All posts by n8rngtd.top

New head coach Sonia Bompastor marked her first UWCL game in charge of the English champions with a narrow but important victory.

Chelsea could be forgiven for thinking it wasn't going to be their night on Tuesday. Injury, suspension and illness all left the Blues' bench looking light and lacking a goalkeeper, after Lionesses star Hannah Hampton had to pull out of Sonia Bompastor's starting XI in the warm-up. But once things got underway at Stamford Bridge, that luck started to even out as the hosts kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid.

There were just two minutes on the clock when Chelsea got a slice of fortune, the kind that had evaded them in the build-up to the game, as Sjoeke Nusken's header took a heavy deflection off Sheila Garcia and left her goalkeeper, Misa Rodriguez, with absolutely no chance. Before the half-hour mark, Guro Reiten coolly converted from the spot to double that lead and leave the visitors wondering what had hit them. They'd done little wrong and yet they were 2-0 down.

Alba Redondo was able to halve that deficit before the break, capitalising on some sloppy Chelsea defending, but the Blues re-established the two-goal cushion quickly after half time when Misa was beaten by another deflected header, this one from Mayra Ramirez. From there, it was all relatively comfortable until Real Madrid introduced Colombia sensation Linda Caicedo and she got another back for the visitors late on. But the hosts held on and were able to kickstart the group stage with a win.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  Zecira Musovic (6/10):

  Did especially well considering she was thrown into the XI at short notice.

  Lucy Bronze (6/10):

  Struck a nice balance of attack and defence, while admirably sticking to the task of marking Caicedo late on.

  Millie Bright (4/10):

  Got in Musovic's way for Redondo's strike and then was all mixed up for Caicedo's effort.

  Nathalie Bjorn (5/10):

  Too reactive when Chelsea were put under pressure at the back.

  Sandy Baltimore (7/10):

  Showed a fantastic attitude towards the left-back role, when many forwards wouldn't have. A bright spark in attack and was committed defensively.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):

  There was a slice of fortune about her goal but she took up a good position.

  Wieke Kaptein (6/10):

  Battled hard in the middle of the park to win the ball back plenty, though was sloppy for Real Madrid's first goal.

  Lauren James (7/10):

  Was always trying to make things happen and got stuck in, too. Great cross for Ramirez's goal.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (6/10):

  Had some really lively moments in attack, though was beaten too easily by Carmona in the build-up to Redondo's goal.

  Mayra Ramirez (6/10):

  Tried to get as involved as much as she could, despite little service, and capitalised on the best cross that came her way.

  Guro Reiten (6/10):

  Cool as ice with her penalty.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Subs & Manager

  Maika Hamano (5/10):

  Brought plenty of energy to the pitch but couldn't make a significant impact.

  Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10):

  Provided an important outlet as Chelsea saw the game out.

  Ashley Lawrence (6/10):

  Made a couple of important defensive interventions after her introduction.

  Oriane Jean-Francois (N/A):

  Made her Chelsea debut in the closing stages.

  Maelys Mpome (N/A):

  Another debutante late on.

  Sonia Bompastor (7/10):

  It was a risk to play Baltimore at left-back, rather than one of the more natural options on her bench, and it paid dividends as the France star put in a fantastic performance. Was smart with her substitutions when things got nervy late on.

There couldn't have been many better places to play or watch football in England than Selhurst Park towards the end of this season, as new boss Oliver Glasner transformed what once felt like a sterile and listless team into one of the most dynamic ones in the Premier League.

The Austrian led his side to seven wins out of a possible 14 following his arrival, including massive victories over Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, all while playing aesthetically pleasing football.

However, for all his genius, this turnaround was facilitated by some of the extraordinary talents he had at his disposal, players like Eberechi Eze, Jean Phillippe Mateta, and Michael Olise, and if recent reports are to be believed, the South Londoners could soon be about to pull the trick that landed them the latter in 2021.

Crystal Palace transfer news

According to a report from BBC Sport journalist Alex Howell earlier this week, Palace have maintained their interest in and are now "tracking" Norwich City's Brazilian star, Gabriel Sara.

The Canaries ace has been linked to the South Londoners several times this year, but these reports confirm that interest is still there following the Championship side's painful play-off semi-final defeat.

Howell does not mention how much the Eagles could pay to sign the 24-year-old, but a report earlier this year from Football Insider claimed that the Norfolk side would demand £30m for their starman.

It remains to be seen whether the fact they'll still be playing in the second tier next season affects this price, but even if it doesn't, it would make sense for Palace to repeat what they did with Olise and bring Sara to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace could repeat their Olise trick

If Steve Parish and Co are feeling reticent about spending such a sizable fee on a player after an impressive season in the Championship, then he only needs to think back to the club's acquisition of Olise from Reading in 2021. After all, he had a haul of seven goals and 12 assists to his name in 46 Championship games the season prior, and he's turned out rather well for Palace.

In fact, in the Frenchman's 90 first-team appearances for the Eagles since his arrival, he has scored 16 goals and provided 25 assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 2.1 games despite his numerous injury setbacks.

So, with how well the 22-year-old has taken to life in South London, the club should feel confident that the "superb" Sara, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, will do the same. Especially as his output for Norwich this season has been better than the Palace star's was in his final year in the second tier, racking up 14 goals and 13 assists in 53 games.

Moreover, the "ridiculously talented" Joinville-born star, as data analyst Ben Mattinson describes him, has versatility on his side as well. He's started games in the middle of the park, out wide, in defensive midfield, and even in both full-back positions.

Ultimately, there is always going to be an element of risk in signing a player from the Championship, but if any club should be confident about it, it's Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace could sign £51m "monster in the making" to replace Edouard

The impressive prospect could become a leading Premier League striker.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 28, 2024

Glasgow Rangers ended their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign with a dramatic 3-3 draw with Hearts away from Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.

The Light Blues conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to the home side, who had also gone 1-0 up in the game, to end the season eight points adrift of their rivals at the top of the table.

Philippe Clement failed to secure the league title in his first year with the Scottish giants but will now hope to use the experience of this year to push on and win the division next term.

However, before their focus can turn to next season, the Gers have a SFA Cup final clash with Celtic at Hampden Park to think about before the summer transfer window begins.

The Light Blues have an opportunity to secure a domestic double of cups after they won the League Cup final against Aberdeen during the first half of the campaign.

This means that they have a chance to end the season with more trophies (two) than the Hoops (one) if they win on Saturday, albeit having missed out on the biggest prize.

They may, however, have to defend better than they did against Hearts, given that they let in three goals, and Clement could have more options to pick from when his side heads to Hampden, which would then allow him to brutally ditch Leon King from the starting XI.

Latest Rangers injury news

After the 3-3 draw with the Jam Tarts, the Belgian head coach spoke of the importance of Abdallah Sima and Ridvan Yilmaz both getting minutes under their belt off the bench, hailing it as "positive".

Sima's availability could be huge for Rangers from an attacking perspective, as the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee has the potential to be a big player in the final.

As you can see in the table above, the Senegal international carries a significant goal threat, with 11 goals in 17 league starts, and could cause problems for the Celtic defence.

Yilmaz, meanwhile, has created six 'big chances' in 16 starts in the Premiership from left-back, which suggests that the Turkish dynamo could offer attacking quality down the flank from a defensive position.

Clement also said that he is hoping that Leon Balogun will be fit enough to be available for selection, after he was one of three centre-backs – alongside Connor Goldson and John Souttar – absent from the matchday squad on Saturday.

The Gers boss must now ruthlessly ditch King from the lineup at Hampden if the Nigerian colossus is fit and available to play in the cup final.

Why Leon King must be dropped to the bench

The Rangers academy graduate should be dropped to the bench due to the defensive frailties on display in his last two starts for the Scottish giants.

Injuries to Balogun, Souttar, and Goldson have provided him with an opportunity to impress in the last two matches against Dundee and Hearts alongside Ben Davies at the heart of the defence.

The Light Blues, unfortunately, conceded a whopping five goals in those two outings and King's defensive work left a lot to be desired, particularly in his aerial contests.

Across the two games against Hearts and Dundee, the 20-year-old defender competed in 11 aerial duels against opposition forwards and only won two. He lost nine of those contests as his opponents found it far, far, too easy to get the better of him in the air.

After the match on Saturday, Football Insider's Sean Fisher awarded him a poor player rating of 4/10 and wrote that it was an 'underwhelming' performance from the youngster, who was given the runaround by Lawrence Shankland.

The Hearts striker won six of his eight aerial duels and scored for the away side, which shows that he dominated Rangers in the air and did enough to get himself on the scoresheet, as they failed to keep him quiet.

This is why Clement must now brutally drop King down to the bench as the inexperienced, with 36 first-team appearances for the club, centre-back has not stepped up to the plate in the past week and does not have the experience of playing in big games.

Whereas, Balogun, should Clement have him available, is almost the perfect player to bring in to replace him, given his quality on the pitch this season and history of playing in big matches.

Why Leon Balogun should be unleashed at Hampden

The veteran defender should be unleashed from the start at Hampden as he has been a better defensive option than King in the Premiership during the 2023/24 campaign.

He also has the edge over the youngster when it comes to experience as the 35-year-old colossus has played 83 games for the club in all competitions, and has won the Premiership, the League Cup, and the SFA Cup.

Balogun lined up at the heart of the defence alongside Goldson as the Gers kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Hampden in the League Cup final earlier this term, which speaks to his ability to step up on the big occasion.

The Nigerian titan, who was once hailed as a "tremendous" player by ex-Rangers man Alex Rae, has also been a star on the pitch when called upon in the top-flight this term.

As you can see in the table above, the experienced giant has outperformed King in the Premiership with his fantastic defensive work for the Scottish giants.

Firstly, the ex-QPR star is able to win possession back for his side through tackles and interceptions significantly more frequently than the youngster, which suggests that he has a greater chance to cut out Celtic attacks in the final.

It is also night and day between the pair when it comes to their success in aerial duels and that is one of the biggest reasons why Balogun must start at Hampden, as he could be needed to deal with the threat of Adam Idah.

Rangers eyeing "terrific" signing who's a bigger talent than McCausland

The Light Blues are reportedly keen on a move for the talented youngster this summer.

By
Dan Emery

May 16, 2024

The 6 foot 3 Celtic striker won 64% of his aerial contests in the Premiership and could bully King in the air, which is why Balogun must be brought in to nullify the Norwich City loanee.

Cole Palmer says he should have scored "five or six" in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Brighton – and coach Enzo Maresca agreed with him.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2
• Palmer scores four goals
• Says he should have bagged more

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international put on a masterclass with four goals in a thrilling win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Despite becoming the first player to score four goals in a first half in Premier League history, the former Manchester City man was not entirely satisfied – nor was Blues boss Maresca.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT COLE PALMER SAID

  He told : "I should have had five or six! When I missed the first chance I was upset but with the way they played and their high line I felt we'd get more chances. The manager set up a good game plan, we knew how to attack them with first-time passes in behind. Brighton are a good team, pass the ball well. [Brighton] play similarly to us. Three points is what we needed and that is what we got. I try and play every game the best I can."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since signing for Chelsea last summer, Palmer has scored 31 goals and bagged 19 assists in just 53 games. He is currently showing that last season's numbers were not a fluke – with some Blues fans calling him the "best in the world".

  Head coach Maresca also heaped praise on him but felt he could do even better.

  The Italian said: "[Palmer] scored four, I told him he could have scored two or three more. I knew Cole from years ago at City, he is a top player and just has to continue in the same way."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  After his goalscoring heroics in the Premier League, Palmer's Chelsea side host Gent in their next Europa Conference League match on Thursday – a game the 22-year-old will not be playing in as he is not in the Blues' squad for the competition.

Luke Shaw might not return for Manchester United until after the October international break as Erik ten Hag delivered an honest update on his injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Shaw nursing a calf injury
• His progress has been slow
• Might not be available until late October

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Shaw has been absent from the United squad since February 18, with a calf injury derailing the latter part of his 2023-24 season. Although the left-back did manage to make a return for England during the summer’s European Championship in the later stages of the tournament, another setback in pre-season has continued to keep him out of action.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Shaw's progress has been at a snail's pace which has further worried Ten Hag. The defender was anticipated to return in September but is running behind schedule and could potentially take close to a month more before being available for selection again.

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  During a press conference ahead of United's Europa League clash against Twente, Ten Hag addressed questions regarding Shaw’s recovery timeline, offering a cautious update on the situation.

  “I think it’s probably [before the break], but I can’t say I'm 100 per cent sure,” Ten Hag said when asked if Shaw could return before the October international break.

  "The plan is just to be back before but as I say I can’t say this 100 per cent for sure. It could also be shortly after the break.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Shaw’s continued absence places additional pressure on United’s defensive options, especially with Tyrell Malacia also ruled out for an extended period. Although the young defender is back in a measured capacity at Carrington, he will not be available against Twente. In their absence, Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui will likely continue to feature as a full-back along with Diogo Dalot on the other side.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are really pressing to sign a highly-rated star for their central defence, regardless of claims he could cost £86 million.

Arsenal targeting new defender as Edu eyes four summer signings

Sporting director Edu vowed this week to keep on improving the Arsenal squad, coming after they managed to tie down midfielder Jorginho for another full season.

Arsenal looking into signing "phenomenal" £34 million Partey replacement

The Gunners could wave goodbye to him this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 10, 2024

This message is relayed by Standard Sport journalist Simon Collings, who also shared his own information that Arsenal want a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward as they seek to back Mikel Arteta for next season.

"We’re very happy to have Jorgi sign a contract extension with us," said Edu on Jorginho's new deal. "He represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success. “I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us, not only the players and coaches, but all the staff behind the scenes as well.

“It’s great that Jorginho remains with us, as we continue building to be better and stronger."

Some reports have claimed that Arsenal could even be set for a record summer spend this year, despite the club splashing out £208 million in total on new arrivals in 2023. A new centre-back is on Edu's agenda at Arsenal, with the likes of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Sporting Lisbon starlet Ousmane Diomande linked since the start of this year.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been crucial at the back for Arteta over the last two seasons, but as we've seen from Jurrien Timber's ACL injury at the start of this season, either one of them could be unavailable in the blink of an eye.

Arsenal need astute defensive back ups/alternatives to the duo, and one player who they rate very highly in this regard is 18-year-old centre-half Jorrel Hato. The Ajax starlet, who recently signed a new deal, has been tipped to bring in £86 million by journalist Suleyman Ozturk.

“This is a player who represents a transfer value of a hundred million euros, if you think about the future," wrote Ozturk (via Soccer News).

"Perhaps he will be the first Ajax player to be sold for more than a hundred million euros."

Arsenal "pushing" to sign Jorrel Hato and convinced they can do it

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, reliable transfer reporter Romano has claimed Arsenal are "pushing" to sign Hato and convinced they can strike a deal – regardless of his new contract.

“Yes, Arsenal are also working on their future, we know they have many wonderkids in the academy, but there is a player they love. He is playing at Ajax, a centre-back and it is Jorrel Hato,” Romano said.

“Hato signed a new deal at Ajax two months ago, but Arsenal are still following him. They believe Hato is a top centre-back in terms of potential. Keep an eye on Arsenal, they are still pushing for Hato, they believe they are frontrunners in the race to sign him. Let’s see if they can make it happen this summer or if it has to be in the future.”

Hoping to make their return to the Premier League's top four next season to prove that the 2022/23 campaign was no blip, Newcastle United are now reportedly in pole position to land a key player in pursuit of their ambitions.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have learned a harsh lesson in squad depth this season, with Eddie Howe's injury list often leaving him short on options as he attempts to navigate playing in four competitions. And that injury list is only set to continue into the next campaign, given that both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffered ACL injuries that will rule them out of the start of next season.

Wow: Newcastle reportedly in pole position to snap up off-field addition

A “very important offer” has been made.

By
Henry Jackson

May 1, 2024

The transfer window should help solve Newcastle's problem in the form of Tosin Adarabioyo, however. Reports suggest that those at St James' Park are set to sign the Fulham defender on a free deal this summer upon the expiry of his current deal at Craven Cottage.

Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly could then follow suit in a similar deal as a free agent this summer. But that will still leave Newcastle with a midfield problem that will prove to be a more expensive fix if reports are to be believed.

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle are leading the way to sign Amadou Onana this summer alongside Arsenal and Bayern Munich in a deal that could be worth over £50m in the coming months. This wouldn't be the first time that Newcastle and Everton have done business around that price range, having previously agreed a deal that saw Anthony Gordon head to St James' Park in a deal worth £45m.

That deal has since paid dividends for the Magpies, who have seen Gordon discover his best form in the current campaign. Now, they could see the same happen with Onana if they push on and beat Bayern Munich and Arsenal to the midfielder's signature.

"Exciting" Onana can replace Longstaff

If Newcastle want to push on and return to the Champions League places next season then players of Onana's potential will quickly prove to be the key, especially in place of the likes of Sean Longstaff. What's more, the return of Sandro Tonali will also hand Howe a major boost and perhaps even give Onana the perfect partner if he completes a move this summer.

The Belgian has received high praise during his time in England too, including from former Everton and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, who told Sky Sports "Really exciting footballer. I know that sometimes when we speak about players, it’s very difficult to measure their potential. I think we are talking about a 20-year-old boy, who is probably one of the most talented at that age in European football, and that’s how excited we are in Belgium.

“He’s got the physicality and the presence of a player that the Everton fans know very well in Marouane Fellaini. He can become anything in that central area, so I can understand the excitement around Everton – this is one of the most exciting prospects in European football at this present time.”

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly thinking over a move to Saudi Arabia as Real Madrid have already identified a replacement for the iconic Italian coach.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ancelotti has a contract at Real Madrid until 2026
• Italian manager being courted by SPL
• If Ancelotti leaves, Alonso will take over

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez, Ancelotti is seriously weighing his options regarding a potential departure from Real Madrid, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a possible destination. Alvarez has reported that Ancelotti has received a major offer from the Middle Eastern country, as they are eager to add him to their rapidly growing football project.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Though Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid in November 2023, a deal that runs until 2026, he can choose to leave the capital club earlier than the 2025-26 season. Real Madrid have already begun laying the groundwork for life after the Italian coach and have shortlisted Xabi Alonso as the ideal candidate to take over as manager when the time comes. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been garnering praise for his tactical acumen and leadership abilities since taking the reins in Germany. And his stock has been rising steadily after he guided them to a domestic double last season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Liverpool and Bayern Munich were eager to sign Alonso to lead their fresh sporting projects after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, respectively but Alsonso chose to continue his journey at Bay Arena. With Alonso committed to Leverkusen for the 2024 season, Real Madrid can closely monitor his progress and assess his suitability to take over from Ancelotti. Moreover, club president Florentino Perez and the board are believed to be impressed with Alonso’s development as a coach, and they see him as the ideal figure to lead the club in the coming years.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Ancelotti has time and again insisted that he would continue at Real Madrid until he is forced to leave. If the manager continues to deliver trophies then it is more likely that he will continue at the Bernabeu hotseat until the expiry of his current deal. However, if the substantial financial offer from Saudi Arabia gives him food for thought, Real Madrid are ready to usher in a new era with a club legend in Alonso at the helm.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been subtly criticised this week for letting go of a player who's now thriving away from north London.

Casualties of the Postecoglou era at Spurs

The Australian's promising debut campaign in the Spurs dugout has seen a few players become regular first-team stars, like Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, but the same cannot be said of a few others.

Tottenham eyeing zero cost move for £250,000-per-week ace hailed by Carrick

He’s set to leave his club as a free agent,

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 17, 2024

Once a mainstay under Antonio Conte and previous Tottenham bosses, midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been the main casualty of Postecoglou's arrival. The Denmark international has actually featured in nearly every single Premier League game, playing in 31 out of 32, but only six of them have been starts.

Indeed, Hojbjerg's status as a substitute has prompted reports that the 28-year-old could seek to move on this summer, especially as he enters the final year of his contract.

“Hojbjerg, there has been a conversation for a while now that maybe his Tottenham career was over," said pundit Alan Hutton to Tottenham News this week.

"Ange has brought him back in from time to time and he has played minutes but not as regularly as he would want. I genuinely believe he would have left before now but with a new manager coming in, he probably thought he had an opportunity to force his way in, but it has not quite happened. Again, if they’re going to bring in a midfielder who is relatively similar then you’re thinking maybe my time is up here so he’s somebody who will be looking at his options again come the summer.”

Hojbjerg is by no means the only player to suffer Postecoglou's axe after being a regular before. Former defender Eric Dier, who will fully join Bayern Munich on a permanent deal this summer when his loan expires, was banished from the first team starting line up week-in, week-out by Postecoglou in favour of 2023 summer signing Micky van de Ven.

The 30-year-old wasn't a suitable fit for Tottenham's new high-pressing style, as his pace was pretty limited in comparison to van de Ven, but Postecoglou didn't even select him when both Cristian Romero and van de Ven were injured around December-time.

Ange criticised for underestimating in-form Dier

However, Dier has now turned over a new leaf and found excellent form at Bayern, becoming one of their bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Interestingly, Postecoglou has been criticised for underestimating Dier and thinking he was a "discontinued model" by newspaper Illertisser Zeitung (via Sport Witness) – who rave over the Englishman as a shining light under Thomas Tuchel.

"The more I look at his profile, the more I see it," said Rugby coach Eddie Jones a few years ago.

"He is totally selfless; will shift from midfield, centre-back and right-back at a moment’s notice."

Boasting stars like Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy, Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall has plenty of quality to choose from

On Wednesday, Arsenal’s season begins as the Gunners take on Rangers in the first round of Women’s Champions League qualifying. Jonas Eidevall’s side have a tough draw as they look to exorcise the demons of last season, in which they fell at this stage. Fortunately, they have plenty of talent to call upon in their bid to do so after a strong transfer window.

The departure of Vivianne Miedema, and her subsequent signing with Women’s Super League rivals Manchester City, drew plenty of criticism earlier this summer and it could well come back to bite Arsenal, not least when they face the Cityzens on the opening weekend of the league season. However, there have been plenty of exciting incomings, too.

Mariona Caldentey, a quadruple-winner at Barcelona, arrives to bolster the front line, while youngster Rosa Kafaji has shown in pre-season that she can help make up for some of that attacking threat the Gunners have lost in Miedema. At the back, Eidevall appears to have finally got the No.1 goalkeeper he desires, too, in Daphne van Domselaar.

But these players join a squad that is already stacked with star talent, featuring huge names such as England Lionesses Beth Mead and Alessia Russo. So how will it all come together? GOAL takes a look at how Arsenal could line up this season…

• Getty Images
  

  GK: Daphne van Domselaar

  Arsenal fans have still to see Van Domselaar in action and yet it feels like the No.1 spot will be hers. The Gunners have been in the market for a new goalkeeper for a while now and the fact that they have signed one of Europe’s most promising shot-stoppers, after being heavily linked with Mary Earps for a long time before she joined Paris Saint-Germain, suggests that Eidevall hasn’t been searching for someone to simply provide depth behind Manuela Zinsberger.

  The Austria international has been harshly criticised at times in her Arsenal career, with a shaky defence not helping her case, but the commanding of her box can be inconsistent and lead to errors. She still has a huge role to play at the club and will get chances to shine, but Van Domselaar is likely to receive the larger bulk of starts.

  That might not be the case this week, with the Dutchwoman not featuring in pre-season as she works her way to full fitness, and Zinsberger will be keen to make a statement if she instead gets the nod in Arsenal’s European qualifiers. Over time, though, Van Domselaar looks set to come out on top in this positional battle.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  RB: Emily Fox

  Emily Fox has been superb since arriving at the club in January and is one of the best in the world in her position, so should continue to keep her spot in Arsenal’s first choice XI locked down.

  The United States star won’t play every game, especially when factoring in those trans-Atlantic flights for international duty, and that’s where Laura Wienroither will provide good depth and a more than capable option for rotation. But Fox is certainly on top in the pecking order.

• Getty Images
  

  CB: Lotte Wubben-Moy

  There are a few differences for Arsenal when it comes to their centre-back options this season. Leah Williamson is back to full fitness after an ACL injury, but Amanda Ilestedt will miss at least the majority of the campaign after announcing her pregnancy in March. That, then, gives promising teenager Katie Reid a chance to be in the picture for minutes when Arsenal rotate, the young defender having impressed plenty in pre-season.

  However, when it comes to the regular starting roles, it’ll be Williamson, Laia Codina and Lotte Wubben-Moy battling it out, and the latter should rack up plenty of games as she looks to build on a fantastic 2023-24 campaign. In Williamson’s absence, the England defender was superb for the Gunners, showing her qualities as a footballer and a leader.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  CB: Leah Williamson

  Williamson found things difficult upon her return from that devastating knee injury last season, but this pre-season campaign has allowed her to shake off any rust as she prepares to get stuck back into competitive action, a luxury she wasn’t afforded by her January comeback. As the summer has progressed, Williamson has looked sharper and sharper, which certainly bodes well for Arsenal moving into 2024-25.

  Codina, also battling for minutes here, should improve this season after some tricky moments in her first year in England and she will hope to showcase her qualities in a bid for regular starts when given the chance. Still, it seems likely that Eidevall’s first choice centre-back pair will consist of Williamson and Wubben-Moy.