Has Arsenal's domination of the women's game ended?
Since the mighty Arsenal relinquished the WSL title to Liverpool last year, they have seen eleven players leave and lost in the Uefa Women's Champions League quarter-final to Birmingham. We ask can Arsenal be successful this year? Despite the introduction of World Cup winners Shinobu Ohno and Yukari Kinga, they still seem to be lacking since losing several key players over the winter. England captain Steph Houghton left to join new-comers Manchester City along with goalkeeper Karen Bardsley while Ellen White signed for Notts County, Kim Little has joined NWSL side Seattle Reign, Gemma Davison has gone to champions Liverpool and Gilly Flaherty and Katie Chapman both moved across London to join up with Chelsea. Arsenal have recruited
only six players including the Japanese pair of Ohno and Kinga, England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain, Scotland international Christie Murray, former Bristol Academy Dutch international Anouk Hoogendijk and former England captain Casey Stoney returns. In addition to the new signings, the Gunners have welcomed back Niamh Fahey and assistant manager Kelly Smith from long term injuries which will feel like new signings. The Lady Gunners also kept hold of key players Jordan Nobbs, Rachel Yankey and Alex Scott with Nobbs signing a new contract to keep her at Arsenal.
Defending champions Liverpool look strong after recruiting well, bringing in Arsenal's Gemma Davison to help boost a squad bursting with talent. Bristol Academy are also looking to improve on last year's second place with new manager Dave Edmondson attempting to build on England manager Mark
Sampson's legacy. Chelsea are determined to rectify last year's disappointment and have signed very good players, including Gilly Flaherty and Katie Chapman both from Arsenal. Birmingham are in great form and have made it to the semi-final of the Champion's League after knocking out Arsenal in the quarter-final. Manchester City have emerged as a real force signing top quality players including new England captain Steph Houghton from Arsenal and England hot-shot striker Toni Duggan from Everton. With all the comings and goings, the Gunners look like they could struggle in this year's WSL and may also find it difficult to retain the FA Cup.
Shelly Kerr's side also seem to be at a psychological disadvantage too. The disappointment of losing the WSL title and being dumped out of the UWCL by less fancied Birmingham will have given the players a knock in confidence but, with the important players that have left, they also lack winners. It's true that Kinga and Ohno will provide a mentally strong winning dimension with their World Cup glory experience but, have never played in England before. In fact, the only player to come in with experience of winning league and cup trophies is Stoney. The former England captain at 31 has the experience and drive whilst still being in her prime as a footballer but, has not won a major domestic title since the formation of the FA WSL in 2010.
There is no doubting the quality of Kerr's better girls. Stoney is a star player and will be a rock at the back. Nobbs is an outstanding young midfielder with a great future. Chamberlain is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Yankey and Scott will always be quality players. There just doesn't seem to be enough in the squad. Of course, this is all opinion and Shelly Kerr could prove us wrong and romp to league and cup glory this year but, I don't see it happening.
Since the mighty Arsenal relinquished the WSL title to Liverpool last year, they have seen eleven players leave and lost in the Uefa Women's Champions League quarter-final to Birmingham. We ask can Arsenal be successful this year? Despite the introduction of World Cup winners Shinobu Ohno and Yukari Kinga, they still seem to be lacking since losing several key players over the winter. England captain Steph Houghton left to join new-comers Manchester City along with goalkeeper Karen Bardsley while Ellen White signed for Notts County, Kim Little has joined NWSL side Seattle Reign, Gemma Davison has gone to champions Liverpool and Gilly Flaherty and Katie Chapman both moved across London to join up with Chelsea. Arsenal have recruited
 |
| Kinga & Ohno with Ryo Miyaichi |
Defending champions Liverpool look strong after recruiting well, bringing in Arsenal's Gemma Davison to help boost a squad bursting with talent. Bristol Academy are also looking to improve on last year's second place with new manager Dave Edmondson attempting to build on England manager Mark
 |
| Gilly Flaherty and Katie Chapman sign for Chelsea |
Shelly Kerr's side also seem to be at a psychological disadvantage too. The disappointment of losing the WSL title and being dumped out of the UWCL by less fancied Birmingham will have given the players a knock in confidence but, with the important players that have left, they also lack winners. It's true that Kinga and Ohno will provide a mentally strong winning dimension with their World Cup glory experience but, have never played in England before. In fact, the only player to come in with experience of winning league and cup trophies is Stoney. The former England captain at 31 has the experience and drive whilst still being in her prime as a footballer but, has not won a major domestic title since the formation of the FA WSL in 2010.
There is no doubting the quality of Kerr's better girls. Stoney is a star player and will be a rock at the back. Nobbs is an outstanding young midfielder with a great future. Chamberlain is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Yankey and Scott will always be quality players. There just doesn't seem to be enough in the squad. Of course, this is all opinion and Shelly Kerr could prove us wrong and romp to league and cup glory this year but, I don't see it happening.
Comments
Post a Comment