It’s matchday and Emirates will be bouncing! Arsenal Women v Manchester United WSL match kicks off at 12.30PM UK today, at a SOLD OUT Emirates Stadium.

A historic match for Arsenal Women – selling out the Emirates Stadium for the first time in their history – and a new WSL attendance record to boot!

Arsenal & Manchester United are as hungry as eachother, for the possible 3 WSL points up for grabs today, which should make for a magnificent game of football! I want to see our Gunners on fire today – I hope they come out with ALL GUNS BLAZING!

You can watch all the action live on SkySports Main Event or on the FA Player.

Here is Eidevall’s starting XI for this historic match:

Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged that a lot of people believe his Liverpool side could lose to Arsenal.

The Reds will visit the Emirates for the crucial fixture tomorrow, and it is a match that Arsenal cannot afford to lose.

While the Gunners historically struggled in matches against Liverpool, there has been a notable shift in recent times, evident in their draw against the Reds at Anfield in the reverse fixture. Additionally, Arsenal did not lose to Liverpool in the league last season and emerged victorious at home. The question now arises: can they repeat this feat?

The confidence in Arsenal’s potential is bolstered by their recent victory against Manchester City at the Emirates. Klopp is actively preparing his team to secure a win, aiming to maintain their comfortable position at the top of the league standings.

However, even the German knows winning will be tough and says, as quoted by The Sun:

Bukayo Saka is widely regarded as one of England’s beloved footballers, resonating with many for his commendable character and amiable demeanour. His significant contributions to both Arsenal and the England national team, coupled with consistently impressive performances on the pitch, have established him as a key player.

As Arsenal’s primary attacking force, Saka holds a pivotal role and is routinely among the first names on the team sheet for any game. Despite his positive attributes, Saka has encountered a disheartening trend of being subjected to boos from opposition fans, particularly in away matches.

This behaviour has elicited frustration from Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who finds it perplexing and unwarranted. Wright contends that the goodwill and exemplary character displayed by Saka merit admiration rather than derision.

Speaking on Wrighty’s House, he said: “Everywhere he goes. Everywhere he goes, it’s just horrible.

“He’s like one of the nicest people. I get upset about it.”

Arsenal legend David Seaman expresses confidence that the Gunners have the potential to make a significant statement with a noteworthy result when they face Liverpool this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s team currently trails behind Liverpool in the league table, and a victory for the Reds at the Emirates tomorrow could potentially diminish Arsenal’s aspirations for the title.

Despite a subpar conclusion to the year 2023, Arsenal has commenced the current year with two consecutive league victories, fostering optimism as they prepare to confront Liverpool.

Seaman backs Arsenal to produce a positive result in the forthcoming game, potentially reshaping the narrative surrounding their title aspirations.

He said, as quoted by Metro Sport:

Arsenal Women have confirmed that defender Jen Beattie has left the Gunners, and transferred to Bay FC in the San Francisco Bay area, California. Bay FC issued a press release on 2nd February 2024, confirming that Jen has signed. See full press release. Bay FC in the San Francisco Bay area’s new women’s professional soccer franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Beattie has signed a contract through to the 2025 season, with an option for the 2026 campaign.

Having spent over 8 years, across 2 different periods, with Arsenal Women, Jen will be sorely missed. 32-year-old centre-back, Beattie, first joined our Gunners in 2009, winning one league title, two FA Cups and two League Cups. She then had spells at Montpellier, Manchester City and Melbourne City. Jen returned to Arsenal Women in 2019 and has been an integral part of the club since then.

Jen successfully beat breast cancer in 2020 and was given the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award, for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. Jen was also awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2023, for services to football and charity.

Jen herself, issued an open letter to fans on Arsenal.com:

Gooners, I want to start by saying thank you. 

Tottenham defender Micky Van de Ven is one of the fastest defenders in the Premier League but believes that William Saliba is faster than him.

The Frenchman has been a rock in the Arsenal defence since last season and is considered a “Roll-Royce” with the way he plays.

Saliba has been so good that he has earned comparisons with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman is one of the best defenders in the world and has won all the club trophies at Liverpool apart from the Europa League.

Van de Ven has just moved to the Premier League and has been a superb signing for Tottenham this term.

Cesc Fabregas has issued a warning to Arsenal ahead of their match against Liverpool.

The Gunners host Liverpool tomorrow in a must-win game if they are serious about clinching the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s men have been outside the top two since the end of last year after losing back-to-back matches.

The Gunners are facing Liverpool at a time when the Reds are in form and hold a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

It is a critical game for both clubs, and Fabregas believes Arsenal cannot afford to keep dropping points at this stage of the season.

Arsenal Women’s Australian international, Kyra Cooney-Cross, is destined for greatness, according to Vivianne Miedema. The 21-year-old moved to Arsenal last summer, from Swedish women’s club Hammarby. She has only appeared six times for Arsenal, totaling 290 minutes, in the 12 WSL games she may have played.

Most people who have watched Kyra on the ball, would agree that she has been fantastic; it’s just that she hasn’t had the chances, due to the huge talent & experience that is Arsenal Women’s midfield. The young midfielder is wonderful; the ball sticks to her feet like glue, and she is inventive. She is a joy to watch play for Arsenal and she was an utter joy to watch at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, in Australia.

Arsenal Women’s Dutch international star, Vivianne Miedema, who has recently returned to the pitch, after a long recovery from an ACL injury, has nothing but praise for the talented youngster. And coming from Miedema, who is the all-time top goal scorer in the WSL, as well as the all-time top goal scorer for the Netherlands, that is high praise indeed.

“If there’s someone who will tell her off, then it will be me,” Miedema said of Cooney-Cross, tongue in cheek.

“She’s a massive talent; she’s a raw diamond, I think, and the future is going to be amazing for her.” as per Optus Sport.

Takehiro Tomiyasu has reportedly committed his long-term future to Arsenal, with the official announcement expected upon his return from the Asian Cup.

Tomiyasu has proven to be a valuable player for Arsenal since joining the club, and the Japanese star has established himself as a reliable presence.

Impressed by his performances, Arsenal has chosen to reward him with a new contract, thereby extending his tenure at the club.

During the last transfer window, the Gunners received inquiries from several clubs for his signature, particularly from Serie A.

Having previously spent time at Bologna before his move to the Emirates, Tomiyasu attracted interest from the likes of Napoli and AC Milan, both keen on bringing him back to the Italian league.

Arsenal has received a positive development ahead of their upcoming match against Liverpool, with the possibility that Darwin Nunez might be unavailable for the Reds.

Nunez, a pivotal player for Liverpool, demonstrated his potency by striking the bar four times in Liverpool’s recent fixture against Chelsea, underscoring his threat in matches.

Despite possessing one of the league’s most robust defences, Arsenal is keenly aware of the challenges that an adept attacker like Nunez can pose, and would undoubtedly prefer not to contend with his dynamic presence.

The Uruguayan concluded the Chelsea game nursing a minor injury, prompting Jurgen Klopp to indicate that there exists a likelihood of him being absent for the forthcoming Arsenal match. This potential absence could constitute a significant boost for Arsenal as they prepare to face Liverpool.

The German manager said, as quoted by The Sun:

Jonas Eidevall and our Arsenal Women will make the short trip to Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday, to face off against 11th on the table West Ham Women. West Ham have had a rough season and only sit a few points above the relegation zone, and will be hoping to pull a swift one over the Arsenal Women at home, to try and keep their WSL hopes alive.

The last time we met was in November last year 2023, where Arsenal walked away 3-0 winners, after a dominate game from our Gunners. On that occasion Arsenal managed to score three goals in the first half, and walked away with all three points. A win is necessary for our women, if we want to keep challenging for this years WSL title. Although, on paper, we should be winning this game, will need to be at our best and hopefully get a few goals to add to our tally.

Yes, West Ham Women may have had a hard season thus far, but there’s still a lot of quality throughout the squad. Arsenal Women will still need to be alert, and at their best, if they want to walk away winners.

West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner certainly believes that her side “are capable of creating an upset”

Here’s a run down of West Ham’s danger women and who we will need to look out for.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice were subbed off during Arsenal’s 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace and it seems they may have suffered injuries.

Both players were instrumental in Arsenal winning the game, and when they left the pitch, some Gooners may be worried.

After the fixture, Mikel Arteta was asked about his substitutions, and he explained on the BBC:

“Declan Rice was feeling a sensation in his hamstring so we didn’t want to take any risks at 3-0.

“Gabriel had a tackle in the first half on his knee. I hope not [too serious] but we will see.”

Leandro Trossard scored one of Arsenal’s goals in their 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace this afternoon, justifying his inclusion ahead of Gabriel Martinelli in the starting lineup.

The Belgian faced challenges in displacing Martinelli when he joined the club in the second half of last season, but he consistently proves his worth as a top player when given the chance.

While the spotlight often falls on the performances of players like Bukayo Saka, Trossard’s contribution to the team should not be overlooked. According to the BBC, he has now been involved in 11 goals from 14 games in all competitions at the Emirates this season, making him one of Arsenal’s most productive players.

Mikel Arteta appears to be pleased with Trossard’s contributions, and considering his recent form, we could see more of him in the second half of the season.

Just Arsenal Opinion

Gabriel Martinelli secured a late brace for Arsenal in their 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Despite being one of the club’s top scorers last season, the Brazilian has struggled to make an impact in the current campaign, resulting in him losing his starting spot. In the match against the Eagles, Leandro Trossard got the nod ahead of him.

However, Martinelli seized the opportunity when he came on as a substitute, scoring two identical yet clinical strikes. This impressive performance is likely to send a message to his manager, and he will be hopeful that it earns him a starting spot in the next game. Sky Sports’ James Green suggests that this could be a positive turning point in Martinelli’s season.

He said on Sky Sports:

“That late double will give Martinelli a huge amount of confidence. He’s struggled a lot this season to hit the heights we saw last year, but he took those two really well. 

Arsenal’s interest in Xavi Simons may have RB Leipzig concerned. PSG’s Xavi Simons, who is on loan to RB Leipzig, is progressively establishing himself as one of the best playmakers around.

The 20-year-old Dutch international has been in terrific form this season, contributing 15 goals in 26 outings (across all competitions). That’s six goals and nine assists.

The Bundesliga side may begin to believe they must persuade PSG to sell him to them on a permanent basis.

However, the Germans will have to beat a number of teams to win the Dutch international’s signature. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are reportedly in the running, although neither is likely to offer a threat in that transfer. Arsenal, on the other hand, might pose a significant threat, considering the belief Premier League clubs have a willingness to spend money to sign players they want.

“Bayern have him on the list, but I think for this summer, they have many players on the list for this position, and Simons will be particularly expensive if PSG would be prepared to sell him,” the head of football at the BILD Group informed CaughtOffside in an exclusive update on Simon’s transfer race.

Despite Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Crystal Palace this afternoon, Piers Morgan is convinced that the Gunners need a new striker.

Arsenal returned from their winter break in superb fashion, as they stunned struggling Palace with a performance that could see them sack their manager.

The Eagles have been one of the toughest teams for Arsenal to face, but the Gunners did not find any difficulty in that game.

It was one of the easiest victories they will achieve in a long time, and their players will be happy with the result.

However, Morgan is not convinced about their attacking display and insists the team still needs a striker like Ivan Toney.

Mikel Arteta anticipates a more aggressive approach from his team in the second half of the season following their 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Arsenal was part of the title race for much of the first half of the season, but a couple of crucial losses towards the end of 2023 saw them drop valuable points against West Ham and Fulham.

With the team experiencing poor form recently, the win against Palace was crucial to reassure fans that they can finish the season strongly. The convincing 5-0 victory is expected to boost the team’s confidence, and Arteta is looking forward to seeing a more aggressive and assertive Arsenal in the upcoming matches.

He tells the BBC:

“We used moments of the game we knew could exploit really, really well. The subs did really well and had a big impact. Everyone was really focused.

Gabriel Magalhaes revealed that Arsenal has been working on setpieces, and it paid off as at least two setpieces caused problems for Crystal Palace in their 5-0 victory this afternoon.

The Gunners showcased their quality throughout the game, with the first two goals stemming from setpieces. Despite Palace struggling to make an impact, Arsenal demonstrated a well-rounded performance.

Having secured a 5-0 win, Arsenal has bounced back from three consecutive losses, and a potential long winning run could reignite their title challenge. Gabriel, who scored the first goal and played a role in the second (which was given as an own goal), highlighted the team’s focus on causing problems with setpieces, a strategy that proved effective in the match.

The Brazilian said to Premier League Productions:

“I’m so happy to score goals for the team. I think one more minute and Gabriel Martinelli will score three goals.

Ian Wright expressed his satisfaction with Arsenal’s performance in their 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace this afternoon.

The Gunners entered the match on the back of three consecutive losses and were in dire need of a win. Taking advantage of a much-needed break, they spent some days in Dubai before the fixture, aiming to settle nerves and refresh the players for the challenging second half of the season.

Facing a struggling Crystal Palace side, Arsenal dismantled their opponents effortlessly. Despite Palace having a poor game, Arsenal capitalised on their chances, and Wright is pleased with the team’s overall performance.

He said on Premier League productions:

“I thought Arsenal played very well. They had lost three games on the spin and had to come with real determination and spirit to show they can get back right on track.”

Gabriel Martinelli expressed delight following Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace, where his brace played a role in the win.

Arsenal, having lost three consecutive games leading up to this match, was expecting another challenging encounter. However, Crystal Palace performed surprisingly poorly, allowing the Gunners to secure a comfortable victory without being at their best.

While the result may seem flattering, it was a much-needed win for Arsenal as they were desperate to return to form. Martinelli, initially starting the game on the bench, made a significant impact when he came on in the final minutes, contributing two late goals to seal the impressive victory.

After the match, the Brazilian said to the BBC:

“I’m so pleased for the team. I think we needed a performance like that. I’m here to help the team even if I only play one, two or three minutes.