Jonas Eidevall's Arsenal make the trip down the M4 today, Sunday (October 22) when the Gunners face Bristol City at Ashton Gate. 

The team come into the game on a high, following their late comeback against Aston Villa last weekend at the Emirates, when Arsenal came back from 1-0 down to clinch a thrilling, last-gasp victory. 

Ahead of the clash against City, Claudia Loy reflects on last weekend's exciting match with the latest in our series 'Three Things We Learned', from Arsenal’s victory against Aston Villa at the Emirates

Beth Mead was and is a catalyst

After 11 months out with an ACL injury, it’s not a coincidence that Arsenal scored twice after she came on just before extra time. The fans came alive, and the players know how good she is, and how hard she has worked to get back to her best. This gave them both a a lift.

Alessia Russo alluded to this in her post match interview with the BBC, saying ‘You can see by the reception she got here today how important she is. We feel exactly the same as players. We know the quality she has, she’s a top, top player.’ The team played on the front foot from the minute her feet crossed the touchline. The fact she scored the winner was pretty emotional.

The team has a special mindset

Whether it’s Lotte Wubben-Moy’s last-ditch tackle in extra time which she celebrated like she scored a goal, or her choice of pass shortly before arsenal’s winning goal, the lifelong Gooner’s focus and spirit for the entire 100+ minutes encapsulates this team’s strong mentality and never say die attitude.

In pressure situations, it’s not easy to maintain both composure and intensity, and they did this brilliantly. You can also see the togetherness. That’s the word they all use when asked to describe AWFC in one word, and that’s the word they used in the huddle after the game. ‘1,2,3…TEAM!’

We should be aiming to make the Emirates our home going forward

Whether it was selling out the Emirates in the UEFA Women’s champions league last season or the record WSL attendance at the Emirates for the opening game of this season, the appetite for games there is clear. The group have far outgrown Borehamwood and that’s great to see.

Step by step, we want Arsenal to be leading the way in pushing for bigger attendances in a steady, sustainable way. There are only 11 home games a year, so eventually they will all be at the Emirates. Whether it’s the near or medium future, time will tell.

Bristol City vs Arsenal is on Sky Sports from 630pm today