Updates from 4.30pm (GMT) kick-off at the Emirates Stadium
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The players take to the field at the Emirates. Both the crowd and the PA system are loud in the November gloom.
Renee Slegers had this to say ahead of the game: “The team that started against Barcelona did well so I didn’t want to make too many changes. The two that come in are very athletic players, good on the ball, so really good that they can start for us. But the squad is very competitive. They [London City] have got changes they can make off the bench but so have we.”
Charles Antaki gets in touch: “Renee Slegers under pressure indeed. Arsenal’s form this season has been nothing short of alarming, and there is a distinct danger of failing to qualify for next year’s women’s Champions League. For the moment, for stability’s sake, better that Renee should stay, and not follow the advice of the Four Tops (or, for hipsters, the original Left Banke.”
Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace
double quotation mark A pitchside DJ set, performed by Locky from Rudimental , is blasting out through the sound system at the Emirates as everybody gears up for the WSL’s game of the day, so perhaps it would be fitting if Arsenal’s performance today showed that they are ‘Not giving in’ when it comes to this season’s fight for the European places. A defeat today would leave the 2025 European champions an alarming nine points off a Champions League spot, but a victory would throw them right back into the European race.
These days’ you can’t just assume it will be the usual sides dominating the top three sides, with big-spending London City Lionesses trying to upset the established order, and this is a potentially pivotal day in both these two sides’ campaigns. It’s one of the WSL’s founding teams against the newbies, it’s Putellas against Williamson, it’s Russo against Earps and it really ought to be quite enjoyable.
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Arsenal’s team news is just two changes from Barcelona: Elisa de Almeida and Ona Batlle replace Steph Catley and Taylor Hinds in defence. Lisa Baum and Caitlin Foord are either side of Alessia Russo.
Two changes for London City , though in attack, where Nicole Anyomi and Delphine Cascarino drop to the bench for Kadidiatou Diani and Izzy Goodwin.
Arsenal: Misa, Fox, Williamson, de Almeida, Batlle, Little, Stanway, Baum, Maanum, Foord, Russo. Subs: van Domselaar, Borbe, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Smith, Reuteler, Hinds, Holmberg, Cooney-Cross.
London City Lionesses: Earps, Fernandez, Perez, Leon, Pattinson, Geyoro, Arques, Diani, Putellas, van de Donk, Goodwin. Subs: Lete, Corrales, Linari, Godfrey, Anyomi, Cascarino, Kennedy, Kafaji, Thomsen.
A big result in the Champions League on Thursday for Arsenal.
double quotation mark Arsenal continue to be a sharp thorn in the side of the European champions, Barcelona, and they dug deep to hold on to a draw at the Camp Nou on Thursday night. Frida Maanum put the Gunners ahead despite a hugely dominant performance from Barcelona, but Caroline Graham Hansen’s equaliser ensured the spoils would be shared.
At the top of the WSL on Saturday, an important win for Chelsea.
double quotation mark Pragmatic, resolute and gutsy. Sonia Bompastor showed her ruthless side and delivered a tactical masterclass as Chelsea earned a 1-0 win over Manchester City and leapfrogged them at the top of the Women’s Super League.
A London derby, and one where Arsenal are the chasers of the nascent force in the capital city. The big spenders are the team based in Bromley, and currently six points on Arsenal. A quick turnaround for Arsenal, having drawn at Barcelona on Thursday. London City are third in the WSL , and on course for the Champions League. The Gunners have yet to win at home in this season’s WSL. Renee Sleegers’ team have drawn all four of their home league matches this season and sit sixth. Sleegers remains under pressure.
Kick-off at 4.30pm UK time, join me.
