Three things we learned from Arsenal’s 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea in front of a record crowd at The Emirates 

Here's must-read Gooner Fanzine writer Claudia Loy with her Three Things We Learned series on Arsenal Women 

A great deal of versatility was on show

Whether it’s Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord switching flanks in this game, Victoria Pelova playing deeper instead of Kim Little, or Katie McCabe playing at right back, we demonstrated that we have many players who can not only play in different positions but play well in them.

We also have multiple players who can score goals, and multiple players who can switch to a more defensive role.

This is important in the way that we vary our attacks and is a key building block which has informed our recruitment in recent years, but also informed our tactics in this crucial fixture.  

The team had energy despite a grueling international break

Most of the team went on international break and arrived back to training two days before this match but there was no sign of fatigue. One player who stood out in this regard, and always stands out in this regard, is McCabe, who never stopped running up and down the right side of the pitch despite playing over ninety minutes twice for Republic of Ireland over the break.

Alessia Russo’s work rate was also on full display and culminated in some smart play and winning a penalty for the team in the second half, which she later dispatched. She was a constant threat in-behind and showed why she’s not only got the ability to be a clinical finisher but is also a consistently strong presser. 

This was a special day for the club as a whole  

I was at The Emirates, and it struck me how many fans who were new to watching the women’s team attended and enjoyed it.

They were engaged. This day felt like the culmination of a lot of effort from the club.

The preparation, marketing and the one-club mentality was on full display.

There is a great feeling around the club at the moment, and it’s fitting that Gary Lewin, Arsenal’s physio, said that the place was buzzing the following day when the team was back at London Colney, with the men’s players complimenting the women’s team all day.

This is what they deserve.   

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