Arsenal Women enter the new season with a crystal‑clear objective: to capture the Women’s Super League crown and put an end to the four‑year wait since their last title in 2019. Midfielder Mariona Caldentey summed it up succinctly when she told Sky Sports, "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 supporters share the same hunger, noting that the fans want the league trophy as much as the squad does. The Gunners have a proud history of domestic success, boasting fifteen major trophies, yet the league title has eluded them for several seasons. Caldentey admitted that while she would love to win every piece of silverware available, the league remains the primary focus.
"We've been missing consistency," she explained, "but if we can find that, we'll be close to winning the league. You have to be good in every game to finish first – that’s a tough mental challenge, but it's the mindset we are adopting now." The competition in the WSL has intensified dramatically. Teams such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham have invested heavily in talent, and the overall standard has risen year after year.
Wubben‑Moy highlighted this growth, saying, "There are so many good teams now and they are also signing quality players this summer. The league gets better every year and that is so good for the competition. We now have such good teams, players, stadiums and facilities – it’s fantastic for women’s football." Arsenal finished just four points behind champions Manchester City last season.
Despite winning the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup, they failed to retain the European title, fell at the quarter‑final stage of the FA Cup and were knocked out of the League Cup in the semi‑finals. A slow start to the league campaign, a pattern that has emerged in recent years, cost them dearly and underscored the need for a stronger opening run. Wubben‑Moy believes a brisk start will be crucial this year and is determined to "right the wrongs" of previous campaigns.
She praised the six‑to‑seven‑week pre‑season as a luxury, allowing the squad to build cohesion with existing players while integrating new signings. "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 write the wrongs of the past," she said. As an experienced international, she reflected on past struggles in the early part of seasons and stressed that the team now has the tools to improve. Defensively, Arsenal have a solid foundation.
Wubben‑Moy noted that last season the team conceded the fewest goals in the league, and she sees defensive stability as the cornerstone of any title challenge. "We want to build on that and make it the core of our success this season.
We fell short last year but we want to right the wrongs this year," she affirmed. The summer transfer window brought a wave of fresh talent to the north London club. Seven new players arrived, headlined by England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Other arrivals included Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodríguez, Lisa Baum and Isabella Damm.
Wubben‑Moy expressed enthusiasm about the influx, stating, "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 highlighted that the women's game is evolving rapidly, requiring squads to be nimble and adaptable. Stanway’s signing was particularly noteworthy. Caldentey, who has faced Stanway many times on the international stage and in club competitions against Bayern, welcomed the opportunity to play alongside 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," Caldentey said. She praised Stanway’s ball‑handling and passing ability, describing her as a "baller" who will enhance Arsenal’s attacking options. While the squad was bolstered, Arsenal also said goodbye to several seasoned internationals, including Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger.
Caldentey acknowledged the loss of experience but framed it as an opportunity for other players to step up. "People leave and people come but we need to adapt quickly and find new roles. We have enough experience in the players we have signed.
Some of them are quite young but they are already ready. We have a good balance," she explained. The club’s recent history provides a motivational backdrop. Last season, both the men’s and women’s teams celebrated triumphs in North London, with massive fan parades following Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years and the women’s inaugural Women’s Champions Cup victory over Corinthians.
Wubben‑Moy reflected on the deep bond between the club and its supporters, noting that such moments strengthen the players’ resolve. "We need to understand that as players, we have a duty to serve the fans. The men’s team feels the same way, and seeing the joy on the streets of North London was incredible. It creates an even deeper connection and is definitely an advantage for us as a club," she said.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s strategy is built on three pillars: consistency, defensive solidity, and the integration of new talent. The pre‑season gave the coaching staff ample time to experiment with formations and to ensure that the newcomers gel with the existing core. The management, led by head coach Jonas Slegers, aims to translate this preparation into a strong start, hoping to avoid the early‑season slumps that have previously hindered their title bids.
Off the pitch, the growth of women’s football in England continues to accelerate, with improved stadiums, broadcast deals and increased investment. Arsenal, as one of the league’s flagship clubs, is positioned to benefit from this momentum.
The club’s enhanced facilities and broader fan engagement initiatives are expected to provide a supportive environment for the players, fostering both performance and community connection. In summary, Arsenal Women are entering the 2024‑25 WSL campaign with a renewed sense of purpose. The blend of experienced internationals, promising newcomers, and a clear tactical vision aims to correct past shortcomings and deliver the long‑awaited league title. With a strong defensive record, an expanded attacking roster, and the backing of a passionate fan base, the Gunners are poised to challenge for supremacy and restore their status as champions of English women's football.