Arsenal Women’s Champions League Triumph Masks Deep-Seated Team Issues
This season was supposed to be a triumphant one for Arsenal Women, especially after their seismic Women’s Champions League final victory over Barcelona. Despite big achievements and high hopes, the team is now grappling with internal issues and underwhelming league performances.
This article takes a look at the complexities facing Arsenal Women this season. Injuries, dressing room unrest, and deeper cultural challenges have all crept in.
Arsenal Women’s Champions League Triumph and Transfer Success
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The season started with sky-high expectations after Arsenal’s historic Champions League win over Barcelona. That victory was a huge milestone for head coach Renee Slegers and her squad.
The summer transfer window brought in record-breaking winger Olivia Smith from Liverpool, adding even more firepower. England’s successful European Championship title defense also showcased Arsenal players like Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and Michelle Agyemang.
These achievements made it look like Arsenal Women were ready to reclaim the Women’s Super League (WSL) title for the first time since 2018-19. Fans were buzzing, and honestly, who could blame them?
Early Season Struggles and Injury Woes
Despite all that promise, Arsenal Women hit some big bumps early on. After nine league matches, they’re sitting fourth in the WSL table, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
A goalless draw with rivals Tottenham Hotspur on November 17 meant they’d dropped more points in their first nine league matches than any season since 2014. Injuries have piled up, too.
Leah Williamson missed time due to a knee injury from Euro 2025. Kim Little also sat out crucial matches with a knock. These setbacks have really exposed deeper issues in the squad.
Internal Challenges and Dressing Room Dynamics
People close to the club say this season’s patchy performances point to bigger cultural and structural problems. Even with the club’s commitment to the women’s team, there’s still some uncertainty about how it fits into Arsenal’s overall strategy.
A survey early in the 2025-26 season showed some improvements from past years, but negative feedback from several players made it clear that squad culture still needs work.
Unrest and Influence in the Dressing Room
Unrest in the dressing room has stuck around for years. A small group of players holds a lot of sway, which has led to tension and a lack of unity.
The horseshoe-shaped seating plan, where players sit based on when they joined, has built up a sense of hierarchy. As the women’s game has grown, so has players’ influence, but the club hasn’t really tackled this shift.
Some players find the dressing room a tough place to feel comfortable. One source even called it “so competitive and yet so disrespectful.” That’s a harsh environment for anyone.
Leadership and Management Challenges
Jonas Eidevall’s three-year run as manager ended in October 2024, with growing disunity in the dressing room playing a big part. Renee Slegers took over first as interim, then got the permanent job in January.
She’s respected for her coaching, but some say she lacks player-management experience. Above Slegers, there’s been a lack of clear strategy and accountability, which only adds to the disjointed team dynamics.
Recent structural changes and departures of key figures, like executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, have complicated things even more.
Squad Management and Development
Arsenal Women’s approach to squad management has faced criticism, especially when it comes to pathways for young and incoming players. The club created a head of player development role to bridge the gap between the first team and academy, but challenges remain.
Players like Kathrine Kuhl and Freya Godfrey left to find more opportunities elsewhere. While some moves seemed right for those players, it’s clear the club needs a more strategic approach to building the squad.
Commercial Success Amid On-Field Struggles
Off the pitch, Arsenal Women have absolutely smashed it commercially. Deloitte reports they brought in £15.3 million in revenue during the 2023-24 season—the highest of any WSL club.
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Matchday revenue and sponsorship deals soared, thanks in part to more games at the 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium. But the team’s on-field performance hasn’t kept pace with these off-field wins.
Future Prospects and Potential Solutions
The recent 2-1 win against Real Madrid snapped a three-match winless run and boosted their Champions League hopes. A top-three WSL finish is still possible, though the team’s ambitions go further.
To get there, Arsenal Women need to deal with the root issues in the squad. That means better player-management, a more united squad culture, and a smarter approach to building the team. Aligning the women’s setup with the club’s overall strategy is crucial for lasting success, though honestly, it’s easier said than done.
Conclusion
Arsenal Women’s season? It’s been a real rollercoaster. The Champions League win stands out as a massive highlight.
Commercially, they’ve made some impressive moves. But honestly, the team still faces some tough challenges both on and off the pitch.
They need to sort out internal issues and handle squad management better. It wouldn’t hurt to get the women’s setup more in sync with the rest of the club, either.
Want more details? Check out the full article on the New York Times.