Arsenal Women are lagging behind.
The Gunners have built a reputation under Aussie boss Joe Montemurro for tactical acumen, for smashing an extreme amount of goals past beleaguered opponents. Only two seasons ago we held aloft the WSL title.
But this season has been one where our rivals have gone above and beyond our own efforts. In the crunch games, we have fallen way short of what is expected. So much so that newbies to the WSL elite, Manchester United, have been above us in the pecking order for much of this season.
And it is those matches against the so-called bigger sides that decide titles and positions. The gulf between these sides and the others is a big one but it is still a competitive league – just look at both United’s and Chelsea’s results this past weekend against both Reading and Brighton respectively.
But these are not the norm. It is the tussles between City, Chelsea and Arsenal that have traditionally decided the destination of the title. And because of our side’s shortcomings in those matches – this season will be a rare empty one for the Gunners.
Man City have done the double over us – 2-1 both home and away.
Chelsea dumped us out of the Cup.
United defeated us too.
Next up? Chelsea.
And with Arsenal currently nine points off the top and seven from the top 3 – with no chance of domestic trophies – Joe Montemurro must be under pressure to deliver to the highest level until the end of this season.
Anything else will see Arsenal finish in their lowest position since the WSL began.
Nine games left.
Two crunch games against Chelsea and Manchester United – with us losing 3-0 against Chelsea as I write.
Anything less than 25 points may just not be enough.
Would that herald a clearout from our biggest names? Does Vivianne Miedema, Danielle Van De Donk, Leah Williamson, Lia Walti, Roord, Foord, McCabe and Evans warrant the very best?
They do indeed. And any inclination that Arsenal can’t return to the level they belong at may just be enough to see a big change at Arsenal.
Over to you Joe.