FAWSL 2019/2020: Liverpool Women v Arsenal Women

Arsenal Women have taken 36 points from a possible 45 so far this season, whilst Liverpool Women have taken just six so far. This was a match that in all honesty looked like it was heading for a big score line, but Liverpool Women haven’t been in bad form in recent matches, so this was not as one-sided as might have been expected. In fact, when the two teams met in November, the score was only 1-0 to Arsenal Women, so a close match was perhaps expected.

This tactical analysis will show how Liverpool seemed to have a slightly new way of playing that helped them initially, whilst Arsenal struggled to break down the Reds’ defence. The analysis will also show how Arsenal changed their tactics to create chances, and to score the goals that saw them come through as eventual winners in this FAWSL match.

Lineups

Liverpool Women made just one change to this side from their last WSL match, which, due to weather postponements and FA Cup weekends, was all the way back on the 19 January – a 1-0 win away at relegation rivals Bristol City Women. Welsh midfielder Rhiannon Roberts was put on the bench, with Kirsty Linnett brought back into the starting 11 after a few games out. Rachel Furness moved into the holding midfield role vacated by Roberts, playing alongside Jade Bailey, whilst Linnett slotted into the no. 10 position behind Rinsola Babajide, who was again selected to play as the lone striker.

Arsenal Women made two changes of their own from their last WSL match, which was against Manchester City earlier this month. There was a switch in goal, with Pauline Peyraud-Magnin preferred to regular first choice Manuela Zinsberger, whilst Dutch midfielder Jill Roord was injured, so in came Louise Quinn in defence to replace her, with Leah Williamson moving into midfield for this one.