Arsenal are the only English club to have won the accolade it, doing so in 2007, but have been unable to replicate that since.

In his second year in charge of Arsenal last season, Jonas Eidevall faced a learning curve. A promising start after England's Euro 2022 success was derailed by injuries, sidelining key players like Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, and leaving a threadbare squad. Eventually, a superior goal difference saw them pip Manchester City to third place.

Despite injury concerns, the Gunners did reach the Champions League semi-finals by overcoming Lyon and Juventus in the group stage and securing a 2-1 aggregate victory against Bayern Munich in the last eight. Unfortunately, their journey was cut short in the final moments of extra-time in the semis, with a 119th-minute winner from Wolfsburg denying them a first spot in the final since 2007.

Highlight

Arsenal's 4-1 drubbing of Chelsea was the Blues' biggest league loss in five years and marked the Gunners' title credentials. What's more, it would not have been possible without Mead.

In fact, Mead's talismanic return to the pitch ten months since suffering an ACL injury was a catalyst to overturn a slow start to the season, with her significance to the side integral to inspire a 2-1 comeback win over Aston Villa in mid-October that set their campaign in motion.

In eight games this season, Mead's impetus on the right wing, marked by three goals and an assist, underscores her importance to Arsenal's pursuit of top spot. Her clinical skill and vision have proven invaluable, highlighting the void her absence had previously created for Eidevall.

Lowlight

Whilst the emphatic win over Chelsea would have had supporters beaming, a week later, those same fans would be shaking their heads after Arsenal lost the north London derby for the first time.

To end a rocky 2023, Spurs defeated the Gunners claiming full bragging rights. Arsenal had won seven previous derbies, drawing once, but the first of 2023/24 belonged to the Lilywhites.

Martha Thomas' 58th minute goal was indicative of the new ethos Tottenham had been excelling under since Robert Vilahamn took over as manager in the summer that took a lacklustre Arsenal completely by surprise. Despite 31 shots, with eight on target, the Gunners could not find an equaliser with Spurs goalkeeper Barbora Votikova proving exceptional on her debut.

It was a miserable way to end the calendar year for the north London side who squandered the opportunity to finish 2023 level on points with league leaders Chelsea.

Standout performer

After ten league games, no WSL player has made more assists than Arsenal's Victoria Pelova. The winter break marked a full 12 months since the 24-year-old joined from Ajax. With veteran midfielder Kim Little sidelined for much of this campaign, Pelova has stepped up to earning the trust of the boss.

With four assists, a goal, and eight chances created, the Netherlands international has firmly established herself in the star-studded midfield. Consistent and impressive performances make her indispensable, even with competition from players like Frida Maanum and Vivianne Miedema.

Transitioning between attacking and defensive midfield roles, Pelova is now hitting her stride as a starter, showcasing impressive technique, vision, and footwork supported by noteworthy statistics.

Best signing

Among Arsenal's five summer signings, none have dazzled the WSL quite like Canada International Cloe Lacasse. Despite Alessia Russo being the talk of the transfer window, Arsenal had targeted Lacasse well in advance and successfully signed the 30-year-old from Benfica.

Lacasse, a natural goalscorer adept at creating opportunities on the wings, seamlessly adapted to life in north London. Clinical prowess was evident in a stunning stoppage time equaliser from distance in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United. Defensive contributions, marked by critical interceptions and tackles in significant matches, also highlight why she was so revered in Portugal.

Lacasse's presence adds a potent threat to Arsenal's formidable attack. With 12 league games remaining in the season, she has ample opportunities to kick on and secure a spot in the starting lineup and delight fans with her creative and precise finishing.

Best goal

Every coach wants to see a goal come from distribution out from the back. Russo's goal against Chelsea - her first of that afternoon - came in that exact way, and in only three passes.

Playing out from the back, goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger fed Lotte Wubben-Moy, who threaded through to Lia Walti. Spotting Russo's run and with Chelsea's defence split, her pinpoint pass allowed the striker to drive into the box and slot home, sealing what would be a triumphant victory.

Maybe it was the finishing or the expert nature of the creation, either way, the goal encapsulated Arsenal at their very best.

Predicted finish

With the absence of the Champions League in the remainder of this season, Arsena have a significant opportunity to finally dethrone Chelsea.

Between now and the final game on 18 May, the Gunners have two more reasons to smile: the return of vice-captain Leah Williamson and classy right-back Laura Wienroither, who have both been sidelined with ACL injuries. The new additon of United States defender Emily Fox on the right will also augment the squad depth that Arsenal boast.

While history shows that no team losing more than two WSL games has won the trophy - Arsenal have so far lost two - their formidable squad stands a strong chance to claim the league title this year. The key lies in staying injury-free and avoiding unnecessary dropped points, offering the Gunners their best opportunity in years to decorate their cabinet with the league title once more.

Prediction: 1st

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