The Plan
Leaving aside the catastrophic failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage, Arsenal’s summer has been a success. Jonas Eidevall has added five top-class players to his squad. These include Swedish defender Amanda Ilestedt, who scored four goals at the World Cup, World Cup winner Laia Codina, Canada striker Cloé Lacasse, Australia midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross, and England forward Alessia Russo. These new additions will strengthen a squad that was heavily depleted last season.
The injury crisis that affected the club last season left fans and players wondering about the missed opportunities. Despite falling short in the Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg and battling for third place, the return of key players such as Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, and Laura Wienroither will boost both the squad and morale. Arsenal has a strong team to challenge for a positive domestic season.
Without European football, maintaining the high attendance levels achieved last season, including a sold-out Champions League semi-final, will be a challenge. “Of course, it hurts because we had such a good experience in Europe last season and we wanted to build on that,” said Eidevall after the exit to Paris FC. However, there were circumstances that should be taken into account, such as the short turnaround after the World Cup and the lack of warm-up games prior to the qualifying fixtures. Whether this was a temporary setback or a sign of future problems remains to be seen. The advantage for Arsenal is that they can focus on domestic competition, unlike Chelsea and Manchester United, who have had to juggle multiple fronts in recent years.
The Manager
Jonas Eidevall is known for his tactical astuteness in women’s football. His analysis during the World Cup and Euros showcased his expertise. Navigating a squad with returning injured players will be a real test for Eidevall. With the departure of Rafaelle Souza and Williamson’s ACL injury, Arsenal’s defense will have a new look at the start of the season. Settling the defense will be crucial.
Star Player
Kim Little remains the heartbeat of Arsenal. While new signings like Kyra Cooney-Cross, Victoria Pelova, and Kathrine Møller Kühl are meant to future-proof Arsenal’s midfield, there will be a significant void when 33-year-old Little eventually retires or departs. Fortunately, Little continues to impress on the field, as seen in the match against Paris FC.
High-Profile Summer Signing
Alessia Russo’s arrival at Arsenal after the expiration of her contract with Manchester United has raised expectations. Russo will provide strong competition for Stina Blackstenius in the absence of Vivianne Miedema. Eidevall praises Russo’s passion for the game and her investment in every match.
World Cup Delight/Heartache
Laia Codina, who started all of Spain’s games at center-back in their World Cup victory, impressed with her performance. Arsenal seized the opportunity to sign her after her path at Barcelona was blocked. Unfortunately, the dispute between the Spain players and the federation has overshadowed their victory. Codina was not called up for the latest squad, which may be a blessing in disguise.
Arsenal’s Engaging Online Presence
Arsenal leads the way in creating diverse and engaging content. From dynamic signing videos to 35mm photos of away trips, their online presence is captivating. Recently, the club has used messages from players to promote ticket sales for Emirates Stadium, celebrating significant milestones. This strategy has proven to be highly effective.
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