There have been several teams challenging at the top of the WSL this season for the top spot, with Manchester United Women and Everton Women joining Manchester City Women, Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women in the fight. The games between those sides have drawn much interest, with this round seeing Manchester City host Arsenal, and, with Manchester City unbeaten and Arsenal having lost only once so far this season, we were expecting a tight game with plenty of tactical switches during the game, as both sides looked to get the better of the other.
This tactical analysis will look at the tactics used by both sides in this game, with Arsenal opting for a high-pressing style of play, whilst Manchester City needed to make changes in the second half to take more control. We will also look at the role played by Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir for Manchester City, and how she was central to a lot of their good offensive play.
Lineups
Manchester City Women made five changes to the side that beat Everton Women in their last game, with defender Gemma Bonner, midfielder Jill Scott, and forwards Janine Beckie and Ellen White all moving to the bench, whilst USA international Rose Lavelle was left out of the squad altogether after suffering a knock against Everton and being withdrawn at half-time. Alex Greenwood started in central defence, having come on for Bonner against Everton, with Demi Stokes continuing at left-back. Sam Mewis replaced Scott in the midfield, whilst the forward line consisted of England internationals Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Chloe Kelly.
Arsenal Women named the same team that comfortably defeated Birmingham City Women last weekend. Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams continued in goal, with regular stopper Manuela Zinsberger again on the bench. Club captain and Scotland midfielder Kim Little partnered Malin Gut in front of the defence, whilst Netherlands international Jill Roord was given the number 10 role, with Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord either side of her. Vivianne Miedema started upfront, completing a dangerous looking Arsenal attack.
