Inside track on Arsenal | Jamie Spangher | OneFootball

We return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (1.45pm UK) for the first Barclays Women’s Super League north London derby of the campaign.

Having won just once in their opening four games, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five in all competitions, picking up seven points in the WSL and winning twice in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Ahead of this weekend’s encounter in N17, we had a chat with Jamie Spangher to get a lowdown on the Gunners…

How would you reflect on Arsenal’s opening months to the campaign in both the WSL and Champions League?

Jamie: “It is safe to say that Arsenal endured a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season. Scraping five points out of their first WSL fixtures, partnered with a 5-2 thrashing by the hands of Bayern Munich, all signs certainly pointed to a rough campaign ahead.

“Since the change of management, there seems to have been a distinct shift in mindset around the Arsenal camp. Following the resignation of former head coach Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal have picked up four wins and a draw, while playing some vibrant and free-flowing football for the first time in months.

“An emphatic 5-0 win over Brighton at Emirates Stadium followed with an impressive 4-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League seems to have them back in the swing of things. Improvements have certainly been made over recent weeks, but now it is just about maintaining the rhythm and momentum ahead of a condensed schedule.”

Who are the key players to watch?

Jamie: “Caitlin Foord has found herself in some firing form recently, earning back-to-back Player of the Month awards for September and October. The Australian forward continues to threaten opposition defences, with two goals and an assist in the last week alone. Foord has historically enjoyed the north London derby, scoring three braces against Spurs during her time at Arsenal.

“Frida Maanum has also gained impressive momentum over the opening games of the season, providing flair and creativity inside of the Gunners midfield. Maanum appears to be back to her most confident self, asserting herself within threatening positions inside of the box to get her name on the scoresheet.

“Emily Fox is another name to look out for, as the USWNT right-back continues to prove why she is Arsenal’s most reliable and consistent performer.

“Arsenal’s threat comes from their ability to rotate, with the likes of Stina Blackstenius and Mariona Caldentey both scoring off the bench against Juventus in a 4-0 UEFA Women’s Champions League victory for the Gunners.”

What has Renee Slegers brought to the club?

Jamie: “As Jonas announced his resignation, there were certainly nerves from the fans when it was announced that his predecessor would be his assistant coach, Renee Slegers. However, it’s safe to say that the Dutch manager has gotten off to a flying start, with them yet to lose again under her management.

“Slegers has the frontline ticking again, the side scoring nine goals in just two fixtures this past week. They’re operating with a new-found freedom under the management of Slegers and are looking far more deadly than they have over recent months. She has brought confidence and excitement back into the Arsenal camp, as it seems the players have shaken off any hostility or self-esteem slumps that had been haunting them.”

What are the ambitions for Arsenal this campaign?

Jamie: “Already seven points shy of the top of the WSL table, it is safe to say that any ambitions of winning the league may be in the rear view. However, Arsenal will not turn their attention away from the WSL, as the fight for third place remains heated. The Gunners are certain to be making Champions League qualification a primary target this campaign.

“The mid-week victory over Juventus will inject a new-found confidence back in the side as they continue their European journey and they will be sure to have their sights set on progressing as far as they can in the Champions League.

“With the league silverware seemingly out of reach, it is safe to say that the Gunners will be eager to make waves in the Women’s League Cup and the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. With the global talent on the Arsenal squad list, it is a certain fact that a campaign without silverware will be deemed as a failure for the Gunners.”

WSL north London derby | 2024/25 Promo