Vivianne Miedema’s return to the pitch after 11 months out due to an ACL injury marks a significant milestone for Arsenal’s Women’s team.

Her comeback, along with that of England forward Beth Mead, adds a layer of depth to Arsenal’s attacking options and could potentially change the course of their WSL season.

Arsenal Women’s striker Vivianne Miedema made her much-anticipated return after an 11-month absence due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which she suffered against Lyon in December 2022.

Miedema’s injury led her to miss the remainder of the WSL season as well as the Women’s World Cup.

“It was a really special moment for Viv,” said Arsenal match-winner Katie McCabe to Sky Sports after the game. McCabe scored both goals for Arsenal and highlighted the emotional significance of Miedema coming on as a late substitute during second-half added time.

“She’s worked so hard over the last few months,” McCabe added.

“To have them both back within a week of each other is so special for the team,” said McCabe, noting Beth Mead’s return.

“I said to her at the end that I thought it was going to be a trademark Viv special, because she slotted Beth in. I’m sure we’ll see that combination coming up in the next few weeks,” McCabe added.

Arsenal had a slow start to the season, struggling for attacking inspiration. The team, considered title contenders at the beginning of the campaign, took just one point from their opening two matches. They also fell behind against Aston Villa in their second home game, managing to score two last-minute goals to secure a win.

“It’s such a joyful moment,” said Arsenal’s manager Jonas Eidevall. “I am very happy for players that have been out for a long time, working so hard and now being able to come back to us on the pitch. When we can combine that with winning football matches, we are even happier.”

Former Tottenham captain Jenna Schillaci referred to Miedema as “a massive player,” adding that it’s “really positive and exciting in terms of the attacking threats that Arsenal have. They just keep dripping back into the team.”

Ex-England international Izzy Christiansen echoed this sentiment, saying Miedema would provide “creativity, craft and class.”

Christiansen added, “That could be the difference and the catalyst for Arsenal now. It’s finding those relationships on the pitch which seem to be somewhat lacking for Arsenal so far – so it’s a big, big plus for them.”

As for Arsenal’s future prospects, their first game after the international break is a challenging one.

They will host league leaders Manchester City on 5 November, trailing them by just three points.

The return of influential players like Miedema and Mead may provide the boost Arsenal need as they seek to climb the league table.