FAWSL 2018/19 Tactical Analysis: Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal Women

Arsenal Women secured their first FAWSL title since 2012 with a 4-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion Women on Sunday.

The victory was their 17^th from 19 league games in a season where they have done incredibly well to come out on top.

Familiar names were on the scoresheet at the Amex Stadium as PFA Women’s Player of the Year, Vivianne Miedema blasted the first home, with Katie McCabe, Beth Mead and Danielle Van de Donk adding the rest.

This tactical analysis will examine how Arsenal Women’s performance allowed them to clinch yet another title. Like last week against Everton, they couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.

Arsenal Women’s electric start

Seven minutes in and Joe Montemurro’s side were already ahead. There was no surprise that this was down to Miedema, who has stolen most of the headlines this season.

She struck again, crashing home her 31^st goal in all competitions and 22^nd in the FAWSL.

However, with Brighton going into the game wary of the threat she poses, this showed just how potent the Dutch forward is.

Stealing the ball on the edge of the box, she was in no mood to mess about and got the party started in stunning fashion:

https://twitter.com/FAWSL/status/1122463943119781888

However, although the strike was magnificent, its important to note where it was taken. In between the defensive and midfield lines. As Brighton looked to close off space for her to exploit in the box, Miedema found herself working outside the box more often.

Her ability to adapt to her surroundings is something that has gone under the radar this season.

Breaking down Brighton Women’s stubborn defence

Speaking to Montemurro after Sunday’s game, he admitted Miedema’s creative play is something that gets overlooked, saying:

“I understand people usually watch the ball and who scores but every once in a while, take your eye off the ball and watch the movements she makes.

“She’s an intelligent player and creates space for others. Her movement may drag a defender away to do so.

“Katie McCabe’s goal was all Miedema. We worked on it in the week, she pulled someone away and Katie’s gone in with a deep run and scored.”

This is something I have touched on in previous analysis pieces and was on show again on Sunday.

However, it’s also key spot the role played by Arsenal’s midfield too. Since Jordan Nobbs’ injury, Kim Little and Danielle Van de Donk have been the side’s main attacking threats from midfield.

Making runs from deep, they have been able to support Miedema well inside the box this season. That worked out well with Little scoring 10 WSL goals and Van de Donk 11 so far this season.

Ho