Arsenal Women enter the new season with a laser‑focused ambition: to capture the Women's Super League title and put an end to the four‑year drought that has lingered since their last triumph in 2019. Mid‑fielder Mariona Caldentey summed up the sentiment in a recent Sky Sports interview, stating plainly, "We want to go and win the league," while defender Lotte Wubben‑Moy added, "The WSL title is definitely the trophy we are eyeing up." Both players emphasized that the club’s supporters share the same hunger for silverware, noting that the fans want the league crown as much as the players do. The Gunners have a proud history in English women’s football, boasting fifteen major trophies, yet the league title has eluded them for several seasons. After finishing four points behind Manchester City last term, Arsenal’s campaign was hampered by a sluggish start – a pattern that has become all too familiar in recent years.
The club’s hierarchy, led by manager Jonas Eidevall, is determined to break that cycle. Wubben‑Moy, reflecting on the previous campaign, explained that a strong opening stretch is crucial: "You need to be good in every game to finish first in the league. That's really hard to do but that is our mentality now." Consistency, she argued, has been the missing ingredient.
"We have been missing consistency but if we can find that, we'll be close to winning the league," Caldentey said. The players also recognised the rising quality of the competition. "There are so many good teams now and they are also signing good players this summer.
The league gets better every year and that is so good for the competition," she added, highlighting how improved stadiums, facilities, and overall professionalism are raising the profile of women's football across the country. In response to these challenges, Arsenal have been proactive in the transfer market, securing seven new signings before the season began.
England midfielder Georgia Stanway arrived on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, bringing a blend of creativity and experience that the Gunners hope will unlock their attacking potential. She joins other internationals such as Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodríguez, Lisa Baum, and Isabella Damm, each adding depth and versatility to a squad already rich in character.
Wubben‑Moy praised the influx of talent, noting that the newcomers bring both quality and personality: "We have added a lot of quality and experience, and a lot of character. They are joining a squad with a lot of character already so it will add a lot of depth, which is exciting." She also stressed the importance of integration, saying that as an experienced player she feels a responsibility to help the new arrivals settle in and thrive. "The women's game continues to grow so quickly, you have to be nimble.
Adding characters and the quality we have this summer allows us to be even more nimble," she explained. Stanway’s arrival was particularly noteworthy.
Caldentey, who has faced the 27‑year‑old in international play and in club matches against Bayern, expressed genuine enthusiasm about finally teaming up with her: "I have a lot of respect for her as a player and I am very happy to have her on my side now. You can already see in training that we will have a really good connection and I am looking forward to building that." She highlighted Stanway’s technical abilities, noting that "she likes the ball and is a good passer.
She's a baller and that will be really good for us." While the squad has been bolstered, Arsenal also endured significant departures. Veteran forwards Beth Mead and Katie McCabe, along with goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, left the club, creating gaps that the newcomers must fill.
Caldentey acknowledged the loss of experience but framed it as an opportunity: "We've lost a lot of experience with big players with big characters leaving, but that is football. People leave and people come but we need to adapt quickly and find new roles." The club’s defensive solidity remains a cornerstone of its strategy.
Wubben‑Moy pointed out that Arsenal conceded the fewest goals last season, and she aims to build on that foundation: "Within the history of the club, our success is built on defensive stability. We want to build on that and make it the core of our potential this season." Beyond the pitch, Arsenal’s connection with its fanbase is seen as a vital advantage.
The recent celebration parade for the men’s Premier League win and the women’s inaugural Champions Cup victory drew massive crowds across North London, reinforcing the bond between the club and its supporters. Wubben‑Moy reflected on this relationship, saying, "We already have a great connection with the fans but something like the parade creates an even deeper connection. It's definitely a positive for us and an advantage as a club because we have such a deep connection with the fans, the streets and the people." Looking ahead, the Gunners are intent on translating that support into on‑field success. The pre‑season, described by Wubben‑Moy as a "luxury" lasting six to seven weeks, gave the team ample time to integrate new signings and refine tactics.
"We all want the build‑up in the rear‑view mirror and to get going with the season. While I'm excited for this building stage and growth, I'm ready to right the wrongs of the past," she declared. Arsenal’s roadmap for the campaign includes maintaining a high level of performance in every match, capitalising on the depth provided by the summer acquisitions, and fostering a resilient defensive unit. With a blend of seasoned internationals and promising young talent, the squad believes it can finally break the pattern of early‑season stumbles and sustain a title challenge throughout the year.
In summary, Arsenal Women are entering the 2024‑25 WSL season with a clear purpose: to rectify previous shortcomings, harness the momentum of a strengthened squad, and deliver the league crown back to the club for the first time since 2019. Their strategy hinges on consistency, defensive strength, and the unwavering support of a passionate fanbase—all aimed at achieving the ultimate prize in English women’s football.