Arsenal Women: Trailblazers

Arsenal Women 1-1 Aston Villa. Twenty-six shots, 65% possession and another two points dropped at the Emirates. Aston Villa managed one shot in the entire game, scored from it and left with a point.I was at the Emirates on Sunday, and I came away wondering how we're still watching Arsenal struggle with the same problems eight games into the WSL season.In this episode of Trailblazers, I'm looking at what went wrong, why Arsenal's attacking play was so ineffective despite dominating possession and whether Renée Slegers made the right decisions at half-time.We discuss Leah Williamson's decision-making, Caitlin Foord's outstanding contribution, Steph Catley's defensive performance and the injury concern surrounding her.And then there are the substitutions.Why did Géraldine Reuteler and Taylor Hinds come off at half-time? What did Emily Fox and Lisa Baum bring to the game? And would moving Alessia Russo into the 9, Reuteler into the 10 and Olivia Smith onto the right wing have given Arsenal a better chance of breaking Villa down?We also examine Renée's post-game press conference, including her suggestion that the debate surrounding Russo's position has been discussed too much.The issue isn't whether Alessia can play as a number 10. It's whether Arsenal are getting the best out of the attacking talent available.Most concerning of all, Renée acknowledged that Arsenal seem to be playing the same game over and over again.So if the manager recognises the problems, why aren't we seeing them fixed?It's another frustrating afternoon for Arsenal supporters, but there's still plenty to discuss, including some excellent individual performances and a lovely moment involving a father and daughter attending their first Arsenal Women game.Join the conversation on Instagram @arsenalwomentrailblazers.Keep Trailblazing!

Arsenal Women face Aston Villa in the Women's Super League on Sunday, but don't be fooled by Villa's position in the table. Brian Sørensen has started turning things around, and they're arriving at the Emirates with two consecutive league victories and some dangerous attacking players.In this episode of Trailblazers, I'm taking a closer look at Aston Villa, what Sørensen has changed and why this could be a more difficult game for Arsenal than some supporters are expecting.We'll examine Amalie Vangsgaard's impressive recent form, the threat posed by former Arsenal defender Noëlle Maritz and how Villa's wing-backs could create problems for Renée Slegers' team.But there are weaknesses Arsenal can exploit, particularly around Villa's defensive shape, and I've got some ideas about how we can make life difficult for them.We'll also cover the latest Arsenal injury news, the selection decisions that matter for this particular opponent and what I'll be watching for tactically on Sunday.And yes, after finally getting a score prediction right against Benfica, I'm making another one!My prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa.Can Arsenal make it three victories in a row, or will Villa's recent improvement cause us problems?Join the conversation on Instagram @arsenalwomentrailblazers and follow Trailblazers for independent, research-led Arsenal Women analysis.Keep Trailblazing!

Arsenal Women 3-0 Benfica, Alessia Russo scores a Champions League hat-trick and Géraldine Reuteler finally gets her first start. What a difference a few days make!After weeks of frustration, we've now beaten Tottenham and followed it up with one of our most convincing performances of the season. And for once, I'm feeling considerably more optimistic about where Arsenal are heading.In this episode of Trailblazers, I'm looking back at Wednesday's Women's Champions League victory, including Alessia Russo's record-breaking evening, Géraldine Reuteler's impressive first start and what I thought was Ona Batlle's best performance of the season.We'll also discuss Élisa de Almeida's first start, Arsenal's improved defensive organisation and why I'm still not completely convinced by Renée Slegers' attacking positions, despite scoring three goals.And having been increasingly critical of Renée's decisions recently, I'm more than happy to give her credit for the changes that worked against Benfica.There's also plenty to discuss from her post-game press conference, particularly what she said about integrating Arsenal's new signings and developing partnerships within the squad.Have Arsenal finally turned a corner, and has Géraldine Reuteler done enough to earn another start?Join the conversation on Instagram @arsenalwomentrailblazers and read my full analysis on the Trailblazers website.If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow, leave a rating or review and share it with another Arsenal supporter.Keep Trailblazing!

Arsenal Women have finally returned to winning ways in the WSL, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the North London Derby. And after a frustrating few weeks, those three points feel pretty good!Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo scored the goals, nearly 4,000 travelling Arsenal supporters had something to celebrate and Renée Slegers made several changes we’d been calling for.But has this victory really changed anything?In this episode of Trailblazers, Roberto takes a closer look at Arsenal’s performance, from Taylor Hinds’ opportunity at left-back and the continuing debate around Alessia Russo’s best position to our struggles creating chances despite dominating possession.There’s also the increasingly difficult question of Géraldine Reuteler’s continued absence, Renée’s substitutions and what the manager’s post-game comments reveal about her plans for the team.With Benfica in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the WSL coming up, we’ll soon discover whether Saturday was a turning point or simply a very welcome three points.A North London Derby victory is always worth celebrating. But we’re not ignoring the bigger picture.In this episode:Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Tottenham and the key momentsRenée Slegers’ team selection and tactical changesAlessia Russo, Olivia Smith and Arsenal’s attacking structureWhy Arsenal are still struggling to convert possession into goalsGéraldine Reuteler and the unanswered recruitment questionsRenée’s post-game comments and what comes nextFollow Trailblazers for independent, research-led Arsenal Women analysis, and join the conversation on Instagram @arsenalwomentrailblazers.Keep Trailblazing!

Arsenal Women dropped more points at the Emirates after a frustrating 1–1 draw with Birmingham City, leaving supporters asking some increasingly difficult questions about Renée Slegers and the direction of the team.In this episode of Trailblazers, Roberto Revilla takes an in-depth look at what went wrong, why the same problems keep appearing and whether Arsenal are making the best use of their talented squad.I examine Alessia Russo’s outstanding individual performance and why playing her behind Stina Blackstenius might be limiting Arsenal’s attacking threat. I ask why Géraldine Reuteler is still waiting for a proper opportunity to start, question the timing of Renée’s substitutions and discuss the defensive problems developing around Ona Batlle at left-back.There’s also praise for Olivia Smith’s brilliant equaliser, Emily Fox’s impact from the bench and Birmingham’s outstanding Océane Hurtré, alongside a closer look at Georgia Stanway, Kim Little and the changes that could help Arsenal regain control of games.Finally, Roberto tackles the difficult question facing Arsenal supporters: how do we balance our respect for everything Renée Slegers has achieved with growing concerns about the decisions she’s making now?An honest, thoughtful conversation about Arsenal Women, without the shouting, the scapegoating or pretending everything will be fine.Join the conversation:Website: https://www.arsenalwomentrailblazers.comFollow Arsenal Women Trailblazers on Instagram @arsenalwomentrailblazersIf you enjoy the podcast, please follow Trailblazers on your favourite podcast app and share this episode with another Arsenal Women supporter to help grow our community!

Hi from the Emirates Stadium and I give my instant reaction following both the first half and full time whistle at the Arsenal v Birmingham City match which ended 1-1.As I predicted in the preview, Oceane Hurtre did have an impact and scored, we had to fight back from 1-0 down and managed to salvage a point thanks to a moment of magic from Olivia Smith. I'll be back soon with the full match report and analysis.

Arsenal Women are back at the Emirates this Saturday, and after a brilliant international break for several of our players, I'm hoping they've remembered to bring their scoring boots home!But there's some worrying injury news to discuss before Birmingham City arrive.Mariona Caldentey faces eight to ten weeks out with a hamstring injury, while Selina Cerci has undergone knee surgery. Two significant setbacks for Renée Slegers, but could this finally be Géraldine Reuteler's opportunity to establish herself in the Arsenal starting eleven?In this episode, I'm looking at what those injuries mean for the squad, who moves up the pecking order and why I'd love to see the Smilla Holmberg and Lisa Baum partnership reunited on Arsenal's right.We also preview Birmingham City, including the threat posed by Océane Hurtré, who's already scored five league goals this season.I'll share my preferred Arsenal starting eleven, explain why I'd make some changes following the international break and give you my score prediction.And congratulations to Trailblazer Aris from Kentish Town, who's joining me in Club Level on Saturday after winning my spare ticket!My prediction? Arsenal 4–1 Birmingham.Perhaps all those international goals have gone to my head, but I'm feeling optimistic!

We only had a good news episode on Monday, but apparently the Arsenal Women players decided we needed another one!It's been a remarkable few days for our Gunners on international duty, with Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, Stina Blackstenius, Smilla Holmberg, Caitlin Foord and Olivia Smith all finding the net for their countries.Alessia scored twice for England, Stina bagged another brace for Sweden and Smilla celebrated turning twenty with a goal and an assist.Seven Arsenal goals on Tuesday alone, plus Olivia's contribution for Canada on Monday. Not bad!After a difficult few weeks at club level, Roberto takes a few minutes to celebrate the players, enjoy their international success and look ahead to their return to Arsenal.Sometimes it's nice to have absolutely nothing to complain about.Trailblazers: The Arsenal Women Podcast follows Arsenal Women, tells the stories of the players behind the shirts and explores the why of it all.Website: https://www.arsenalwomentrailblazers.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arsenalwomentrailblazers