Preview: Arsenal v Man City Women

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The wait is finally over. Our 2024/25 Women's Super League season begins today at home at Emirates Stadium.

Opening games don't get much tougher than Manchester City, but our Gunners will be looking to clinch a statement victory in front of over 40,000 supporters. 

This fixture marks the first of 11 matches to be played in N5 this season, as Emirates Stadium officially becomes Arsenal Women’s main home.

Last time around

Our Gunners completed the league double over Man City for the first time last season with Stina Blackstenius the star of the show on both occasions.

The Swedish striker pounced twice late on to clinch a notable victory in Manchester. The loss ultimately led to City losing the title to Chelsea on goal difference. 

OUR OPPOSITION

After coming exceptionally close to their first WSL title since 2016 last season, Man City will be aiming to carry that momentum through to the 24/25 campaign. 

After a mixed bag of pre-season results, Gareth Taylor's side dusted off the cobwebs for their midweek UEFA Women's Champions League qualifier, hitting five past Paris FC away from home. 

City's intimidating frontline of Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly now has a new addition in the form of a very familiar face. Sunday will mark Vivianne Miedema's return to the Emirates, this time in sky blue. 

FACTS AND STATS

• We have won our last three Women’s Super League fixtures against Manchester City and could become the first league side to win four in a row against them
• With the exception of a 2-1 loss at Meadow Park in 2021, we have beaten Gareth Taylor's side six times in the last seven home fixtures
• This is the very first time we have hosted City at Emirates Stadium. We have won five straight matches in N5, with the last coming against Leicester in April
• Beth Mead is the leading goalscorer on the opening weekend of the WSL with seven goals. This includes a brace on the opening day of the 2021/22 season against Chelsea and a double against Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022/23
• Manchester City have lost just one of their last nine opening WSL games, keeping a clean sheet in eight of those matches. The only exception was a 4-3 loss to Aston Villa in 2022/23 
• Stina Blackstenius has scored our last three WSL goals against Manchester City, all as a substitute. Our Swedish striker has only been more prolific in the league against Brighton and Hove Albion with six goals
• Our Gunners have only lost one opening game in the past 10 WSL seasons. Last season's loss to Liverpool at Emirates Stadium was the only home match we failed to win last campaign 
• City’s Khadija Shaw scored in each of her final six WSL appearances last season, bagging eight goals. She could become the first WSL player to score in seven appearances in a row since Sam Kerr in 2022

What the managers say

Jonas on City: "I think there have been so many exciting games during my years here against Manchester City. Every game, apart from the first one, has been decided by very thin margins. They have been exciting games to be involved in. I think they’ve been exciting games to watch, both as a supporter and as a neutral spectator. It’s a great way to start the season.

"They have a lot of attacking talent. So do we. We've played against City a number of times and we know it’s going to be important as a team to get control, to get momentum in these games. We know what things are going to be important off the ball and on the ball and then it comes down to on Sunday to have real quality in those moments."

Taylor on us: "I could see the light in the players' eyes, certainly in the build-up for [their Champions League fixture]. And again, I've seen it today, and I'm expecting to see it tomorrow at our final training session before we go and arrive at the Emirates. I'm just really looking forward to it and we'll give a good account of ourselves, I'm sure."

TEAM NEWS

Eidevall confirmed that Steph Catley and Lina Hurtig remain unavailable for the weekend. As for Leah Williamson, who came on as a late substitute in our midweek game against BK Hacken, our head coach did not have a definitive answer but was hopeful that she will be in a position to start Sunday's match. 

This week, Amanda Ilestedt announced the happy news of the birth of her baby, Mila. Eidevall shared that there was a plan for Amanda to return: "She wants to return to play, but we need to be guided about how she's feeling and when she's ready to return over here in the UK and start taking part in training. Then we'd be ready to welcome her."

Meanwhile, Victoria Pelova continues her ACL rehabilitation. 

Match officials

Referee: Abi Byrne
Assistant referees: Ceri Williams and Sophie Dennington
Fourth official: Lisa Benn

HOW TO WATCH

It's not too late to join over 40,000 supporters in N5 - buy your last chance tickets.

A year on from the tragic passing of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, our supporters are encouraged to remember her life with a minute’s applause at the 8th minute of today’s match. 

For those unable to travel to Emirates Stadium, you can follow the action live on Sky Sports in the UK. Coverage kicks off at 11:30am.

For non-UK supporters, you can check out which broadcaster is covering the game in your region below: