The Women’s Super League returns this Saturday and to celebrate the return of the top flight of English football after an incredible summer, we are diving into an six-part series, previewing each of the twelve clubs involved in the WSL. Let’s do this in alphabetical order, starting with Jonas Eidevall’s brilliant Arsenal side.
Arsenal
Manager: Jonas Eidevall
Key players: Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson
Last season’s finish: 2nd
The Gunners were exceptional last term, and with Manchester City’s early struggles, turned into the main title challengers to eventual champions Chelsea and missed out on the ultimate prize by just a point. Clearly Eidevall’s arrival has ignited the talent in this side, with the club only losing once last term.
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Importantly, and as a marker for Arsenal, they took eight points in games against Chelsea and Man City last term, a clear sign of the progress they have made. This summer has been a quiet one for the Gunners, but that is a good thing given their success last term. Vitally, Vivianne Miedema had a change of heart and decided to stay at the club, signing a new contract having held talks with both Barcelona and PSG.
The greatest ever goalscorer in WSL history, with 76 goals in 89 Arsenal appearances can now take her side onto the next level, supported by the incredible talents of Beth Mead, who won the Golden Boot at Euro 2022. Jordan Nobbs, captain Kim Little and Leah Williamson all remain, while only goalkeeper Kaylan Marchese and Lina Hurtig have joined this window.
Hurtig’s arrival points to a potential mix-up in the forward line. Miedema is likely to play as a number ten, after Tobin Heath’s departure, while Nikita Parris has joined Manchester United. Meanwhile, Japanese star Mana Iwabuchi is likely to be given more game time than she was last year in an ultra-competitive midfield.
This is a squad with the ability to overhaul Chelsea and a manager who has revitalized this entire club. Arsenal are serious contenders once again.
Aston Villa
Manager: Carla Ward
Key players: Rachel Daly, Kenza Dali.
Last season’s finish: 9th
Aston Villa’s five-year progression has been impressive. Their finishes read 9th, 6th and 1st in the Championship, before 10th and 9th place finishes in the WSL. Carla Ward is now in charge for her second season and has made major moves in the transfer market, notably bringing in England’s Rachel Daly from Houston Dash, who played left-back for Sarina Wiegman this summer.
Despite that role internationally, it is thought that she will play as a striker for Villa having impressed in that role for Houston. Meanwhile Kenza Dali comes in from Everton, Natasha Harding from Reading and Danielle Turner brings defensive reinforcements to help out Rachel Corsie. Captain Remi Allen is still out with an ACL injury but her return could boost Villa further, as they look to climb the table.
It’s been an impressive window for Villa and expectations have risen around the club, with Ward herself saying that an eighth-place finish will be the minimum expectation of a team that have now found their feet in the WSL. Villa should have enough to banish any relegation fears this time around.
