FAWSL 2021/2022: Why Arsenal edged “rusty” champions Chelsea in “pulsating” opening weekend clash – tactical analysis

The WSL made its long-awaited return last weekend, with new teams, players and managers all looking to begin the season in the best way possible. Arsenal Women hosting Chelsea Women was undoubtedly the tie of the first round of matches, and two of the league’s title contenders put on an outstanding footballing display at the Emirates Stadium. However, when it came to both teams’ performances, Arsenal had the edge over their opponents, and this tactical analysis will look at why that was. We will see why Chelsea’s tactics were well-thought-out, but had flaws, and why Arsenal’s attacking and counter-attacking play was essential to their win, and why it provided us with an insight into how they might set up during the remainder of the campaign.

Lineups

Arsenal Women named a 4-3-3 formation for Jonas Eidevall’s first league game in charge, with Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz playing at right-back, Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe in her usual left-back position, and Jennifer Beattie partnering England’s Leah Williamson in central defence, with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Anna Patten both on the bench. Captain Kim Little, who recently retired from the Scotland national team, started in midfield, alongside Switzerland’s Lia Walti and new signing Frida Maanum, whilst the forward line was made up of Beth Mead and another new signing, Mana Iwabuchi, both of whom played either side of star Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema.

Chelsea Women, meanwhile, named a 3-4-3 starting formation; something that we don’t usually associate with them. However, with the majority of those who featured at the Olympics deemed not ready to start this game, Emma Hayes named Jess Carter, Millie Bright and captain Magdalena Eriksson as a back three, whilst former Liverpool Women player Niamh Charles and Norway forward Guro Reiten were given the wing-back roles. South Korea international Ji So-yun and Germany’s ex-Bayern Munich Frauen player Melanie Leupolz operated in the midfield, whilst Beth England started as the centre forward, flanked by Scotland star Erin Cuthbert, who was unfortunate to miss out on the Team GB squad, and Denmark star Pernille Harder.