FAWSL 2018/19 Tactical Analysis: Arsenal Women vs Manchester City Women

FAWSL champions Arsenal Women closed their season in the perfect way, preventing Manchester City Women from completing an unbeaten season.

Substitute Emma Mitchell secured the win after replacing the departing Dominique Bloodworth late on. This ended Joe Montemurros first full season in charge of Arsenal. He has won two trophies and taken Arsenal to three cup finals since his appointment in November 2017.

In this clash between the two top FAWSL sides, both teams looked to attack which made for a good showing. Especially in the first half when the free-flowing nature of the game led to numerous chances.

This tactical analysis will examine how Arsenal got on the front foot as well as how Manchester City looked to combat them, supported by our cnog website.

Arsenal Women’s high press

Although Manchester City started the stronger side, Arsenal grew into the game quickly. One way they did this was with their work off the ball.

As has become a theme this season, Arsenal aimed to dominate their opponents both in and out of possession. They did this by pressing the ball high up the pitch which put City under immense pressure.

Leading this was Kim Little. Despite mostly being known as a more creative midfielder, the Arsenal captain played an important combative role on Saturday.

Her work, which was backed up by her teammates, helped Arsenal gain control of the first half and led to big chances being created.

The most impressive thing about this is that this pressing was constant throughout the first half. Even though the league had already been won and it was the final day of the season, it was clear how much beating City meant to the players.

After the game, manager Joe Montemurro spoke on that strategy.