After an unstoppable start to the season, Arsenal hit their first bump last weekend, held to a frustrating 0-0 draw away at Manchester United. For the first time this year, the Gunners slipped behind Chelsea in the title race – a reminder that any dropped points can be costly in the Women’s Super League. This was the first time Renee Slegers has managed a 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
There was some consolation off the pitch as Arsenal were named Women’s Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. It was a proud moment for the Arsenal family, with Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo finishing second and third in the individual rankings, underlining the sheer star power in the squad. However, there was outrage at the result and questions around the legitimacy of the voters and the voting system for the women's side. Questioning whether those who voted had ever watched women's football.
Arsenal’s Early Season Form
Despite firing blanks last week, Arsenal’s campaign has started strongly. They opened with convincing wins over London City Lionesses (3-0) and West Ham (4-1), showcasing sharp attacking movement and a ruthless cutting edge. Caldentey has settled into life in North London brilliantly, while Russo continues to lead the line with intelligence and physical presence.
Against United, however, Arsenal’s attack looked flat. Both benched that day, Frida Maanum and Beth Mead could return to the starting XI this weekend. Mead’s pace and crossing ability, paired with Maanum’s driving energy from midfield, would add directness and creativity against a Villa side that often leaves space in vast areas.
Olivia Smith, Arsenal’s record signing, has shown flashes of her talent but struggled to make an impact in Manchester. She did have the biggest chance, which was tipped over the crossbar by Tullis Phallon-Joyce. Last week, she was likely overcome with grief over the passing of her Liverpool manager, Matt Beard, who brought her to the WSL.
Villa Searching for Rhythm
Natalia Arroyo’s start as Aston Villa boss has been complicated by circumstances. After drawing 0-0 with Brighton on opening day and losing to reigning champions Chelsea, their third league match was postponed following the tragic passing of Matt Beard, as they were supposed to play Liverpool, his recent WSL team. The break in fixtures has disrupted their rhythm, and a midweek League Cup defeat on penalties to Tottenham summed up their inconsistency so far. They gain a point from the game's draw, but as they lost the penalty shoot-out, Spurs won the bonus point.
Rachel Daly remains Villa’s focal point and most significant threat. Whether deployed as a forward or deeper, her versatility is invaluable. Ebony Salmon offers pace in behind, while Kenza Dali provides midfield craft. If Villa can keep compact and frustrate Arsenal, they may look to spring counterattacks through Daly and Salmon.
But with just one point on the board, and a tricky away trip ahead, Villa will need near-perfection to come away with something.
Key Battles
- Alessia Russo vs. Anna Patten: Russo thrives when dragging defenders out of position, while Patten will need to stay switched on.
- Beth Mead vs Maz Pacheco – If Mead returns, her wing play could be decisive in supplying Arsenal’s front line.
- Rachel Daly vs Lotte Wubben-Moy – Daly’s clever movement and physicality make her Villa’s best hope of breaking through.
Form Guide (Last Five Competitive Matches)
Arsenal Women
- Man Utd 0–0 Arsenal (WSL)
- West Ham 1–4 Arsenal (WSL)
- Arsenal 3–0 London City (WSL)
Aston Villa Women
- Tottenham 1–1 Aston Villa (League Cup, one point lost, the penalty shootout to get a bonus point)
- Chelsea 2–0 Aston Villa (WSL)
- Aston Villa 0–0 Brighton (WSL)
What’s at Stake
For Arsenal, this is about proving the United draw was a blip and reasserting themselves in the title race. Falling further behind Chelsea at this stage would be damaging, especially given how ruthless the Blues have looked. Renee Slegers will want a statement performance – not just three points, but goals, momentum, and confidence.
For Aston Villa, it’s about resilience. They don’t want to be dragged into an early-season slump, and even a draw at the Emirates would be a considerable boost. Games against mid-table rivals will ultimately define their season, but results against the league’s heavyweights can transform belief.
Team News
- Arsenal: No fresh injury concerns. Mead and Maanum are pushing for starts.
- Villa: No new concerns. Arroyo expected to field the same XI that faced Chelsea, with key players rested midweek.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): van Domselaar; Fox, Reid, Catley, McCabe; Little, Maanum; Mead, Caldentey, Pelova; Russo.
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Kelly; Wilms, Patten, Deslandes, Pacheco; Kearns, Baijings, Dali; Hanson, Salmon, Daly.
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