Back to Business
A return to league action sees Arsenal pick up where they left off, but there are still questions to answer as the run-in begins.
The Return
Arsenal returned to WSL action this weekend following the international break, making the short trip to face London City Lionesses. A 2-0 win, three points on the board, and in many ways, a job done.
But as is often the case with games like this, the scoreline only tells part of the story.
There’s always that slight uncertainty after a break like this; rhythm disrupted, players returning at different stages of sharpness and for Arsenal, that showed, particularly in the first half. The tempo wasn’t quite there, passes lacked conviction, and control in midfield felt just out of reach at times. It’s not unusual, and perhaps more a reflection of timing than anything deeper, but it did make for a slower start than we’ve come to expect.
The second half, though, was much more like it.
Finding Their Rhythm
Once Arsenal settled, the quality began to show. The front line, in particular, stood out through Alessia Russo, Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius all putting in strong performances, each offering something slightly different but complementing each other well.
What continues to be encouraging is the development of link-up partnerships. Russo and Blackstenius showed real promise together, while Chloe Kelly and Olivia Smith looked equally dangerous, especially when driving at defenders and creating space in wide areas.
It’s that fluidity that Arsenal have been building towards; the ability to rotate, adapt, and find different solutions depending on the opponent.
And both goals reflected that.
Low driven crosses with runners attacking the box are becoming a clear pattern of Renee Slegers’ Arsenal. The team look far more comfortable creating in these moments than relying on aerial duels, and it makes sense when you consider the profiles they have available. It’s something we’ve seen before too, thinking back to that Real Madrid game at the Emirates last season, where similar movements turned the game around.
This time, it was Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius making those runs, continuing a trend that feels increasingly intentional rather than incidental.
Selection and Squad Depth
One of the more interesting talking points came before kick-off, with Anneke Borbe starting ahead of Daphne van Domselaar.
Rather than a concern, it feels like a positive problem for Arsenal - two goalkeepers, both more than capable of being number one, both confident in their roles. With the schedule only getting busier, that depth becomes even more valuable.
The same can be said for the options off the bench.
Victoria Pelova, Laia Codina and Stina Blackstenius all made an impact when introduced, helping to raise the level in the second half. It’s something Arsenal perhaps lacked earlier in the season, that ability to change the game through substitutions, but it’s becoming a real strength at exactly the right time.
Areas to Improve
That said, the game wasn’t without its issues.
Frida Maanum, in particular, struggled to impose herself on the game, giving the ball away on a few occasions. More broadly, the number ten role still feels slightly unresolved. Mariona Caldentey offers real quality there, but equally, Arsenal need her deeper alongside Kim Little, where that partnership has been consistently strong.
It leaves a bit of a gap - not a glaring one, but enough to notice.
Set pieces, too, remain an area of frustration. Time and again, deliveries from both Katie McCabe and Chloe Kelly failed to beat the first player, and ultimately, very little came from those situations. In games where margins are tight, those moments matter.
The Opposition Threat
Credit should also go to London City Lionesses, who had their moments.
They showed clear intent, particularly in trying to exploit the space left by Arsenal’s high fullbacks, something that worked on multiple occasions. Katie McCabe, especially, pushed high throughout, and LCL looked to take advantage of that space in transition.
The final ball, though, often let them down.
Freya Godfrey, facing her former club, looked lively and probably should have found the net, but like much of LCL’s play, the move broke down in the final third.
On another day, those chances might tell a different story.
Matchday Reflections
On a personal note, a first visit to the stadium and another one ticked off my list.
You can see what London City Lionesses are building. There’s clear progress, real intent behind it, and it does feel like a project moving in the right direction. I have a lot of time for it.
The only real drawback was the lack of facilities. With the women’s toilets out of order, it made for a difficult matchday experience, relying on a disabled toilet and a couple of unisex options. It’s something that feels easily avoidable, especially when you compare it to grounds like Leigh Sports Village, where adjustments have been made in the past to better accommodate supporters.
That aside, the away following from Arsenal was excellent. A strong turnout and plenty of noise throughout.
Context Matters
Perhaps the most important thing here is that Arsenal got the job done.
We’ve seen other teams struggle after the international break (Manchester City dropping points in a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa), so to come away with a win, even without hitting top form for the full 90 minutes, is significant.
Arsenal remain fourth, still with two games in hand, and very much in control of their own position.
And they’re doing it without their Asian Cup players in Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney Cross.
What Comes Next
Attention now turns to West Ham at the Emirates next weekend.
On paper, Arsenal go in as favourites. West Ham have a midweek fixture to navigate and are missing key players themselves, but this is the stage of the season where those factors don’t always guarantee anything.
Points matter for everyone, not just those at the top.
For Arsenal, it’s about maintaining momentum, continuing to build rhythm, and managing the squad carefully with fixtures coming thick and fast. Because just around the corner, Chelsea awaits.
With that in mind, these games become about more than just results, they’re about preparation too.
For now, though, it’s a solid return, three points secured, and another step forward.
Job done. Agree completely it’s about preparation with the upcoming schedule and coming off the international break.
Good to see Mead getting minutes.
West Ham could be a trap game. Focus on the here and now is important.
A number of good points about the match itself, assessment of the team currently and brief summary of what to expect in the near-future. Well-written too. Thanks for sharing!