After suffering defeat in the Champions League qualification against Paris FC, following another international break, the highly anticipated WSL opening game at the Emirates Stadium finally arrived. With a record-breaking 54,000 supporters in attendance, expectations were high for Arsenal to kick off their league season in style. Jonas Eidevall, once again, tinkered with the starting lineup, opting for a back three of Jen Beattie, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Steph Catley, while Katie McCabe and new signing Chloe Lacasse were deployed as wing-backs. In midfield, Kim Little returned to the starting eleven alongside Lia Wälti and Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum, with Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo leading the attack.
Promosing start
The opening 10-15 minutes belonged to Arsenal, resulting in some impressive saves by Liverpool goalkeeper Rachel Laws and a flurry of corners. Maanum repeatedly found herself in pockets of space on the right side of the midfield and, in the 36th minute, unleashed a great shot on goal, only to be denied by Laws once more. Despite their direct approach toward goal, Arsenal struggled to involve Russo effectively. Wälti, displaying her exceptional passing range, orchestrated a fantastic passage of play that culminated in a powerful shot by Little, yet Laws again made a brilliant save.
Liverpool’s clinical finish
Immediately after halftime, Missy Bo Kearns recovered a loose ball on the right-hand side and delivered a pass to Hobinger, who delivered a ball into the box. There, Taylor marked her return to the WSL with a goal. Arsenal’s defense, including goalkeeper Zinsberger, appeared shaky and paid the price.
Following the goal, Arsenal attempted to regain their momentum, but their efforts lacked cohesion. A promising opportunity for Lacasse, following a Maanum cross, resulted in a header going wide, and this would prove to be one of Arsenal’s better chances for the remainder of the game. Despite their efforts to create opportunities, the Liverpool defense and midfield displayed outstanding cohesion, and the slow pace of play failed to unlock Liverpool’s well-organized defensive block.
Triple substitution
Jonas Eidevall attempted to inject life into his team by making a triple substitution, introducing Amanda Ilestedt for her WSL debut, along with Victoria Pelova and Lina Hurtig, who replaced Lacasse, Maanum, and Wubben-Moy. Arsenal shifted to a back four and came close to immediate rewards as a scramble from a corner created opportunities for Beattie and Hurtig.
Hurtig’s introduction altered Arsenal’s dynamic, and following an impressive piece of play, Pelova’s shot was once again thwarted by the resolute Liverpool defense. In the 72nd minute, Stina Blackstenius entered the field in place of Russo, providing Arsenal with a target for deep balls due to her pace. However, opportunities remained scarce, and a missed header by Foord seemed to be the last genuine chance. Liverpool clinched a 0-1 victory, handing Arsenal their second consecutive loss.
Fast turn-around
With a challenging away match against Manchester United looming on Friday, Arsenal will have little time to reverse their form. Nevertheless, a victory is imperative if they aim to play a meaningful role in this season’s WSL campaign.