The year 2020 was a trophyless one for Arsenal who had to overcome a number of challenges throughout the year.
The closest that The Gunners came to silverware was in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup as they were defeated 2-1 by London rivals Chelsea in the final at The City Ground
With highly-rated head coach Joe Montemurro still at the helm and a strong squad of players at his disposal, there is no reason why the club won’t shine in 2021. We look at the three things which may feature highest on Arsenal fans’ wanted lists in the New Year as they hope for new-found on-field success for their club.
A much-improved injury record
Arsenal’s luck with injuries was rotten in 2020 with several players missing large chunks of action. The likes of Kim Little, Jill Roord, Jordan Nobbs and Lisa Evans have been nursing injuries at various points throughout the season to name just a few. At times, head coach Montemurro has had concerns over the fitness of as many as eight or nine players.
The injury situation has been so bad that it has recently been reported that Arsenal are internally investigating the situation to understand whether more can be done to prevent the multiple injuries which have been sustained across the squad.
It is very much stating the obvious but Arsenal fans will definitely be hoping for a better injury record in 2021.
Win the Vitality Women’s FA Cup
With Arsenal currently trailing Barclays FA Women’s Super League leaders Manchester United by four points and already out of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup, the club’s best hopes of silverware could be in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that the club’s trophyless period is ended with success at Wembley therefore a series of favourable draws would be much-desired.
It will be five years in May since Arsenal last won the Vitality Women’s FA Cup therefore lifting the trophy in 2021 would be seen as a success and something which is badly needed by the North Londoners.
A better record against the elite
Arsenal’s recent record against the top three or four clubs has been truly dismal. They have taken just one point from three Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United this season while Chelsea and City have both beaten Montemurro’s side in the domestic cups. Arsenal also lost more than they won against Chelsea and City in all competitions last season.
Points surrendered to Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have arguably cost Arsenal their place at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League this Christmas and trophies and titles are undoubtedly lost with an inability to record victories in the big games.
Arsenal at least have the comfort of home advantage against the two Manchester clubs in the New Year.
The Gunners resume their Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign at Aston Villa on Saturday 9 January.