We take a look back at the last seven days in the world of Arsenal ladies.
First team
Arsenal opened their league campaign with a 1-1 draw at Notts County Ladies in a tough game where Ellen White scored from a quality free-kick routine while Chioma Ubogagu, who had come on as a sub equalised with a superb half volley.
There were a lot of positives to take from the game :
Coaching reactivity with an half time substitution to solve the midfield conendrum. With Caroline Weir in the holding role, there was a balance problem as she is attack minded naturally. Alongside Vicky Losada and Jordan Nobbs who also are attacking midfielders, the balance had to be redressed and Jade Bailey did a superb job there.
Instant substitution impact with Chioma Ubogagu bringing her pace that was missing up front and also a superb finish for the equaliser.
Great resiliance and battling spirit in a tough game against a strong Notts County team.
The Ladies are trailing leaders Chelsea Ladies by five points and Manchester City in second place by three points. They have a game in hand over those two teams to be played at home against Bristol Academy. A must win game, if the girls want to compete for the Champions League places this season.
The next game will be a home game against League leaders Chelsea Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup round six. Last year’s semi-final was a memorable five-three games won in extra time where Kelly Smith nearly single-handlely dragged the team over the finish line. Chelsea Ladies will surely want revenge from that defeat. Kick-off is 2pm on the 12th of April.
International news
England U19 Carla Humphrey and Leah Williamson played in the controversial 2-1 defeat against Norway.
Williamson scored an equaliser from the penalty sport on 90+6 but the referee disallowed the goal for encroachment and gave an indirect free-kick to Norway rather than order a retake.
They both played in the 9-1 win against Northern Ireland with Williamson scoring two penalties on the day.. without any controversy this time.
England U19 can only qualify as the best runner-up from the six qualifying groups or hope that their appeal from the Norway game is successfull.
Development team
The development team beat the Danish team Roskilde Pigefodbold 9-0 in a friendly last week.
Other news
Casey Stoney has thanked Arsenal for supporting her after she made the decision to come out.
The Arsenal defender revealed that she not only received a note from CEO, Ivan Gazidis, as well as flowers from the club when she and her partner, Megan Harris, had their twins.