We're back at Emirates Stadium for another clash in the Barclays Women's Super League as we take on Everton.
Our Gunners remain unbeaten in the league so far, whilst the Toffees have yet to earn a point in their opening two fixtures. All the action in N5 kicks off at 2pm (UK).
last time around
Last season's home leg against the Toffees ended in a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead.
On the return fixture, Brian Sorensen's side bagged their first point in 11 years against us, after Alessia Russo's goal was cancelled out by a 95th-minute equaliser from Issy Hobson.
THE OPPOSITION
Despite a spirited performance against Manchester United, Everton are still waiting for their first point and first goal in the 2024/25 season. They held the Red Devils to a narrow victory last weekend after they were dealt an opening day wake-up call by Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Toffees have also had terrible medical luck at the start of the season with two ACL injuries in back-to-back league matches. Summer signing Inma Gabarro was stretched off in the first half against Manchester United, after Aurora Galli had suffered the same fate in their season opener against Brighton.
This is Brian Sorensen's third season in charge of the club and his side will be desperate to bounce back after a difficult start to proceedings.
FACTS AND STATS
- We have won all 10 home fixtures against Everton in the Women's Super League. No side has ever recorded more home wins against an opponent in the league's history
- From August 2013 to January 2024, the Toffees lost 16 successive league matches against us. They broke this streak last time around with a 1-1 draw on Merseyside
- If we avoid defeat this afternoon, our Gunners will have been unbeaten across the opening three league fixtures for six seasons out of the last seven
- Should Everton lose, they will become the first WSL team to have 100 league defeats
- Jonas Eidevall has won 49 of his 68 matches in charge. Victory over Everton will make him the second-quickest manager to reach 50 WSL wins
- In both of our WSL matches so far, Frida Maanum has opened the scoring. If she does the same today, Frida will be the first Arsenal player to score the opening goal in three consecutive matches
- Caitlin Foord has recorded five goals in seven starts against Everton in the Women's Super League. Tottenham Hotspur is the only opponent she has scored more against
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Eidevall on the match: "You know my players and team. We’re not the team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough. We’re going to dig deeper than we’ve ever done before and we’re going to try to fuel our performances from that.
"I think it’s apparent that every team is strengthening year-to-year. It’s such an evolving league and that’s why it’s so challenging and why it’s so exciting to be a part of."
Sorensen on us: “Arsenal are a really well-coached side, who are organised and hard to play against. They have extremely good talent in the squad and key players who know the game super well.
“It’s one of the toughest challenges you can face and on top of that, it’s at the Emirates. It’s a big task, but as always, we prepare to go out there. We set the team up to get something out of the game and to win – not to defend for 90 minutes. That’s not our identity and not what we want to do."
TEAM NEWS
Following their return to team training, Leah Williamson and Steph Catley are both in contention for the squad. Lina Hurtig also took part in training at Sobha Realty Training Centre but Eidevall did not provide a fitness update for her.
Meanwhile, Laura Wienroither is unavailable after picking up a knock in the warm-up last weekend. Our head coach confirmed the injury was "minor".
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Stacey Pearson
Assistant referees: Isabel Chaplin and Anastasiya Voloshchuk
Fourth official: Amy Fearn
HOW TO WATCH
For those unable to watch live in N5, the match will be streamed worldwide* on the official Barclays WSL Youtube channel. Supporters in Australia can follow along via Optus Sport.
*Worldwide excludes the following countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Sweden and Switzerland
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