Pre-Match Report

Manchester City v Arsenal: The Brief

Miedema celebrates

Joe Montemurro’s side head into a huge top-of-the-table clash on Sunday as they face Manchester City at Academy Stadium.

THE STORY SO FAR

We go into this fixture with our perfect start to the season still firmly intact, having picked up nine wins from nine Women’s Super League fixtures.

During our last league outing, a 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, it was the visitors who took the lead - but thanks to strikes from Vivianne Miedema, Dominique Bloodworth, Danielle van de Donk and Beth Mead, we were able to maintain our six-point lead at the top of the table.

We’ve now scored 42 goals over the course of the season so far - averaging 4.6 goals per game - in addition to keeping six clean sheets.

What’s even more impressive, however, is that we’re still yet to concede a single goal away from home in all competitions.

Leah Williamson

THE OPPOSITION

Manchester City are the only other side to remain unbeaten in the WSL this season.

They’re currently second in the table on 21 points, having won six games and drawn three. Their three draws in the league came against Chelsea, Bristol City and Reading; three teams that we beat 5-0, 4-0 and 6-0 respectively. 

They’ve scored 30 goals over the course of the season so far and boast a goal difference of +24 - the second highest in the league.

Ten goals have been scored by England international Nikita Parris, who is currently the all-time leading goalscorer in the WSL.

Nikita Parris

ONE TO WATCH

Vivianne Miedema is the most in-form striker in the WSL this season - and on Sunday she has the opportunity to make history.

Ellen White set the record for the most goals in a single league campaign with 15 for Birmingham City last season, but our Netherlands international is already on 14 having only played nine WSL fixtures. 

The 22-year-old has averaged a goal every 58 minutes and hit the target with 80 per cent of her efforts, but she’s far more than just a finisher. Miedema has also assisted seven times in the league this season, more than any other player. 

Miedema against Liverpool

FOLLOW THE ACTION

You can receive updates on our Twitter account @ArsenalWFC - or you can watch the game live on BBC Red Button and BBC Online