It looks increasingly as if Arsenal have begun to build a side truly capable of winning the WSL this season. The squad of the winners of the first two WSL titles initially looked like they may struggle to match the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in 2016, but after an impressive 3-1 win over Reading last night and the unveiling of new signing, Jodie Taylor from Portland Thorns, that looks to have changed.
Manager Pedro Martinez Losa has done some stellar business since the end of last campaign, with most notably England great Fara Williams joining the club. The arrival of fellow England star Jodie Taylor though could potentially be a game changer for Arsenal’s WSL ambitions this season.
In recent seasons Losa’s side have arguably missed that top quality striker, and it was the lack of goals last season that was in a way, their downfall. Therefore the signing of Jodie Taylor, who was excellent for the Lionesses at the 2015 World Cup will heavily improve the team.
Taylor is back in England for the first time in three years, after spells in Sweden, Australia, and America, and is the type of player that could lead Arsenal to glory this season.
The Gunners managed to beat one of Taylor’s former sides Birmingham, in the FA Women’s Cup, on penalties at the weekend but got off to a flying start in the WSL on Wednesday night. They managed to overcome newly promoted Reading with a number of players putting in particularly good displays.
It says something about the quality in the Arsenal team, that the likes of Fara Williams and Casey Stoney were only on the bench, as the Gunners went straight to the top of WSL 1 after the opening game. Also among the substitutes was Natalia Pablos Sanchon, who did well last season, and legend Kelly Smith, who could struggle for game time with the options Losa now has at his disposal in the attacking areas.
Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala is one of those players that could keep Smith and Natalia out of the team. Oshoala has just recently joined the club this month after arriving from Liverpool and opened her account on debut in the win over Reading, scoring her teams second just after the break. Also on the score-sheet was Dominique Janssen, the Dutch midfielder, and Danielle Carter who sealed the win with 20 minutes remaining.
The depth in Arsenal’s side is now becoming something to admire. Rachel Yankey joined Notts County on loan despite recently signing a new deal with the club, but the sides attacking options are becoming ever greater. It’s the area of the team that they really needed to improve, and with the additions they have made, their bid for the WSL title in 2016 has been boosted massively.
Not only will the attacking signings made significantly aid Arsenal’s cause, but of course the addition of Fara Williams will bring lots to the team on and off the pitch. Meanwhile German defender Josephine Henning will add to an already strong looking defence.
For Arsenal this season, things look very much on the up, but with Manchester City away to come next, it will be a game that will really prove whether or not Losa’s players are up for the test.
